Pathways to Nature Connectedness in Palliative, End of Life and Grief Care

This pre-conference “Walkshop” symposium will take place on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, from 8 AM to 12:00 PM. The first 2.5 hours of this symposium will be in-class followed by a break and a 60 min walk.

Pathways to Nature Connectedness in Palliative, End of Life and Grief Care:  A Preconference Walkshop

Led by Sonya L. Jakubec*, RN, PhD, Mount Royal University/University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

This “walkshop” [a workshop with an immersive nature walking experience] seeks to examine the meaning, as well as the practical realities, of reconnecting people and places in palliative, end of life and grief care. Here we ask, “What if parks and nature were a companion in palliative, end of life and grief care?” and uncover the necessary ingredients across health, parks and voluntary sectors for the highly relational and transformational work of nature connectedness and park companionship. Ultimately, in this “walkshop” participants will:

1)     Learn about the evidence and practical activities for nature connectedness that contribute positively for people receiving palliative care and their caregivers.

2)     Discuss and directly experience nature connection, exploring the distinct aspects of nature contact and connectedness.

3)      Be reconnected to nature and inspired to facilitate nature connection for people receiving care across settings and sectors.

Proposed Activities:

In this “walkshop” participants will both learn about the related “big ideas” and research discoveries and immerse themselves in personal discoveries of outdoor/nature connectedness in palliative, end of life and grief care. Discussion of unique and shared nature connectedness and interests will start the session at the pre-conference workshop venue (approx. 2.5 hours.). Results and outcomes of a decade-long intersectoral, collaborative research program will be shared through presentation, documentary film and storytelling. An immersive nature walking experience (approx. 60 min.), outside, in the beautiful parks and coastline adjacent to the conference venue will follow.

Opportunities for Interaction:

Enlivening the lessons learned in presentation, dialogue and discussion, our walk will concentrate on an exploration of key aspects of nature connectedness (including sensory awakening, nature companioning/interpretation and nostalgia/memory making). Participants must be able to take part in a gentle 60 min. walk/roll/stroll (selected for all abilities with minimal elevation gain at a slow pace) that will proceed rain or shine. Come prepared for a connected, immersive session in the companionship of Nanaimo’s beautiful natural environment.

Target Audience:

Health and community care providers interested in reconnecting with nature in palliative care, including: medical, nursing, spiritual care and social workers, occupational/recreational/physical therapists, counsellors/psychologists; as well as community planners, developers, organizers, advocates and supporters.

Bio

Dr. Sonya Jakubec (RN, PhD) is a Professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta and Adjunct Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine’s Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary.

A community health nurse for close to 35 years, Sonya studies the health and environment connection, with a focus on nature-based interventions for health and wellbeing across the lifespan and in disability, dementia, dying, death and grief care.

You can find her walking in Calgary’s urban parks, community gardening in her neighbourhood, and xc skiing and hiking in the foothills and mountains.