Community Death Care: An Indigenous Approach to End-of-Life Planning with Vanessa Cruz: October 9th, 2026

Join us for a transformative one-day workshop that reimagines death care through an Indigenous, earth-based lens. Guided by Vanessa Cruz, an Indigenous death doula, this immersive experience explores holistic approaches to end-of-life planning, including creating a death plan, legacy work, alternative body disposition methods, home funerals, and celebrations of life. Rooted in ancestral wisdom and decolonized practices, the workshop integrates hands-on activities, meditative practices, and sacred rituals to help participants connect spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically to the material. Participants will enjoy a nourishing farm-to-table lunch featuring local ingredients that honor sustainability and reciprocity. Whether you’re seeking tools for personal preparation or professional growth, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn practical skills while embracing Indigenous traditions of honoring life and death. Together, we’ll create a sacred space for reflection, community, and empowerment as we navigate the journey of death with reverence and intention.