2nd Annual Dialogue on Death & Dying 
Presented by: Century House & New West Hospice
Returning for its second year! A series of educational seminars and events aim to normalize the conversations in our community about the totally natural human events that are kept far too secret in our Western culture: Death and Dying. Presented by New West Hospice Society and Century House.
To register, please call the Century House front desk at 604-519-1066 or click on the blue number links below.
Saturday, October 21
A Visual Arts Dialogue on Death & Dying / Grief & Loss
Enjoy this exhibit of visual arts pieces that connect to the theme of death, dying, grief and loss. An artist’s statement will be presented with each piece to facilitate the dialogue about the artwork even when the artists are not present. The artwork will be made available for sale.
October 21 – November 20 – Century House Art Gallery
Opening Gala
The public is invited, and many of the artists will be in attendance. The artists will be encouraged to talk about their pieces. Refreshments will be served and there will be time for both formal and informal discussions. The goal of this event and the artwork on display is to foster a dialogue about a topic that our culture tends to keep all too silent.
Saturday, October 21 1– 4 p.m.
Tuesday, November 7
Indigenous Perspective on Death & Dying
Presenter: Jennifer Mallmes
Jennifer has spent the last 20+ years as a caregiver and an advocate for quality end-of-life care in Canada. She is the co-founder of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, the creator and an instructor of the End of Life Doula program as well as the Indigenous End of Life Guide program at Douglas College.
Tuesday, November 7 10–noon 198661
Death, Taxes & Beyond
Presenter: Sheilagh Cahill, Financial Educator from Credit Counselling Society
Preparing your financial affairs for your loved ones can be an overwhelming process. Participants are guided step-by-step through the basics of wills, taxes, and insurance along with relevant resources, enabling them to get their own financial house in order.
Tuesday, November 7 1–3 p.m. 198662
MAiD Conversation and Q&A
Presenter: Tammy Dyson, Regional Lead MAiD with Fraser Health Authority.
Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is a process that allows someone who is found eligible to be able to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life. This session is neither a platform to advocate for nor to dismiss MAiD.
Tuesday, November 7 7–9 p.m. 198663
Wednesday, November 8
Death Care Options and Planning: What happens to my body after death?
Presenter: Emily Bootle
Emily is a death educator who is passionate about nurturing awareness and empowerment in after-death care. Her expertise has been cultivated through formal education as well as her work as a funeral director in BC. Emily’s company, DeathCare BC, aims to bridge the gap between public healthcare and the private system of funeral homes through tailored skill-building with professionals.
Wednesday, November 8 10–noon 198664
Advanced Care Planning Workshop
Presenter: Bryn Poschenrieder & Christine Delos Santos, Fraser Health
Together, we will learn about the 5 steps of Advance Care Planning, allowing you, and the people who matter most to you, to be able to start and continue the Advance Care Planning process. Provided insights and resources will help you better understand how to share and document your wishes for future health and personal care.
Wednesday, November 8 1–3 p.m. 198665
Multi-Faith Spirituality Panel
BC Multi-Faith Council
How do different religions approach end of life concerns and issues? Panel discussion by members of the Multi-Faith Council of BC. Discussion will centre around perspectives on care for the dying, MAiD, cremation, burial, funeral rites, mourning rites, and what happens after death.
Wednesday, November 8 7–9 p.m. 198666
Thursday, November 9
Grief 101 – What is Grief?
Presenter: Tracy Chalmers
Tracy is an end-of-life Doula, supporting individuals and families on the end of life journey. She is passionate about sharing her experiences and knowledge relating to her role facilitating the End of Life Doula course offered by Douglas College. Tracy is fueled to invite people to be intentional about how they meet death and grief.
Thursday, November 9 10–noon 198669
Not Your Grandma’s Funeral: Creative Ways to Celebrate a Life
Presenter: Christina Andreola
Christina is the owner of New Narrative Events, an event planning company that specializes in coordinating unique and personalized celebrations of life. Imagine creating a farewell event to be as unique and lively as you. Join Christina in a one-of-a-kind presentation that will ignite your creativity and reimagine how we approach celebration of life events.
Thursday, November 9 1–3 p.m. 198670
Dancing through Decay and Release: A site-specific performance around Queens Park
Join Celeste Snowber as she interprets the natural world of Queens Park in a site-specific performance of dance, poetry and spoken word. Taking inspiration from the trees, plants, and ecology of the park, Celeste will explore themes of decay and dying, rebirth and release. Walking gently together in contemplative silence Celeste will interpret place through an artistic lens. This 90 – minute performative walk will take place rain or shine and includes a discussion after the walk. Dress for the weather, put on your comfortable shoes, and bring a mug of tea.
Meet in front of the Bernie Legge Theatre and end in the rose garden.
November 9, 1– 3 p.m. 199831
November 10, 10–noon 199832
Because we Loved, We Laugh, We Sing, We Cry
Variety Show – Sanctuary Gym (529 Queens Avenue)
As part of the Dialogue on Death and Dying, the New West Hospice will host a night of musicians, comedians, and poets sharing their perspectives on death and dying at a special performance Admission is by donation ($20 is recommended). Please come prepared to sing, to laugh, and to cry.
Thursday, November 9 7–9 p.m. Click here for link to Eventbrite
Saturday November 18
Expressive Art Therapy Workshop
Instructor: Catherine Lamb – End of Life Doula
Engage your imagination, explore feelings, emotions and thoughts in this healing workshop allowing you to explore your grief in a safe space and at your own pace. There is no right or wrong way to make art or how we express our grief. Using art as an expressive tool gives each person an opportunity to create new meaning, often leading to deeper meaning.
Saturday, November 18 1–3:30 p.m. 198846
Last Reviewed on 2023-10-16
2 thoughts on “Dialogue on Death and Dying”
Hi Catherine- met you in Queens Park for Celestes performance. gave you a yellow
slip of paper with my e-mail on it. Would like to attend your Expressive Art Therapy class Sat . Nov. 18.
at Century House. Have phoned there several times to register,-no one has
returned my calls.. Moneca Zeviar 604 521-8484
Hi, Moneca. I’ve forwarded your request to the office. They were closed for a couple of days and maybe that’s why they didn’t call back.
Let m know if you haven’t heard back by the end of Tuesday.