Green or Natural Burial is a concept as old as humankind.

We lay our deceased gently in the arms of the earth and allow the cycle of life to continue.

Welcome to Natural Burial in BC. 

I'm Nicola Finch and I'm passionate that we in North America embrace the new, more open discussions and hands on approach to how we die, and the 'how and where' of what happens to our bodies once we're dead. 

It is my intention to establish a natural/green woodland burial ground in the interior of British Columbia for full body green burials, and where the inurnment and memorialization of cremated remains is also treated with love and respect for the deceased and for the environment. 

I'm convinced we will continue to see a growing interest in and development of protected woodlands for natural / green burials; that just makes sense. Green Burial BC is  advocating for natural / green burial options for every community in British Columbia.  

What we're envisioning here in the Cariboo is a Natural Burial Ground with the inclusion of a beautiful wood and stone building for the keeping of cremated ashes in niches; a natural woodland burial ground dedicated to conservation and remembrance, including a beautiful and natural structure to house cremated remains. 

Traditional (fire) cremation is not the greenest option, however it's likely to remain the default option for some years to come. According to Canadian Funerals Online, "(Flame) Cremation is popular across Canada compared to the whole of North America, and British Columbia rates as the province with the highest cremation rate in Canada at around 90%." 

There are a few new kids on the block. Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis offers an environmentally friendly cremation option.  Cremated remains from Aquamation are very similar to cremains from conventional cremation.  This process is legal and available in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland/Labrador and the Northwest Territories.  Visit Aquamation BC Coalition to help move this option forward in BC. 

Natural Organic Reduction (or Human Composting) is not yet available in British Columbia (at least not for human bodies) You can help bring this ethical, gentle and natural disposition option to BC. Visit NOR in BC for more information.

I look forward to your thoughts, questions, interest and ideas. Thanks so much.  Nicola