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- When a child dies
- Indigenous families and communities
- “Just bury me in a ditch”
- For those with financial need
Access, Care, and Shared Responsibility at Wildlands
Making Space for Everyone
At Wildlands Natural Cemetery, we believe that everyone deserves a meaningful place of rest — regardless of their financial situation.
Grief does not look the same for everyone. Neither should access to care.
We are committed to doing what we can to make this land welcoming, fair, and accessible, and to finding compassionate solutions when money is a concern. We invite open conversation and will always do our best to listen with care.
When a Child Dies
The death of a child is one of the hardest losses a family can face.
For families who lose a child under the age of 18, there is no cost for the burial plot at Wildlands Natural Cemetery.
Families are responsible for the opening and closing costs of the grave, unless donation funds are available to help cover these costs.
If finances are a concern at this time, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to listen and to explore options together.
For Indigenous Families and Communities
Wildlands Natural Cemetery recognizes the deep and lasting connection Indigenous peoples have with land, ancestors, and place.
For individuals who are Indigenous, the only required fee for a grave is the perpetual care fee of $1,000 plus the costs of opening and closing the grave. This fee helps ensure that the land is cared for and protected far into the future.
In addition, one family memorial tree that can accommodate twenty or more burials may be offered to each reserve if they expresses interest. These trees are intended as living memorials and symbols of care, connection, and continuity.
We approach this work with humility and respect. We welcome conversation and guidance as we continue learning how to do this well.
“Just Bury Me in a Ditch”
We sometimes hear people say “just bury me in a ditch” and have named a burial section for this group. “Just Bury Me in a Ditch” is a section of the land that was explored as an option for limestone mining, and continues to have a four to five foot depression in the land. This dip in the land gathers snow melt off in the spring, but is suitable for burials during the other parts of the year. We recognize that not everyone approaches death in the same way, or holds the same things as important, and this section of the cemetery created in the spirit of shared responsibility and mutual care.
In this area:
- Burial plots are free of charge, but opening and closing fees still apply
- There is an obligation to purchase a burial plot for another person, usually a stranger, who would otherwise face financial hardship in choosing Wildlands
This is a way for families or individuals to help carry one another — to ensure that access to this land is not limited by income.
It is an option rooted in generosity, honesty, and community care.
If You Are Worried About Cost
If money is a concern — now or in the future — please talk to us.
We understand that financial stress often comes alongside grief, illness, or sudden loss. You do not need to explain everything perfectly, and you do not need to have all the answers.
We are open to conversation. We are willing to listen. And we will do our best to meet you with care, clarity, and respect.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to talk, ask questions, or explore options, contact us at:
Email: trishpenner@hotmail.com
Phone or text Dennis at 204-226-5792
Wildlands Natural Cemetery 