New Sacred Roots Wellness Room opens at Castlegar Indigenous centre

In a landmark initiative to promote holistic well-being within the community, Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Sacred Roots Wellness Room.

This innovative space, designed to honour and integrate Indigenous traditions with modern health practices, will opened its doors on Sept. 19.

The Sacred Roots Wellness Room represents a significant step towards addressing health disparities and fostering cultural inclusion, says COINS. 

It is a dedicated area at the COINS centre where Indigenous community members can access health services that are both culturally relevant and respectful of traditional practices.

The room will offer a range of services, including:

•    Traditional Healing Practices: Incorporating ceremonies and treatments guided by Indigenous healers and practitioners.

•    Cultural Wellness Programs: Workshops and activities that focus on traditional knowledge, art, and practices.

•    Modern Health Services: Integration of contemporary medical care with a cultural lens to enhance overall health outcomes.

•    Supportive Community Environment: A welcoming space for community gatherings, discussions, and support networks.

“We are thrilled to open this space as a testament to our commitment to bridging traditional and modern health practices,” said Gerry Remple, President of COINS. “This room is more than just a facility; it is a celebration of Indigenous cultures and a step towards more inclusive and equitable health care.”

The grand opening event featured a ceremonial blessing, speeches from key community leaders, and an opportunity for attendees to tour the new facility. Members of the public, local Indigenous leaders, and healthcare professionals were all invited to join in the celebration.

The Sacred Roots Wellness Room is part of a initiative by two Indigenous Selkirk College fourth year nursing students, Kailey Taks and Kathleen Cure, to address health disparities and support Indigenous communities through innovative and culturally competent approaches. Their vision is to create a space where blending traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary health practices, can improve health outcomes and foster a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment.

For more information about the Sacred Roots Wellness Room contact COINS Health and  Wellness Manager Tim Grouette at (250) 608-1231 or hwmanager@coinations.net.

COINS is a non-profit organization that was established in 2013 with a very small staff.  Today, it offers programs, services and events in many West Kootenay and Boundary communities and employs over 20 people. COINS has two buildings, the regional office in Castlegar and Aboriginal Head Start childcare program and offices in Grand Forks.  

Working closely with an Elders council, regional partners and funders, COINS offers Indigenous individuals and their families supports and programming in the social and health sectors, as well as cultural connections to those living away from home/urban Indigenous.