A panel discussion on Cultural Considerations at End-of-Life was held on October 20 ,2022 at the Gellert Community Centre in Georgetown. There were over 40 people in attendance for a very informative and interesting discussion about faith and cultural rituals, beliefs and practices at end of life.
The panel included: Rev. Steve Boose Minister at the Knox Presbyterian Church and Limeshouse Presbyterian Church, Iman Daood Butt, Director of Community Outreach and Education at the Islamic Community Centre in Milton, Harmohan Singh Parmar, Trust Secretary and Governing Official Halton Sikh Cultural Association and Rabbi Stephen Wise Shaari-Beth El Congregation, Oakville.
Panel facilitator Kristina Tesser Derkson guided the panel through a number of topics including faith and cultural practices prior to and at death, support for individuals and their families, burial and cremation beliefs and practices, role and approach to suffering, grief support and perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying.
Townsend Smith Foundation would like to thank the panelists for participating and providing the attendees with new knowledge and insights about faith and culture and its intersection.