Mental Wellness
Akoka’tssini
Culturally grounded mental wellness, counselling, and addiction support for Piikani Nation members.
Support for Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Well-Being
The Mental Wellness team at Aakom Kiyii Health Services provides counselling, addiction support, and culturally grounded wellness programs for Piikani Nation members. Our services are designed to support individuals, families, and youth as they work toward healing, balance, and improved mental health.
We recognize that wellness is connected to the mind, body, spirit, and community. Our team offers a safe, respectful, and confidential environment where clients can talk openly about their experiences and receive support that reflects their personal and cultural values.
Services may include individual counselling, addictions support, crisis response, family support, and referrals to specialized programs when needed. We also work closely with community partners, Elders, and cultural supports to provide holistic care that reflects Piikani traditions and teachings.
Our goal is to reduce barriers to mental health services, encourage early support, and help community members build resilience, confidence, and stronger connections to their families and culture.
Vision
Empowering Piikani Members in their health and wellness journey
Mission
Encouraging Niitsitapi in their healing by providing continued services with integrity and kimmapiipitsin while reclaiming Piikanissini
Goals
Motivate recovery
Enhance intrinsic strength
Prioritize accessible service
Model resiliency and courage
Work collectively toward community wellness
Holistic, Community-Centered Care
Mental wellness services are built on a holistic approach that respects the cultural values, traditions, and strengths of the Piikani Nation. Our programs combine professional counselling with blackfoot traditional teachings, community support and land based activities. By addressing the emotional, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of wellness, we help individuals and families move toward balance, healing, and long-term well-being.
Here When You Need Support
If you or a loved one is struggling, our team is here to help. We provide confidential, respectful support and can connect you with the right programs or services.
Services May Include
Individual Counselling
Confidential one-on-one support to address personal challenges, stress, grief, or life changes.
Addictions Support
Programs and counselling to help individuals and families manage substance use and work toward recovery.
Crisis & Family Support
Immediate assistance, referrals, and guidance for individuals or families facing difficult situations.
Katoyiss Clan
Katoyiss clan is a 24‑hour, low‑barrier emergency shelter within AMW’s service portfolio, designed to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for individuals in crisis. Operating under harm‑reduction principles, the shelter meets participants where they are at, without judgment or requirement for abstinence. Participants are supported with immediate basic needs, including hot meals, snacks, refreshments, access to shower facilities, and clean clothing, helping to promote dignity, comfort, and personal well‑being. Staff focus on safety, relationship‑building, and practical support, offering referrals and transportation to recovery‑oriented, health, and community‑based services when participants are ready.
Support Available
- Support in active addiction, mental health, or housing
- 24-hour staff on-site
- Laundry and shower facilities
- One meal given per day
- Zero consumption of drugs and alcohol in building
- Daily program coordination
- Elder support upon request
- Naloxone distribution site and training available
- Weekly in-house medical support
- Harm reduction supplies available
- Medication assistance program
- Traditional and educational programming
- System navigators will support shelter clients with referrals to recovery programs
Medical Detox
Medical Detox is a short‑term, medically supervised process that helps individuals safely withdraw from alcohol or drugs while managing physical and emotional symptoms. Care is trauma‑informed and culturally respectful, incorporating Piikani values, family support, and connection to community resources. The goal is to stabilize health, reduce risks, and prepare the person for ongoing healing supports such as counselling, treatment programs, or Wellness services.
Now Open
Inii Healing House (IHH)
IHH is a 90‑day, on‑reserve inpatient treatment facility that offers a structured and intensive healing experience for individuals facing substance misuse and mental health challenges. The program supports up to 10 residents at a time and is delivered within the community. Healing is grounded in culturally relevant, land‑based practices, including time on the land, traditional teachings, ceremonies, connection to nature, and activities that support cultural identity, balance, and reconnection to Piikani values, alongside clinical supports.
Requirements
- Committed to participation in daily programming
- Must be detoxed from alcohol for at least 5 days
- Must be detoxed from opioids for at least 8 days
- Door-to-door intake (must be coming from a detox centre, hospital, or correction facility)
- Must be compliant with the guidelines of the house
- Individuals on methadone or suboxone must be on a stable dosage that enables them to be alert for sessions
Supports Available
- Case management
- Mental health therapists on site
- VODP referrals
- Certified recovery coaches
- Traditional knowledge keepers on site
- Individual and group counselling
- Certified grief and loss facilitators
- Cultural and recovery coordinators support with :
- traditional drum making
- Regalia making
- Access too Akoka'ssin (Sundance)
- Sweats
- Traditional face painting
- Blackfoot naming ceremony
- Wellbriety (white bison twelve steps)
- Access to AA / NA meetings
- Life skills
Our Mental Health Therapists
Janine McClelland
Registered Psychologist
Call: 403-632-7054
AMW Office
Anaka Styba
MA, Registered Psychologist
Call: 403-715-5002
Lethbridge Office
Tina Virjee
MA, Registered Psychologist
Call: 403-965-3919
AMW Office
Shelley Pompana Spear Chief
Clinical MSW, RSW, EMDR Hypnotherapist, and Somatic Therapist
Call: 403-593-1807
Lethbridge Office
Lindi Shade
BA, Clinical BSW, MSW, RSW
Call: 587-220-2605
Lethbridge Office
Emergency Contact Information
Child Intervention Crisis Unit
1-800-638-0715
Family Violence Info Line
310-1818
Alberta Income Support
1-866-644-5135
Addictions Services
1-866-332-2322
Indigenous Support Line
1-844-944-4744
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Mental Health Helpline
1-877-303-2642
24-hour Crisis Line
403-266-4357