When someone dies, many adults instinctively want to protect children from the pain of loss. We may avoid difficult conversations, soften the truth, or postpone explanations until we think a child is old enough to understand. We tell ourselves things like: “They’re too young to understand.” “I don’t want to upset them.” “I’ll tell them when they’re older.” These responses…
There is a profound difference between the older ways of caring for our dead and the modern systems that have replaced them. Traditionally death was understood as a natural human experience. When possible, people died at home, surrounded by those who loved them. Family and friends tended the body, sat vigil, dug graves, carried caskets, and returned the body to…
A perspective from Suzanne B. O’Brien RN, Founder & CEO Doulagivers Institute For much of human history, death was understood as a natural part of life — something families and communities experienced together. People died at home, surrounded by loved ones, rituals, and care. But over the past century, death has increasingly moved into hospitals and institutions, becoming hidden, medicalized,…
The Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form is an important healthcare planning tool used within Island Health and across many healthcare settings in British Columbia. Its purpose is to ensure that a person’s healthcare wishes are clearly understood and respected, especially during medical emergencies or situations in which they may no longer be able to communicate their preferences….
On the afternoon of May 30, from 2-4 pm, the community is warmly invited to gather at the Quadra Island Cemetery for a special event: the unveiling of the Natural Burial monument. This gathering is a collaboration between the Quadra Island Cemetery Society and Way To Go, offering an opportunity for islanders to come together, honour those buried there, and deepen our connection to this important community space….
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) can be valuable tools for building retirement income—but they can also create significant tax implications at death if not thoughtfully planned. In Canada, when someone dies, the full value of their RRSP or RRIF is generally treated as income on their final tax return. This means the entire amount…
This article was summarized from a video by Suzanne O’Brien, Founder of The International Doulagivers Institute, and guest Adam Daviau. From an early age, many men are taught how to be strong in ways that leave little room for tenderness. “Don’t cry.” “Keep it together.” “Handle it on your own.” These messages are often offered with care, yet over time…
The following was written by Quadra resident and death doula Joanna Lumley, who buried her father in June 2025. Daisies, foxgloves, and the bright yellow flowers of broom will forever remind me of my dad. They lined the roads, as I raced back and forth between my home and his, early this summer. He taught me the names of things….
This article was written by Reena Lazaar from Willow End-of-Life Educators, summarized by Margaret Verschuur When someone dies, this is how it often unfolds: A number is called. Often it’s a funeral provider the family already knows, or the one the hospital suggests. Someone arrives. Your person is taken away. And then—silence. For many families, the next time they see…
In British Columbia, families currently have only two legal options for human disposition: burial—either traditional or green—and flame-based cremation. In contrast, other provinces and many U.S. states have expanded their offerings to include more environmentally responsible alternatives, while BC’s options have seen little change. In some communities, including ours, we are fortunate to have access to green burial. Natural burial…