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Indian Residential School Survivors Society

“The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) has a wealth of experience delivering wellness and healing services to Indian Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors throughout B.C. IRSSS provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas. These impacts affect every family and every community across B.C. and Canada.”

Services include:

grief and loss counselling

  • crisis counselling
  • trauma counselling
  • clinical therapy
  • art therapy
  • alternative healing therapy
  • energy healing
  • emotional support for people in the settlement process
  • family and group counselling
  • basic life skills coaching
  • educational workshops on a broad range of health issues
  • traditional healing methods and medicines
  • traditional foods sourcing and preparation
  • crisis support

KUU-US Crisis Line Society - In B.C., a toll-free First Nations and Indigenous Crisis Line (1-800-588-8717) is offered through the KUU-US Crisis Line Society.

Community Service Agencies for Counselling:

Nelson, Creston, Salmo, Slocan Valley, Kaslo

Employer Supported Counselling Services:

Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS) - an Aboriginal non-profit society that provides cultural support and counseling services to people in the West Kootenay and Boundary region and was formed in March 2013. We provide programs rooted in Indigenous practices that strengthen cultural connection and support holistic healing and learning. Contact Kris Salikan, MSW, Executive director at coinations@gmail.com, or 250 231 4968.

Legacy of Hope Foundation – “This resource consists of six activities, each of which examines an aspect of the history or legacy of the Residential School System. “

Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Educational resources, documents, archives, etc.

Secret Path – Gord Downie’s project to share the story of Chanie Wenjack who died while trying to run away from Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario

Legacy of Hope & Heart Gardens

  • Downloadable resources for system leaders and school-based educators to deepen their understanding and empathy to inspire action to improve our relationships with Indigenous Peoples today. Access to these resources will help support learning as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month in June and National Indigenous Day on June 21. Districts may want to act upon the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s recommendation to create a Heart Garden in honour and memorial of these children. 

We will be adding to this page as resources become available – please share any you may have come across as well