Before I Go

Dedicated to our brother and uncle, Bill Blue.

Hard to fathom that this is the final episode of Season 1…what an incredible journey. Today, Marion and Danielle begin by talking about the illness their brother/uncle is facing, the pain of this reality, and processing difficult emotions. Dani addresses the difficulty of being a caregiver, recognizing the strength it takes to carry that burden. “Why me…just because I can?” She has the most beautiful answer - “No, it's because of love."

Marion talks about their family’s growth, and generational healing - about creating new neuropathways for change and how cycles can be interrupted. And the courage it takes to continue to stand even when life knocks you down.

The two women also talk about how the podcast began on a personal level, but became educational and advocational. The episodes were not all about MAiD, but addressed the intersection of environmental, medical, legal, and educational racism and the lack of agency that impacts Indigenous people every day.

The conversation then moves to the knowledge and wisdom shared by our wonderful guests! We celebrate how they have each shaped their spaces, and we hold our hands up to them, and these conversations that have changed us.

And finally, this podcast began as Marion planned the end of her life. She will continue to do so, but was able to share that she has been offered a new medical therapy. It is not a cure, but it is slowing the progression of the disease and giving her more quality time with us. We even have an update at the very end of the podcast!

Such a positive conclusion to Season 1, this fills us with gratitude and hope. Thank you, dear listeners, for walking on this journey with us. We look forward to being together again for Season 2! Until then, take care of yourselves, and know that we see you.

*****CONTENT WARNING*****

Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support.

Mental Health Support Resources:

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat

NIHB Mental Health Services regional office

First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca

MAiD Resources:

https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying

Centre for Education and Research on Aging

https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/

https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/

https://camapcanada.ca/

https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf

Grief & Loss Support Resources:

https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/

https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/

https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org

https://livingmyculture.ca/

Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027

Residential School Support Resources:

https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families

https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

What is Before I Go?

ABOUT BEFORE I GO…Embracing the Journey of MAiD:

“Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition that will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has made the decision to use the MAiD program when she feels the time is appropriate. An experienced documentary producer and interviewer in her own right, Marion will turn the microphone around on herself. Along with family and many professional experts, she and her daughter Danielle will share this extraordinary journey with you.

By openly discussing the experience of choosing medical assisted dying through an Indigenous lens, along with wisdom and stories – about family & ancestors, history & trauma, healing & love – Marion and Dani hope that their journey will provide unique and thoughtful perspectives, encourage your own conversations with those close to you, and perhaps provide some comfort. After all, living & dying are the human experiences we all share. Join us bi-weekly for some of the most profound and thought-provoking conversations of a lifetime.