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black and white picture of Christie Indian Residential School on Meares Island

Our History

The story of Kackaamin is one of transforming pain to Hope.

Transforming Pain to Hope

Since 1897, Christie Indian Residential School occupied Kakawis, which is located in the Central Region of the Nuuchahnulth Territory on Meares Island, B.C. Operated by the Roman Catholic Church and the government, the impacts of this school to our First Nations communities was boundless. The children that attended this establishment were subject to physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual and verbal abuse, and sometimes death.

In the early 1970s, Christie Indian Residential School relocated away from Kakawis to a site near Tofino, BC. At that time, our Nuu-chah-nulth Elders, the Catholic Church, and some local business people gathered to decide what could be done with old site. The decision was made to transform it into a Family Centre where families can go for safe haven.

Turning the Page

In 1974, the first group attended Kakawis to start their healing journeys. Since then, Kakawis has evolved into a therapeutic healing centre, and we are now called Kackaamin Family Development Centre. In 2009, we moved to a larger more accessible site located in Port Alberni – territory of Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations. We strive to work with families to re-awaken our Indigenous values, cultures and beliefs, to strengthen the Family Circle structure and allow for addictions & trauma healing, wellness and prosperity.

Sunny day at Kackaamin

About Kackaamin

Kackaamin is one of three Indigenous Family Treatment programs in Canada. We are a not-for-profit agency located in Port Alberni, B.C., and have been operating for over 45 years.
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Board of Directors

The Board provides governance to Kackaamin and contribute their knowledge, skills, and strength in the collective pursuit of our mission.
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Staff Teams

The staff at Kackaamin are dedicated to the mission, vision, and values of our organization and works very hard to support and care for our clients and their families.
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Funders of Kackaamin Family Development Centre

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School District #70 (SD#70)

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Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)

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First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

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Island Health Authority (IHA)

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  • Who We Are
    • About Kackaamin
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff Teams
  • Admissions
    • Program Dates
    • Application Process
    • Specific Pre-Admission Requirements
    • Medical Pre-Admission Requirements
    • Referral Packages & Applications
  • Our Programs
    • Program Philosophy
    • What to Expect
    • Cultural & Spiritual Practices
    • Family Program Overview
    • Other Programs
  • The Centre
    • Family Housing
    • Admin & Adult Ed Building
    • Learning Centre (K-12)
    • Toddler Centre
    • The Gymnasium
  • FAQ
    • Funding
    • Family
    • Admission
    • Donations

Main navigation

  • Who We Are
    • About Kackaamin
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff Teams
  • Admissions
    • Program Dates
    • Application Process
    • Specific Pre-Admission Requirements
    • Medical Pre-Admission Requirements
    • Referral Packages & Applications
  • Our Programs
    • Program Philosophy
    • What to Expect
    • Cultural & Spiritual Practices
    • Family Program Overview
    • Other Programs
  • The Centre
    • Family Housing
    • Admin & Adult Ed Building
    • Learning Centre (K-12)
    • Toddler Centre
    • The Gymnasium
  • FAQ
    • Funding
    • Family
    • Admission
    • Donations

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Kackaamin Family Development Centre
7830 Beaver Creek Rd
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8N3
Phone: 250-723-7789
Toll-Free: 1-833-205-6946
Fax: 250-723-5926
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