National Truth and Reconciliation Day 2022
Traditions and Tributes
One of the values that Park Memorial was founded on is that we serve all cultures, faiths, and communities with equal care and compassion. We pride ourselves in learning and executing the customs and traditions of all cultures, faiths, and families who trust us with the care of their loved ones.
September 30, 2022, is Canada’s second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. “The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process”*. These are some of the ways that truth and reconciliation are observed as Park Memorial honours the funeral customs and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and their families:
One of the traditions that are observed is the wake, which is a vigil of watch over the deceased that is kept all day and all night with sacred songs being sung and a feast being shared by family and friends. Park Memorial offers complimentary transportation of the casket to and from the wake location of the family’s choice.
Smudging and drumming are also customary parts of the wake and the funeral. Smudging is the burning of sage/cedar bundles, believed to purify and cleanse the soul. Drumming and chanting are the heartbeat of the funeral service, the sounds of which are both somber as well as strong and soul-stirring.
Our funeral professionals team also assists with the customary placement of sage and tobacco into the casket and the inclusion of the Pendleton blanket. At the end of the graveside portion of the funeral service, as the casket is lowered into the ground, guests add more tobacco and sage into the grave, and our team ensures that a pail of soil is present for the funeral guests to add a handful of soil into the grave as a show of final respect for their loved one.
The mosaic of Indigenous culture is rich with sacred customs and traditions for all areas of life and death. Steeped in a deeply spiritual tie to nature and the earth, each tradition holds meaning and strength of history and culture. Above all, it is an incredible honour and privilege to be part of these rituals and traditions as our team serves our Indigenous community.
* https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
