Reflection paper: First Nations Cultural Perspectives on Grief, Loss, and Bereavement in Relation to Infant Loss

Researching other cultures is so fascinating and this felt too powerful not to share.

Introduction

Grief and bereavement are deeply human experiences, but the ways in which people process loss are shaped by culture, tradition, and spirituality. For First Nations peoples, the loss of an infant carries layered meaning, not only for the parents but also for the family, community, and spirit world. Western perspectives on grief often focus on the individual, emphasizing stages and psychological processes. In contrast, First Nations cultural perspectives highlight community, ceremony, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Reflecting on these perspectives broadens my understanding of grief and challenges me to consider how healing after infant loss can be approached in more holistic, compassionate, and culturally respectful ways.

Grief and Loss in First Nations Contexts

Among many First Nations, grief is not seen as a linear process to be completed, but as a lifelong journey. Infant loss is experienced not only as the death of a child but also as the disruption of family, community, and cultural continuity. The loss is felt through generations. This contrasts with mainstream Western approaches, where the focus often falls on “moving on” or finding closure.

The First Nations worldview often emphasizes cycles — of life, death, and rebirth — rooted in spiritual traditions. The circle of life is central: each person has a place within the web of family, ancestors, and future generations. When an infant dies, the circle is disrupted, but ceremonies and cultural practices provide pathways to restore balance. Grief, then, is not only about sorrow but also about honouring the child’s spirit, maintaining connection, and seeking balance within the family and community.

Spirituality and Ceremony in Bereavement

Spirituality is integral to First Nations perspectives on bereavement. Infant loss is not only a physical absence but also a spiritual transition. Many Nations believe the child’s spirit continues to exist, either returning to the spirit world or remaining connected to the family in unseen ways.

Ceremonies, prayers, and songs may be performed to honour the infant and guide their spirit. Smudging, drumming, and traditional feasts can provide healing for the grieving family while affirming the infant’s place within the community. For example, some communities hold naming ceremonies for babies who have passed, ensuring they are recognized as valued beings despite their short time on earth. These practices counter the silence and isolation often experienced in Western settings, where infant loss is sometimes minimized or unspoken.

The Role of Community and Collective Mourning

In many First Nations traditions, grief is shared. When an infant dies, the entire community may come together to support the family, recognizing that the loss affects everyone. Elders, knowledge keepers, and extended family often play vital roles, offering wisdom, comfort, and cultural practices that guide healing.

This communal approach contrasts with the Western tendency to privatize grief, where families may feel pressure to process loss quietly and return to normal life quickly. For First Nations peoples, grieving openly within a community is not seen as weakness but as strength, affirming belonging and connection. This collective mourning can be especially healing for parents, who may otherwise feel isolated in their pain.

Historical and Intergenerational Contexts

It is impossible to reflect on First Nations grief without acknowledging the legacy of colonization. The loss of infants carries additional layers of pain when viewed through the history of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and ongoing inequities in healthcare. Generations of families have endured forced separation, loss of children, and disruption of cultural practices surrounding death and mourning.

For some, infant loss may reopen intergenerational wounds, evoking grief not only for one child but also for a history of cultural loss and family rupture. At the same time, reclaiming traditional ceremonies and perspectives on bereavement can be acts of resistance and healing. Revitalizing these practices allows families to grieve in culturally meaningful ways and to reconnect with ancestral strength.

Personal Reflection

As I reflect on First Nations cultural perspectives, I am struck by the depth of interconnectedness woven through their approach to grief. Infant loss is never minimized; instead, the child is recognized as a full member of the family and community, even in death. This challenges me to reconsider how infant loss is often handled in mainstream culture, where it may be met with silence or awkwardness.

I also find myself reflecting on the importance of ceremony. In my own cultural context, rituals surrounding death can feel rushed or insufficient, particularly when it comes to infants who may not have been baptized, named, or formally acknowledged. The First Nations approach demonstrates the healing power of ritual: naming, song, and gathering give parents and families ways to honour their child’s life, however brief.

Finally, I am reminded of the importance of cultural humility. Supporting families through grief, especially infant loss, requires awareness that not all families will grieve in the same way. Listening to and respecting cultural practices is essential. For First Nations families, this might mean making space for ceremony, involving Elders, or simply acknowledging the spiritual presence of the infant.

Conclusion

First Nations cultural perspectives on grief, loss, and bereavement offer profound insights into how infant loss can be honoured and healed. Through ceremony, spirituality, community, and intergenerational connection, grieving families are supported in ways that affirm both their pain and their resilience. Reflecting on these traditions challenges dominant Western approaches, offering a more holistic understanding of bereavement.

As someone who seeks to support families, I recognize the need to hold space for multiple perspectives, to honour cultural practices, and to approach infant loss with sensitivity and respect. From the First Nations worldview, grief is not about closure but about ongoing connection, balance, and honouring the child’s spirit. This perspective enriches my own understanding and deepens my commitment to supporting families through one of life’s most painful experiences.