Approaches to Death, Dying, Grief and Healing in First Nation Communities

In this pre-recorded presentation, two Indigenous Elders share First Nations perspectives on death, dying, grief, and healing. They describe holistic views of life and death, the sacredness of end-of-life journeys, and detailed rituals such as body preparation by gender, wrapping in blankets, four-day fires, wakes, feasts, giveaways, mourning periods, and ceremonies like “wiping the tears.” Both emphasize involving children, honouring final wishes, using traditional medicines, smudging, and elements of nature for emotional cleansing. Grief is seen as natural energy to be expressed, supported communally, and transformed through ceremony, storytelling, and connection with ancestors.