Pathways to Peace- Edmonton Series

Through reflections, discussion circles, expert guests and hands-on workshops, we’ll examine how to bring dignity, meaning, and compassion to the end-of-life journey—for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.

Whether you're a caregiver, professional, grieving individual, or simply someone drawn to deeper conversations about life and death, this series offers a welcoming space for learning, healing, and connection.

UPCOMING

September 28, 2025 Pathways to Peace: Understanding End-of-Life Doulas and Palliative Care This meeting introduces what end-of-life doulas really do and explores the role of palliative care in supporting peaceful and dignified transitions. It sets a foundation for the series, showing how these services offer specialized support to individuals and families. Issues and Topics: The medicalization of dying versus compassionate care, emotional dynamics within families, disparities in access to palliative services, and explores the question: what does the term ‘palliative care’ really mean?

October 26, 2025 Navigating the Healthcare Maze: Advocating for Compassionate Care Healthcare can be overwhelming, especially at critical moments. This workshop focuses on common challenges such as communication barriers and power imbalances, and offers practical tools to help participants advocate for themselves or loved ones. Issues and Topics: Communication breakdown, patient autonomy, and the emotional impact on caregivers.

November 30, 2025 Our Earthly Resting Places: Green Burials and Natural Death at Home This session explores environmentally friendly death practices, including green burials and the choice to die at home. We’ll discuss why these options matter spiritually and ecologically, and examine common obstacles such as legal and logistical challenges. Issues and Topics: Spiritual and ecological significance, home death logistics, environmental impact.

December 28, 2025 Grief in the light of day: We are Lost Together Grief is complex and deeply personal. This workshop helps participants understand grief, learn ways to navigate it, and discover the importance of community and ritual in healing. Issues and Topics: Grief stigma, various types of grief, and a available community support.

January 25, 2026 Death Across Cultures: Times and Traditions This session offers a look at how different cultures approach death and ceremony, encouraging participants to explore their own special spiritual practices and influences. Issues and Topics: Cultural exchange, globalization’s effects on death practices, and creating personalized rituals inspired by multicultural wisdom.

February 22, 2026 Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): Choices, Challenges, and Conversations An overview of the history, legal framework, and ethical considerations surrounding MAiD in Canada. This workshop invites respectful dialogue about autonomy, societal attitudes, and family support. Issues and Topics: Legal and ethical dimensions, family dynamics, informed decision-making.

March 29, 2026 Creating Sacred Space: Ritual, Prayer, and Ceremony in End-of-Life Care Explore how rituals, prayer, altar-building, and ceremonies create sacred moments that foster peace and connection during end-of-life transitions. Issues and Topics: The healing power of ritual, cultural sensitivity, and creative personalization.

April 26, 2026 Gathering Community: Edmonton’s Rich Resources for End-of-Life Support This workshop highlights the incredible range of community resources in Edmonton that support those facing death and grief. From support groups and hospice care to spiritual and cultural services, participants will discover how to access and engage with these vital networks. Issues and Topics: Building connection to reduce isolation, navigating resource accessibility, and fostering a compassionate community around death and dying.

May 31, 2026 Advance Care Planning: Empowering Your Final Wishes Participants will learn about the legal aspects of advance care planning, including wills, powers of attorney, and living wills. The session stresses the importance of clear conversations and early planning to ensure wishes are respected. Issues and Topics: Family dynamics, barriers to planning, and communication tools.

June 28, 2026 Funeral Planning: Honoring Life Through Meaningful Farewells This workshop covers funeral and memorial options, ranging from traditional ceremonies to personalized celebrations. Environmental, cultural, and financial considerations will be discussed. Issues and Topics: Eco-conscious and cultural choices, affordability, meaningful goodbyes.

July 26, 2026 Legacy Projects: Lasting Love Explore the many forms of legacy projects—from written stories to art and charitable acts—and their importance for healing and connecting generations. What do you want to leave behind in tis world? Issues and Topics: Creative expression, intergenerational healing, and meaningful closure.

August 30, 2026 Breathwork, Music, and the Final Moments: Guiding Peace in Dying This session offers insight into the dying process and demonstrates how breathwork combined with music and song can ease transitions and deepen connection for everyone involved. Issues and Topics: Integrating spiritual and medical care, caregiver presence, tools for peace at the bedside.

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Host or Publisher Keshia Coursaux & Tara Rose Gauthier