What's New!
We’ve undertaken quite a few marketing initiatives lately. CJOB on March 20th as well as a very well attended session at Good Neighbours on the same date. We are currently running ads on CJNU and will also do so via Bell Media.
There will be another online Q & A session to be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm. No preregistration necessary, just sign in with this link https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81356242760?pwd=alA00kiSbgBoUa7oigi2NefP53XFtl.1
You should be able to sign in without a passcode, but if prompted to do so, it is 4J5yqM
We hope that you find this project interesting and compelling. In order for us to make this a reality, we need individuals to come forward and commit to being participants. If this sounds like you, please contact us at info@memorialwoodland.ca . We would be very pleased to answer any questions you might have. In the meantime, we are actively seeking out partnerships to reduce our initial expenditures in order to reduce the amount of individuals necessary to a lower number. Stay tuned!
We encourage you to spread the word about this project so that we don’t miss out on potential participants.
With your help, we can begin planting trees and revegetation of the site this spring!!!!
With 14 more deposits in place by May 1, 2025, we can begin the process of planting perimeter trees, seeding the site in a natural forest setting, and setting out some first phase pathways.
We will need to know by that date whether to proceed with preparation of the site, or whether we need to consider an extension of time to year end, or delay the project indefinitely (and return all deposits).
Given the uniqueness of this project, we are not prepared to undertake it unless we can convince ourselves that it will be sustainable in perpetuity.
This is a something that will be decided by the market. That is YOU. Now is the time to let us know if you think this project is worthy, either by making a deposit or charitable donation. Thanks!
Rendering prepared by Tiana Swintak
What is the Memorial Woodland of Manitoba?
The Memorial Woodland of Manitoba Inc. is a charitable organization, registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. It has been created to facilitate an ambitious and creative “green” project. Namely, to develop and maintain a forest where the cremated remains of deceased individuals will be mingled with the root systems of new and existing trees, suitable for the Manitoba climate. The public will also be invited to plant trees in memory of individuals and The Woodland will also facilitate the optional placement of a small memorial marker to serve as a lasting legacy. You will be encouraged to plant your tree and watch it grow before you choose to “join” it when you are completed your earthly adventure. The tree can also serve as a communal resting place for two individuals (and/or an unlimited number of pets).
Your Help Will Make This Forest Happen!
We need your help to make this forest a reality! Show us this is an important project worth pursuing by reserving your spot today. We need 50 trees spoken for before we commit to developing the project. Reserve your spot for just $1000!
We invite you to join our forest.
Rendering of completed Woodland by Tiana Swintak
We Have Land!
Birds Eye View of the Proposed Memorial Woodland. (Prepared by Tiana Swintak)
Professionally designed and maintained, The Woodland will be an interactive gathering place. The extent of amenities will depend directly on how successful the project becomes. Ideally, the finished forest will contain picnic sites, water features and pathways.
The "Science"
In proposing cremation or alkaline hydrolysis – “water cremation” or human composting), followed by the remains being incorporated into the root system of a tree, we acknowledge that some may question what is actually left of a person to be co-mingled with the tree. At the very least there will be a sharing of your essence at the molecular level, as well as a contribution of nutrients from your cremains. It is our view, that at the very least, your essence will be incorporated into the life of the tree. We are well aware of the necessity to treat the cremains to allow them to properly nourish the tree, as undiluted cremains can be toxic to greenery due to their PH level.
In Manitoba, there is now one company (see our links page) that will perform “liquid” cremation that will present another option for becoming one with the tree. Advocates for this type of water cremation note that it is significantly less environmentally impactful than fire cremation. We are aware of at least two companies in Manitoba that undertake aquamation for pets. In some US jurisdictions, they are also moving forward with “human composting” which would no doubt become the greenest option available. If and when human composting becomes an option in Manitoba it will likely be quite expensive (in the range of $7000-10,000). Anything we’ve come across so far suggests that there is indeed identifiable molecular content that remains after cremation/aquamation that will become one with the tree. As such, we are facilitating a form of treeincarnation.