Approved on March 31, 2020

Chief and Council is committed to helping families honour their loved ones in meaningful ways while ensuring the safety of our community. Although difficult, we must all find ways to say good-bye to our loved one while respecting the need for our collective safety.

This protocol was developed by taking into consideration NCN Orders in Council issued during the coronavirus (Covid-19) State of Emergency, Manitoba Public Health Orders, as well as the most current information from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.

The following rules are effective immediately:

  • No preparation of the deceased at the funeral home (clothes can be dropped off at funeral home)
  • No Procession from junction (no one is allowed to meet the deceased at the junction)
  • Deceased to be taken directly to home and be kept only for one night; wakes can be from time of arrival until 9:00 pm only
  • Wake service will include immediate family ONLY; which includes spouse/partner, parent/guardian, sibling, children (and their partner) as long as the maximum of 10 is not exceeded; people must sit or stand 6 feet apart from each other to limit exposure and maintain social distancing
  • Private viewing of deceased at church only with a limit group of 10 people or less at a time as required by Public Health Order dated March 30, 2020; group to include officiator and 9 immediate family/close friends and pall bearers; people can rotate
  • Funeral service will include immediate family ONLY includes spouse/partner, parent/guardian, sibling, children (and their partner) as long as the maximum of 10 is not exceeded; people must sit or stand 6 feet apart from each other to limit exposure and maintain social distancing
  • Anyone exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms or who feel they have lost their sense of smell or taste, have an underlying health condition or are already in required self-isolation must not attend the wake or funeral;
  • Thorough cleaning of all surfaces within the home between visitations
  • Social distancing guidelines of at least two meters or 6 feet must be maintained for greeting, seating, etc. during visitations – no hugging, kissing or shaking of hands;
  • Observe personal hygiene during visitations, i.e., hand washing, hand sanitizing, etc.
  • Restrict food and beverage services; ensure proper handling of food
  • No sharing of food, drinks, utensils, glasses, cigarettes, toiletries, towels
  • No community feast
  • Consider holding a memorial service at a later date
  • If possible make arrangements for services to be broadcast online streaming (facebook living
    streaming, video recording) or by radio
  • As NCN is on lock down we can not accommodate family and friends any requests from out of
    town and province to enter the community to attend the funeral during this time.

During such times, we need to find alternative ways of expressing condolences and sympathy. We need to refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands and rather acknowledge our shared grief with a nod of acknowledgement or a simple smile. Use the phone to call or text your support. Offer prayers. Ekosani.