New program offering Aboriginal people throughout the region very valuable C.O.I.N.S.
By Trail Champion
There’s a new and exciting resource available to Aboriginal people throughout the region, according to Kris Taks, executive director of the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society
“The Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (C.O.I.N.S) formed in September 2012 and formally registered as a non-profit society in March 2013,” Taks said. “The society is governed by five local Aboriginal Elders living in the Grand Forks, Nelson, Trail, Nakusp, and Castlegar communities.
She said the purpose of the society is to offer cultural programs throughout the region which will support the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental wellness of Aboriginal children, youth, families and individuals living in the West Kootenay and Boundary areas.
“C.O.I.N.S is currently offering an Aboriginal Mental Health and Addictions program called Healing Our Spirits through a two-year contract with the Interior Health Authority,” Taks added. “ The Healing Our Spirits program provides support to Aboriginal people ages 15 to Elder who are struggling with mental health and addictions issues.
“The service includes offering cultural support/counselling to Aboriginal people, as well as cultural support to Mental Health and Addictions staff who are working with these individuals. The program is also offering a traditional recovery circle called “healing our spirits talking circle” in each of the five communities.”
Individuals who would like to learn more about the program can contact:
Nelson Community – Nikki McGinn at 250-304-9308 or nikki.coinations@gmail.com
Trail and Castlegar Community – Kris Taks at 250-231-4968 or kris.coinations@gmail.com
Grand Forks Community – Tanis Carson at 250-444-0334 or tanis.coinations@gmail.com
Nakusp Community – coinations@gmail.com
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