The tragic story of Karina Brydnyam, a 25-year-old Ukrainian who passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has shed light on the complex and often challenging process of repatriating remains internationally. This heart-wrenching situation has brought to the forefront the numerous barriers and difficulties families face when dealing with the loss of a loved one abroad.
Karina's immediate family, her mother and sister, reside in Ukraine, and due to the ongoing war, they were unable to obtain visas in time to travel to Nova Scotia for her funeral. This left a void, as there was no one to make the necessary arrangements for Karina's final journey home.
A Community Steps Up for a Dignified Farewell
Enter the Halifax Ukrainian community, who stepped in to ensure Karina received a respectful and dignified farewell. Maryna Horobets, the head of the Nova Scotia branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), explained the challenges they faced. Repatriation, she said, involves a maze of documents, translation services, lengthy wait times, and costly airfare, which can be overwhelming for grieving families.
The Complex Process of Repatriation
Kollin Weatherbee, a funeral director in Sydney, N.S., highlighted the delays that often occur in such cases. Tracking down family members can take days, further prolonging the process of securing the required documentation and arranging travel. The emotional toll on families is immense, as they not only grieve the loss but also face the uncertainty of when they can say their final goodbyes or receive their loved one's ashes.
Weatherbee also emphasized the challenges of collecting the necessary documents, as family members in the originating country must coordinate with those in the place of death, often relying on translators. The involvement of consulates adds another layer of complexity, especially if the death occurred in an area without consular services.
Transporting Ashes: A Regulatory Maze
The method of transporting ashes, whether through Canada Post or carrying them on a flight, is subject to a web of regulations, including airline policies and international laws. When a person is cremated, the funeral home provides a cremation certificate, which serves as proof of when and where the cremation took place. As long as the ashes are in a porous container, the process is relatively straightforward.
However, full-body repatriations present a different set of challenges and costs. The remains must be embalmed and shipped in a sealed container with the paperwork attached. This container is then placed within another, and the entire process can be costly and time-consuming.
The Preference for Burial in Ukraine
Horobets explained that in Ukraine, it is preferable to bury the body. While there are international medical procedures and documentation required, the process can take months, and by the time the body reaches Ukraine, it may not resemble the deceased. As a result, Karina's family has opted to cremate her once the medical examiner's work is complete. Her ashes will be sent to Ukraine through her former mother-in-law, who will personally deliver them.
A Community Comes Together to Remember
Karina's death has had a profound impact on the Halifax Ukrainian community. They have gathered to learn more about her life, ensuring her memory lives on. On the day of her funeral, many people expressed their condolences to her family, bringing flowers, toys, and tea, sharing memories, and listening to stories about Karina.
This tragic story serves as a reminder of the complexities and emotional challenges families face when dealing with the loss of a loved one abroad. It highlights the need for improved support systems and streamlined processes to ease the burden on grieving families during such difficult times.
