​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Background

For some First Nations people, preparing for the end-of-life journey at-home or returning to their community is very important. It can be a key part of their plan for their final journey to the Spirit World. To make this possible, wholistic support and care are needed.

In 2018, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) partnered with Douglas College to offer the Indigenous End-of-Life Guide Course (formerly End-of-Life Doula training) for community members who already do this work naturally in their communities and/or regions. The goal of the educational training is to add to their shared knowledge on working with the family, hospital, funeral home, and nurses, to support the wishes of the person journeying into the Spirit World.

Upon completion of the course, the person will have the skills to be an Indigenous End-of-Life Guide (IEOLG). These guides do not replace family or health care providers. Their role is to support the individual and family with their decisions, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.

The Indigenous End of Life Guide program is currently on pause as it is being updated based on community feedback. Thank you for your patience during this process. Website updates will be posted as soon as they are available. To connect with a current Guide, please speak with your community nurse or email cdsi@fnha.ca.​

To find out more about the role of the Indigenous End-of-Life Guide and how they can help support people and your community, watch the video here.​