The Purpose of Chako Kunamokst

Our Vision

A future where Nuxalk people are deeply rooted in land, culture, and identity — where healing, belonging, and purpose flow across generations, and youth lead the way forward with strength, voice, and hope.

Our Mission

Chako Kunamokst exists to reconnect Nuxalk people to the land, ancestors, and culture through land-based healing, cultural learning, and community connection.


We create safe, transformative spaces where youth and families heal from the impacts of colonization, rediscover their gifts, strengthen identity, and build a sense of belonging — guided by Elders, grounded in respect for the land, and carried forward for future generations.

Chako Kunamokst Connects us to the Land and the Ancestors

  • Chako Kunamokst helps people to connect to the land and to our ancestors: The Elders knew that the Land intended to have us back. They said that the land is a healing place: When we go back there, our ancestors are still in that place and we reconnect with them.

    “I stood there and I could feel this warm wind from the bottom of my feet going up, and it was just like a hug, the sweetest hug ... and I knew it was my ancestors.”

    “The land definitely is speaking to you. The ancestors are whispering to you.”

  • Chako Kunamokst helps youth learn to live off the land.

  • Being out on the land teaches that the land is our healer, and our ancestors are present on the land.

  • The land reminds us of who we are, what we are meant to be and do.

  • Being in the ancestral village sites helps us to reconnect to traditional ways and the stories of where we come from.

  • The energy of the land and connection to our ancestors opens doors to what people need or are seeking.

  • The connection to the land transforms lives – it builds awareness of who we are, where we come from, and gives us strength to carry through all of our challenges in life.

    “There were phenomenal changes in some of the kids. A lot of them didn't want to come home. They wanted to stay out there forever”

Chako Kunamokst Strengthens Identity and Culture

Left: Tina Clellamin

  • The Elders wanted to ensure Nuxalk identity was preserved. They dreamt of reconnecting youth to the land and rebuilding relationships of respect. 

  • Chako Kunamokst supports cultural revitalization and creates a safe place for young people to learn about their culture: Youth learn their dances and songs:

    “They said, we want to dance, but we don't know how. So I encouraged him. I said, You know what? We're all learners here. I was like, I'm learning. And another guide was like, I'll learn with you guys. And so they then they got up and they danced the Thunder Series.”

  • Chako Kunamokst maintains Nuxalk identity and helps people to find their sense of family.

  • The program supports youth to find their purpose and build their identity, to recognize who they are and connect them back to culture.

    “It's that spiritual part that's what really connects them, being around the fire, listening to the stories in the Long House, singing the old songs, feet on Earth, you know, just the reconnecting. And that's that spiritual part, that part that makes them feel, hey, I'm alive. I have a purpose.”

  • Being on the land brings home the teachings of our origin story, the crests of the Nations, our Nuxalk identity.

Chako Kunamokst is Transformative and Healing

  • Chako Kunamokst is a life-changing experience. The Elders knew the land is where the real healing would begin.

  • The program addresses trauma, physical and mental pain, the impacts of colonization, racism and poverty.

  • Being on the land offers a place for youth and adults to detox from technology, social media, junk food, drugs and alcohol, and toxic behaviours.

  • The program has been described by youth and adults alike as a rebirth and a spiritual transformation.

  • Chako Kunamokst helps youth to become the healthiest versions of themselves: It heals the mind, body and spirit.

    “It is a rebirth, and it's all in us. We're born with those gifts. We just haven't been able to bring them out and show them the way they should be. We all have gifts we're born with. That's part of our belief, that our children come from some other place, and they're born. They come with that knowledge, that wisdom, that knowledge, that experience.”

Chako Kunamokst Helps Youth to Find Their Voice

  • Chako Kunamokst helps people to find their voice, recognize their self worth, and discover their purpose.

    “I heard a voice in the wilderness and discovered it's my own”

  • Being on the land helps youth to discover what they are good at, teaches life skills, and builds self-esteem.

  • Youth becoming grounded, confident, rooted, and open up.

Chako Kunamokst Builds Community, Belonging & Family

  • Chako Kunamokst creates a collective identity through building a sense of family. It is a second home to many people.

  • Youth become bonded with others who are connected to the land.

  • Youth create and strengthen community connections.

  • The program offers a safe place in ancestral village sites to learn, grow, and heal.

Chako Kunamokst is Hope for the Future

  • Chako Kunamokst is always for the future and offers hope for the youth through a healthier way of being. It clears a path for children and generations to come.

    “For the future of our children, grandchildren and those yet to be born . . .”

  • The Youth are the ones who will continue Chako Kunamokst.

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