Denman Island Memorial Society

The Denman Island Memorial Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and operation of a natural burial cemetery on Denman Island, British Columbia. It was formally established in 2009 with the goal of creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly burial site.

Mission and Activities

The society focuses on providing green burial services, adhering to principles that emphasize environmental care. This includes the use of biodegradable caskets or cloth shrouds for burials and the absence of traditional tombstones. The organization is committed to ongoing land maintenance and the upkeep of a Garry Oak garden within the cemetery grounds.[4]

Legal Status

Denman Island Memorial Society is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a charity, allowing it to issue tax receipts for donations. This status enables the society to leverage charitable donations to support its mission and operations.[3]

Cemetery

The Denman Island Natural Burial Cemetery is situated on a hectare of donated land across the street from the original Denman Island Cemetery. The cemetery is noted for being the first contemporary green cemetery in Canada, reflecting a significant shift towards environmentally conscious burial practices.[1][5] The society's efforts have contributed to a unique communal space that combines natural beauty with memorial services, using small bronze plaques to commemorate those buried there.[1]

Community Engagement

The organization engages with the local community through various activities, including annual general meetings where members can participate in decision-making processes. Membership in the society is free and open to those who meet the eligibility criteria for burial in the cemetery.[1]