The concept of holding a special informal gathering to speak of death and dying began in Switzerland in 2004, when sociologist Bernard Crettaz launched the first café mortel as a way to “liberate death from the shadows of silence.” In its true form, Crettaz' death café is where people discuss their feelings about and experiences with death. A host might lead the discussion, but the people attending drive each session, so no two are the same. However, each serves to help the guests learn more about death, its reality, its meaning, and its role in our lives in a space where they feel comfortable, heard and safe.
The death literacy events offered by Marilyn follow a similar philosophy of taking death out of the shadows of silence, empowered by the wisdom of nearly fifty years in nursing. Unlike a simple death cafe, these death literacy events offer significant education for attendees, provided through the screening of Canadian made end-of-life documentaries, discussions around Medical Assistance in Dying and exploring unique and creative "legacy" initiatives. Guest speakers cover topics that include the significance of medical directives, complementary and holistic therapies, and modalities of care offered by nurses to support living as well as you can for as long as you can.
We discuss the process of death and dying. Although there may be mental health benefits to attending, please note that these events are not grief counseling. There will be "Alberta Health Services" resources made available if requested. Through these death literacy events, you gain information that will enable a better navigation experience through our health care system, become aware of the promotion of advocacy for informed choice and embrace familiarization with the process of death and dying. Being mortal matters.
Because death hasn't changed, but the way we navigate it has.