Mission, Core Purpose & Values
Mission
It is the mission, duty, and purpose of Alaska Natural Burial to provide environmental conservation and stewardship, and equitable access to recreational green space and natural burial.
Core Purpose
Honoring the cycles of life and death through sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
It is the mission, duty, and purpose of Alaska Natural Burial to provide environmental conservation and stewardship, and equitable access to recreational green space and natural burial.
Core Purpose
Honoring the cycles of life and death through sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Core Values
- Community and Connection: Natural burial cemeteries are socially and ecologically significant places, providing the opportunity for communities to connect with nature.
- Sustainability: Cemetery infrastructure should create an environmental legacy for future generations.
- Service: It is a privilege to be of service to our community and to serve as stewards of the land.
- Respect: Access to respectful and meaningful deathcare is a human right for the deceased and the bereaved; respect for each other and for the natural world is at the core of the conservation burial cemetery model.
Board of Directors
Alaska Natural Burial is led by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time and resources to bring this vision to fruition.
Rachel Bernhardt
Rachel is the founder and Board President of Alaska Natural Burial. She is in love with the Conservation Burial Ground model for its ability to cultivate a cultural and spiritual connection to nature, involve families in deathcare, sequester carbon, preserve biodiverse habitat, and serve communities with truly multipurpose spaces in ways that conventional cemeteries cannot. A lifelong Anchorage resident, Rachel lives for sunny June days spent in the woods. |
Julie Raymond-Yakoubian
Bio coming soon |
Sage Stoneking
Sage is one of those weird kids who was always curious about death, dying, and the dead, now studying Anthropology and minoring in Art History. With a background in programming, Sage has worked on diverse projects ranging from designing client intake sites to cloud management. Her ability to understand and "translate" technical knowledge to non-tech people along with her desire to help promote dignity in death set her apart. Sage finds inspiration in books, classical music, and houseplants. |
Amy Franz
Amy is a lifelong Anchorage resident and passionate outdoors enthusiast. Her profound connection to Alaska's untouched beauty fuels her commitment to environmental causes and conservation efforts. With a BBA in Accounting from UAA and certification as an Internal Auditor, Amy's dedication to financial integrity and her passion for the Alaskan wilderness converge. Her leadership balances fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship, guiding the organization towards its mission with dedication and purpose. |
Keary Warner
Bio coming soon |