ʔakisq̓nuk Health Plan
Health Calendar
Health + Wellness Programs
Mental Wellness and Trauma Recovery
Andrea Sakamoto is available for one-on-one sessions.
Please contact her directly to schedule.
kootenaykindredco@outlook.com | 250-961-0993
KUU-US Crisis Line | 1-800-588-8717
- Youth Line: 250-723-2040
- Adult Line: 250-723-4050
The KUU-US Crisis Line provides support for individuals experiencing crisis related to mental health, grief and loss, substance use, residential school impacts, family or relationship challenges, and more
Clinical Services
Physician Clinic (Dr. Page)
Every other Thursday at the Health Centre.
Please call Reception to confirm upcoming clinic dates or to book or cancel an appointment.
Foot Care Clinic
Monthly at the Health Centre with Jenni Currier.
Please call Reception to book or cancel.
Massage Therapy
Monthly at the Health Centre with Lynn Birkett.
Please call Reception to book or cancel.
Medical Transportation
ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation administers the Medical Transportation Benefit on behalf of the First Nations Health Authority for eligible members residing in ʔakisq̓nuk.
This benefit supports access to medically necessary health services and may include coverage for transportation, and where appropriate, meals and accommodation.
Members living in ʔakisq̓nuk
- Contact Health Centre Reception to request medical transportation support
- Our team will coordinate travel in accordance with FNHA guidelines
Members living elsewhere in BC
- All Status First Nations people in BC are eligible for medical transportation benefits through FNHA
- If you do not reside in ʔakisq̓nuk, please contact FNHA Health Benefits directly to access this benefit
Community Transportation Support
In addition to FNHA medical transportation benefits, ʔakisq̓nuk offers a local Community Driver program to assist members in getting to appointments.
- All ride requests are coordinated through Health Centre Reception (central intake)
- Requests are matched with available Community Drivers
- While we do our best to accommodate all requests, driver availability is not guaranteed
To request transportation, please contact Health Centre Reception.
Health Benefits
Members Living in BC
ʔakisq̓nuk members living in BC access health benefits through the First Nations Health Authority, administered by Pacific Blue Cross.
For coverage details, please visit: https://www.fnha.ca/benefits/coverage-details
For assistance, you may contact: Iona Ferguson
Community Relations Representative
604-809-1839 | Iona.Ferguson@fnha.ca
Members Living in Other Provinces
Status First Nations people living outside of BC access health benefits through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), administered federally and delivered through Express Scripts Canada.
NIHB covers many medically necessary services not included in provincial plans, such as dental care, vision care, prescriptions, medical supplies and equipment, and medical transportation.
How to access NIHB:
- Identify yourself: Present your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) or proof of registration
- Use registered providers: Confirm the provider is registered with NIHB to allow direct billing
- Prior approval: Some services require approval in advance (your provider will submit this)
- Reimbursement: If you pay out of pocket, you may submit claims to Express Scripts Canada
ʔakisq̓nuk Member Benefits Plan (CINUP)
ʔakisq̓nuk members anywhere in Canada are also eligible for additional support through the Member Benefits Plan, administered by CINUP.
This plan helps cover certain health-related costs not covered by other benefit plans.
To access the Member Benefits Plan:
- Complete the intake/request form (download available below)
- Submit to: healthcentre@akisqnuk.org
- Include supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, quotes, or benefit denials)
Important:
This plan is intended to supplement other benefits. Members are expected to access available coverage in the following order:
- Private or employer benefits (if available)
- FNHA or NIHB
- ʔakisq̓nuk Member Benefits Plan (CINUP)
System Navigation
The Aboriginal Care Navigator (ACN) with the Ktunaxa Nation Council Society supports ʔakisq̓nuk members in accessing and navigating health services.
Services may include:
- Advocacy and support within the healthcare system
- Coordination of care and services
- Assistance identifying needs and accessing resources
Samantha Sam
Aboriginal Care Navigator – ʔakisq̓nuk/Invermere Area
250-342-1135 | ssam@ktunaxa.org
Other Programs & Supports
In addition to the services above, the Health & Wellness team offers a range of programs and supports throughout the year, including:
- Community wellness programming (e.g., Wiyu Wednesday, drop-in spaces)
- Food sovereignty initiatives (e.g., freezer meals, community garden)
- Elder and home support services
- Child, youth, and family programming
- Harm reduction and outreach supports
- Workshops, groups, and community events
For current programs or to get involved, please check Facebook, the Newsletter, or contact Health Centre Reception.
emergency contact numbers
Extreme Cold Information
