The Cemetery Challenge

Preserving the past for future generations

Sadly, part of the history and ancestry of many First Nations families is being lost every day.

The lack of regulations for cemetery management, the common practice of interring loved ones on our own lands and the reluctance to discuss death and burial that is grounded in our traditional beliefs has left many First Nations cemeteries in a critical state of disrepair and records woefully incomplete.

AMI and Remco are leading the way to change this situation by sponsoring Restore and Respect.

This national conference, the first of its kind in Canada, will tackle the issues such as:
  • Developing a management structure for First Nations cemeteries
  • Proper record-keeping systems, administration and maintenance
  • Restoration of dilapidated cemeteries
  • Guidelines for new cemeteries
  • Possibilities for First Nations sections in urban cemeteries
  • New sources of revenue for cemetery restoration, design and administration.
Delegates will include groups and individuals such as band managers, chiefs and council and band members; funeral homes and associations; provincial and federal government representatives; and other interested parties.

The organizers are excited about the opportunity to develop these programs in consultation with First Nations peoples to find workable solutions that are culturally sensitive. For example, traditional burial grounds have no grave markers, while non-traditional cemeteries allow for memorials.


"I want to help bands build and design proper cemeteries and to implement their own policies, bylaws and regulations. I hope that we can eventually take this program right across Canada. I believe this will be very positive for everyone involved."

~ Joseph Bear, Founder and President,
   AMI Memorials


"The preservation of our history and ancestry is so important to our future generations as well, to our peoples healing processes and cannot continue to be lost or forgotten."

~ Chief Denton George, Ochapowace First Nation, SK