Conversations on Life, Loss and Meaning
About this Event
Transforming the Conversation Around Death and Dying
This innovative event is dedicated to fostering open, authentic dialogue about death and dying. Led by experienced Registered Nurses, the program takes a holistic approach, aiming to normalize these important conversations and provide a safe, welcoming environment for attendees to learn and ask questions. Curiosity is encouraged, and participants are invited to explore the complexities of navigating healthcare systems and advocating for informed choice.
A key focus of the event is the importance of written medical directives as a vital component of comprehensive healthcare planning. Attendees will receive valuable information on topics including MAiD, hospice care, the role of death doulas, organ donation and legacy projects. Resources will include live demonstrations of relevant websites to support informed decision-making.
The content is highly relevant for social workers, psychologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals, as well as members of the public interested in these topics. Legal professionals, including lawyers and legal assistants, are also encouraged to attend.
We believe that meaningful conversation and compassion are essential—there is no substitute for human connection when navigating death and dying. This mini- conference seeks to reframe discomfort and fear, inviting participants to consider: Is death an opportunity not to be wasted?
Please note: The subject matter may be sensitive for some individuals, and content may not be suitable for everyone.
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Welcome and light lunch
Info: Orientation to the venue and housekeeping items. Settle in to enjoy a light lunch as we present a short Canadian documentary that compassionately normalizes death and dying. It will set the energetic grounding for the afternoon.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Canadian Documentary: "Inner World of Dying"
Info: Death isn’t just a medical moment; it’s a deeply human one. And most of us have no idea how to talk about it. Do we understand what dying actually looks like? Know how to “hold space” — without needing to fix anything?
FILM : "Inner World of Dying" is a masterclass in holding space at the end of life. We may only witness a handful of deaths in our lives — and when we do, we often feel lost. This documentaryoffers the collective wisdom of nurses and clinicians who have supported thousands of people through dying. You’ll explore:
- what death looks and feels like — physically and emotionally
- how family dynamics shift near the end
- deathbed visions, spiritual moments, and messages from the dying
- the unseen experiences many don’t talk about — but wish they had known.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
A Loving Thing: The Medical Directive
Info: How is a medical directive different from a personal directive? We will introduce Alberta's "Green Sleeve" goals of care document and briefly describe key components of it.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Home, Hospice and MAiD
Info: This session will untangle the terminology, concepts and words commonly used in the last years of life. This talk will flip the script and challenge you to put more life into your years rather than wondering how may years are left in your life.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Reframing Death as Part of Life
Info: This segment will present some irreverent reframes with a touch of lighthearted humour. We will screen a TED Talk by comedian Emily Levine...you are sure to never see death the same way again. A refreshing way to finish up our afternoon.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Palliative Care Nurse Answers Your Questions
Info: An open forum where nothing is off the table. Seasoned with nearly 40 years of bedside experience, Ms. Ross RN is disarmingly candid yet sensitive to the audience's lived experience with death.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Wrap Up, Resources and Next Event
Info: You will be provided with an opportunity to debrief and reground before continuing on with your day. Resources will be provided as well as an opportunity for further consultation outside of this event.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 157.50
