“Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition which will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has made the decision to use the MAiD program, when she feels the time is appropriate. An experienced documentary producer and interviewer in her own right, Marion will turn the microphone around to herself. Along with family and many professional experts, she and her daughter Danielle will share this extraordinary journey with you.

By openly discussing the experience of choosing medical assisted dying through an Indigenous lens, along with wisdom and stories – about family & ancestors, history & trauma, healing & love – Marion and Dani hope that their journey will provide unique and thoughtful perspectives, encourage your own conversations with those close to you, and perhaps provide some comfort. After all, living & dying are the human experiences we all share.

Join us bi-weekly for some of the most profound and thought-provoking conversations of a lifetime.

*****CONTENT WARNING*****

Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support.

Mental Health Support Resources:

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat

NIHB Mental Health Services regional office

First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca

MAiD Resources:

https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying

Centre for Education and Research on Aging

https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/

https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/

https://camapcanada.ca/

https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf

Grief & Loss Support Resources:

https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/

https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/

https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org

https://livingmyculture.ca/

Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027

Residential School Support Resources:

https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families

https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419