Module 2 -
Understanding grief
Module 2
Chapter 4: Why am I feeling this way?
Culture and grieving
When someone dies in our culture, there are a lot of traditions and rituals that occur; it helps provide some support and meaning.
Our culture can have a profound impact on who we are, how we think, how we relate to people, and how we understand and express our grief. Sometimes these cultural influences are constructive and useful, sometimes not. Perhaps only those who are grieving are in a position to judge how useful or appropriate their cultural values are in dealing with their loss.
Helpful Resources
The grief expert says
Shahina Siddiqui, Executive Director of the Islamic Social Services Association, explains the role of the Muslim community.
(3:22)Video transcript
Elva Jamieson, elder, Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario, describes healing ceremonies and grief energy.
(3:22)Video transcript
Jim Tuttauk, Labrador Inuit, talks about celebrating a life and mourning a loss.
(3:22)Video transcript
Pete Townsend, elder and traditional healer, Haida G’waii, describes condolence ceremonies after one year of grieving.
(3:22)Video transcript
Pastor Efrem Leakemariam, church pastor with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church in Toronto, talks about Ethiopian emotional expression of grief.
(3:22)Video transcript
