Programming continues in our collaboration with the Carnegie Community Centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) supporting the underserved communities in DTES and Chinatown areas around bereavement and end-of-life. As the project progresses, their offerings grow, change and evolve to meet the needs of the people it serves. Maybe these will inspire you to create your own spaces in and with community.
No matter whether it’s a new partnership, program or event, the intention is always to hold space for death and dying in the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown communities. (You can find a full list of the abundant program offerings here or on the June/July program guide.)
Here are some of their unique program highlights:
Death Conversation Game
This game created by artist and death worker Angela Fama, provides a safe and supportive environment to facilitate open and meaningful discussions about death and dying. Through thought-provoking questions and scenarios, from “what song do you want played at your funeral” to “list 5 things you are grateful for when thinking about death and dying,” the game aims to safely break down barriers and deepen our own understanding of life’s most profound experience.
Funeral Portrait – How I Want To Be Remembered
This was an idea in the works since the program started in 2022 since the team wanted to handle the issue with absolute care and consideration. The portraits – which can serve as a meaningful way to celebrate one’s life and can also be used in an obituary or at the person’s funeral – are taken in a supportive and compassionate setting. The program invites community members to create a lasting memory that honours their journey and expresses how they wish to be remembered by their loved ones.
The team reports that this offering took its time to form – in a good way – and provided good lessons for anyone to keep in mind doing death work. In this case, the team found the balance between waiting to launch a program until it is completely ready, and “taking the leap” and seeing how it lands with community members.
Grief In Motion
This transformative two-part workshop combines grief exploration with body movement. Under the guidance of an experienced dancer, participants are encouraged to move their bodies intuitively and creatively, allowing the instinctual physical movement to unlock and express their emotions. This workshop series was designed as a progressive learning experience, so participants were encouraged to attend both sessions for the most meaningful and rewarding experience.
Understanding MAiD – From Medical Procedures to Personal Stories
This panel brought together professionals and personal voices to shed light on the realities of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in the DTES. With experts in palliative care, social work, research, and first-hand family experience, this conversation aimed to clear misconceptions and provide factual, unbiased information about the process, its regulations, and its emotional and psychological implications for everyone involved. The audience brought forth important site-specific questions, from the implications of offering MAiD in a society that neglects the marginalized poor and disabled communities. What would MAiD look like in a society where everyone had access to care networks and dignified housing?
