Culture Led Care

Tsë lhts’ënc’il nec’igekh be yikh is a culturally safe space for youth to heal, build life skills, and connect to culture and community

We provide a holistic approach to addressing trauma and promoting wellness and wellbeing for youth - giving youth a safe space that supports their physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional healing and well-being. With programs that involve community and families, providing access to counsellors, elders & knowledge keepers, we help young people heal by reconnecting them with the land, culture, and community. We also helps them learn important life skills and gives families and community a chance to heal together.

We are a passive house certified home for 6 youth at a time with bedrooms for each, and living spaces that include a kitchen, lounge, gym, sensory room and social areas both inside and out. We also have space for live-in staff, a classroom, counselling room and staff offices. The building is designed to be fully accessible which allows us to cater to as many individuals as possible, from those with physical disabilities and sensory challenges to visiting elders.

There's no better time for healing than today.

The Program

Different program sessions will be tailored to youth within a 4-5 year range, each program adapted to suit the needs and ages of each group.

The following guiding philosophies shape Tsë lhts’ënc’il nec’igekh be yikh’s operations and programs:

  • Trauma informed care

  • Culture as therapy

  • Two-eyed seeing

  • Harm reduction

  • Youth centered care

  • Family & Community centered approach

“I just really believe that this will bring a lot of light to that darkness and we’ll find a way in our own way.”

- Wistet Youth

  • During this phase, if you choose to, your family/household can be involved to support and/or participate in your healing journey. We are open to creating an environment that is specific to your needs to heal, including cultural programs and ceremonies.

PHASE 1

  • This will provide you with a structured approach to healing and support you during the adjustment back to your home and community. We know this is an important step as you enter into your regular routine - there are all kinds of stresses and triggers in real life, and as you adjust, we will provide you with the virtual care and tools to support you.

PHASE 2

  • After graduating from the program, we will be an ongoing resource for you. From connecting you to services and programs local to your home, in community (wherever you live), offering mentorship opportunities to future youth in the program, connecting you to job skills training, or volunteer opportunities, or whatever you might need. We are here to help make sure we can assist and connect you to whatever you need to continue your healing journey.

    Many have undergone treatment multiple times, struggling to access the right support and experiencing relapses. This is a common and deeply personal story for many of us. This is why aftercare is a vital piece of the healing journey. We need it desperately. Facing challenges together as a community makes things much more manageable. It ensures that support continues even after leaving the lodge.

PHASE 3

Who it’s for

Tsë lhts’ënc’il nec’igekh be yikh is open to youth, ages 12-29 of ALL gender expressions who are seeking healing, support, and spiritual guidance. We support youth dealing with mental health, addictions, trauma, PTSD, FASD, and other challenges.

Intake is voluntary, and youth will be able to enter into the program without parental consent. Youth can submit an application directly, or it can be done by referral (from a loved one or a partner agency). If you have questions, or if you aren’t sure if this is the right program for you, please let us know so we can understand your needs to ensure we can accommodate where you are at in your healing journey.

More information on how to apply will be updated here as we get closer to our opening.

What we are not

Tsë lhts’ënc’il nec’igekh be yikh is not a judicial facility. It is not a treatment or detox facility. While the healing house will take in youth who are dealing with addiction, Tsë lhts’ënc’il nec’igekh be yikh is the program to enter after treatment or detox. Our transition coordinator can help connect you with services both before and after our program to ensure you receive continuity of care.