Cremation Association of North America

Cremation Association of North America (CANA)

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is the leading trade association dedicated to promoting best practices and education in cremation services across the United States and Canada. For more than a century, CANA has worked quietly and consistently to ensure that cremation is practiced with dignity, transparency, and respect for both the deceased and the people who love them.

As cremation has become the most common form of disposition in the United States, families are often left to navigate a complex and uneven landscape of providers. CANA exists to bring clarity, trust, and consistency to that moment. Through education, professional certification, and shared ethical commitments, the association supports funeral professionals and the public with information and guidance.

A trusted authority in a growing field

CANA is widely recognized as a trusted authority and educator on all aspects of cremation. Its members include funeral homes, crematories, cemeteries, industry suppliers, and consultants who voluntarily commit to ongoing education and professional integrity. Membership signals a commitment to best practices and thoughtful care, not simply compliance with legal standards.

Central to CANA’s work is its Code of Cremation Practice, which outlines expectations for respectful care, clear identification and tracking procedures, trained staff, and appropriate memorialization. At its core is a guiding belief that cremation is more than an end – it is preparation for remembrance.

Education, ethics, and public protection

While much of CANA’s education supports funeral professionals, its impact extends far beyond the industry. CANA contributes to public policy conversations, develops model legislation, and provides guidance that helps shape state and provincial regulations governing cremation practices. These efforts promote accountability and help protect families while encouraging practitioners to innovate with modern practice of this ancient service.

CANA also offers professional certification programs that ensure cremation providers receive training in best practices in operations, safety, identification protocols, and communication with families. This commitment to education helps elevate the entire field and reinforces public trust.

Why CANA matters to families

Most families never plan to be experts in cremation, and they do not have to. CANA bridges that gap by offering practical tools that support informed decision making, including a searchable Member Directory of providers who have committed to education, transparency, and ethical practice.

At moments of loss, trust matters. CANA’s role within the Love Always Commons is to empower individuals and families with credible guidance, helping them feel more confident and less alone as they make decisions during a very personal and emotional time.