How we serve communities

  • Through sponsorship spaces, RCHS removes barriers to care so that all citizens have access to ongoing mental health support. 
  • RCHS participates in clinical research and grant writing to offset the cost of clinical program group supplies and mailing materials to remote communities.
  • RCHS seeks to provide access to safe and sacred spaces that allow community members to connect with their own higher power and beliefs around ceremonial fire at group gathering spaces.
  • RCHS shares these safe spaces with remote communities in need of support by offering culturally-enriched indoor groups with hybrid online zoom access (open to all faith communities)
  • Fundraise to practice traditional gifting practices (providing honorarium and traditional gifts) to elders, clients and community members / community helpers.
  • RCHS supports initiatives to grow food in community gardens for all to enjoy, and provide access to food resources for each client who identifies this need (through case management, our restorative clinicians and students can help people find out where they can go in their own community for access to food).
  • Restorative Counselling AND RCHS regularly donate items to silent auctions for local families in dire need of support.
    • Examples of donated auction items: 
      • 1 Full round of DBT (youth or adult) from RWP - $5000 value
      • 10 counselling sessions with an RWP counsellor -$1600 value
      • Full day Mindful Self-Compassion Retreat at Bethlehem Centre.
      • Subsidized access to Mindful Self-Compassion, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention and other advanced group offerings​

Hiwus Hereditary Chief (Shishalh) BC ​
Executive Officer & RCHS Co-President

A founding member of both RCHS and RWP, meet our president and one of our dearest allies on the Sunshine Coast.
A survivor of residential school and a graduate of the Justice Institute Peacekeeper Circle Training program, 
​Hiwus is known for his efforts in preserving the health of community and land and for his deep commitment to healing and self-care.
Hiwus is an avid member of Restorative Justice of the Sunshine Coast and is celebrated among his community and other circles as a compassionate leader committed to revitalizing culture and spirituality as part of overall health and wellness of community and individuals.


​Kristen Bérubé Valerio
RCHS Chief Executive Officer &
Acting President (co-chair with Hiwus)
[email protected]

Kristen is one of the founders of Restorative Community Health Foundation along with Elders Hiwus: Calvin Craigan and Coyote: Terry Aleck. The trio started this endeavour in their efforts to meet unmet needs for people facing barriers to accessing quality mental health, substance abuse and counselling services. The addition of RCHS to the "3 Sister Companies" means that clinical group services will continue to be available to people from all walks of life and all faiths - even if they don't have benefits or the financial means to access care. ​


​​Christine Turenne
Board Member at Large


Born in Sechelt, Christine has been facilitating and assisting with various 12 Step Programs, parenting support circles, and workshops for over 29 years. She co-facilitates drum-making workshops, drumming circles, and sweat lodge ceremonies with her partner Terry, and has led a women’s ceremony circle which she had developed. With her main focus on healing, Christine has worked with and learned from several different teachers. From children to elders, she continues to absorb teachings along the healing path she walks.  As a loving mother and grand-mother, she has a heart of gold open to new ideas, as well as, to traditional pasts.  Passionate about working with people of all ages and nations her humility and intuition touches everyone she comes across.  White Wolf Woman is one of the cherished wisdom keepers that attends RWP groups.
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Meet our Vice President(s)

White Wolf Woman Christine &
Coyote Terry Aleck
[email protected]

​Founding Wisdom Keepers / Elders of RCHS in 2021​

​Terry Aleck 
Executive Board Member

Coyote is one of thee founders of RCHS, and wisdom keepers in RWP clinical groups. Originally from Lytton First Nation, Terry trained as a family and addictions counsellor.  In 1987 he began his healing and his training to conduct ceremonies as a sacred pipe carrier. He has received his learning from many elders and medicine men and women. Through First Nations Teachings, he co-facilitates a men’s group and drum-making workshops, leads drumming circles and sweat lodge ceremonies, and drums in schools on the Sunshine Coast. Terry was involved directly in bringing to light the personal and societal issues concerning the legacy of the Residential School System.  Clean and sober for 36 years, in all his endeavors Terry works with gratitude, compassion, humility, humour, and “all my relations’ in the spirit of healing.   
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Chris Gjelsvick 
Vice President & Treasurer
[email protected]

MA Counselling Psychology, California

Our Annual Good News News Letter