Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre? How do I get there?
We are centrally located in the Southern part of British Columbia in the Kootenays among the orchards in the Beautiful Creston Valley. Mother Nature truly provides a ideal setting for Healing.
We are 3 miles South of the Town of Creston on Highway 21 and just 3 Miles North of the Idaho/B.C. border. Situated on the Lower Kootenay Indian Reserve, known as "Yaqan Nukiy"
The closest airport is in Cranbrook BC which is approximately 1 hour from Creston. There is a local Greyhound bus station.
When is the next intake date? Is there a wait list?
Check our intake calendar for the next date. Clients are booked on a first come first served basis and are booked only upon receipt of all the information required for the intake process (completed application, medical and TB testing). Once the program is booked clients are placed on a wait list and the referral worker is contacted if there is a cancellation otherwise clients are moved to the next intake date.
How long is treatment?
Treatment length depends upon the program you are in please check the calendar for the lengths. We offer 6-6 week programs and 3- 3 week programs Once each year we offer a refresher program to any past clients who have maintained their sobriety.
Can couples come?
Yes couples can come to treatment provided they recognize that we have separate facilities for male and female clients and that they would be expected to abstain from any intimate behaviour during the stay here.
What is the minimum age?
Due to legal restrictions all clients must be at least 19 years old at the date of their intake into treatment-we can not make any exceptions to this rule.
How do I get referred?
All clients must be referred by a recognized alcohol and drug abuse counsellor, mental health counsellor or family counsellor and must have attended at least 6 sessions with this counsellor (preferable more). The counsellor must also be willing to provide post treatment counselling as part of your aftercare program.
Where can I get an application?
Referral workers can download the most recent Application for Treatment on our Referral package. If this is not an option please call, write or fax, attention the intake worker and we will forward a copy to you.
What is the difference between the Residential School Trauma and the CO-ED program?
The RST is 3 weeks and CO-ED is 6 weeks.
CO-ED deals with addictions and RST deals with Trauma from Residential Schools.
CO-ED: Philosophy and Treatment approach is based on personal development programs dealing with the Disease Concept of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, and the Personal History that contributes to the Abuse of Alcohol and other Drugs. This Philosophy is maintained through Holistic and Cultural concepts.
RST: This Treatment is designed as an active healing experience that helps individuals regain a deeper sense of personal lost through past traumatic events. It is a process of exploring an individual’s history over several generations. Individuals will begin their journey of self-empowerment through this transformation, and will understand ecents of the past with new eyes and hearts, Thus, unshackled from painful beliefs and values, individuals now have the opportunity to begin the development of a balanced life for themselves.
Does the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre offer detox?
No, we offer addictions counselling services only. The Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre does not have the medical facilities nor the resources required to support persons who need detoxification. For this reason it is essential that the clients have a minimum of two weeks detoxification from alcohol and drugs prior to their date of intake. We recommend a longer period of sobriety if at all possible, so that the body has had sufficient time to detoxify before the person commences their intensive treatment program. Longer sobriety times before treatment result in clients who have greater success in maintaining their sobriety after treatment.
Are teachings on First Nations’ Culture provided?
Yes, Culture is a large part of our treatment. We have Elders come in to speak with the clients as well we have a culture and traditions counsellor, on staff, who is very involved with their everyday treatment. By providing clients with basic exposure to First Nations Culture, they can then go back to their own communities with this awareness and find out more about the cultures and traditions that are specific to their own heritage.
Can I get a job at the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Wellness Centre?
We do have openings that come up from time to time please check our employment page regularly for any current openings.