FAQ’s

How do I know I am eligible to come to Tsow-Tun Le Lum?

Please read through the Admission Criteria to determine if you are eligible to come to one of our programs. If you still have questions, please phone us at 250-390-3123.

How does Tsow-Tun Le Lum operate regarding pandemic safety?

To accommodate safe practices, strict procedures are in place to protect program participants, Elders, and staff.

Where is Tsow-Tun Le Lum? How do I get there (plane, bus, taxi)? 

Click for Road Map to TTLL_Cowichan

We are located on Miller Rd south of Duncan on Cowichan lands. Travelling south from Nanaimo on Highway 1, turn right onto Miller Rd (across highway from The Old Farm Market).  In approximately .75km, TTLL is on the left at 2850 Miller Rd – a large building with green roof.

If travelling from Victoria, turn left on Miller Rd and continue to TTLL on the left at 2850 Miller Rd.

If travelling by air: Nanaimo is the nearest airport (YCD). Taxi’s are available at the airport. You must have a taxi voucher or cash, as we do not pick up people at the airport.

When is the next available intake date? Is there a waiting list?

Once our Intake Coordinators receive a completed intake package, there is between a three to a six month wait list.

We have intake dates throughout the year.

Upon receipt of a complete application, referral workers are notified, and advised of their clients assigned intake date. Clients are booked on a first-come-first-served basis.

How long is treatment? 

• Thuy-Namut Program (Substance Misuse Program) is a 6-week intensive live-in program and requires clients to have 2 weeks sobriety; should be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis (minimum of 6 sessions) who can provide aftercare once the program is completed. This program begins on a Tuesday of the 1st week and runs until Friday of the 6th week.
• Kwunatsustal Program (second stage recovery with a focus on trauma) is a 5 week intensive live-in program that requires clients to have abstained from the use of drugs or alcohol for 6 months or more. Clients must be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis (minimum of 6 sessions) who will provide aftercare once the program is completed.
• Honouring Grief is a 2 or 3 week program that requires clients to have abstained from the use of drugs or alcohol for 1 month or more. Clients should be seeing a counsellor/therapist on a regular basis, who can provide aftercare once the program is completed.

Why are there mandatory sobriety lengths?

Tsow-Tun Le Lum does not have medical staff, and therefore cannot properly care for clients who are experiencing withdrawals or detoxing.  The work of healing and learning about yourself is intense.  Past experience has proven that participants have a much better time in program and higher success rates if they have arrived with the recommended sobriety time.

What will I do in treatment?

Group and individual therapy programs are under the direction of our professional team. Cultural and spiritual healing is provided under the direction of our Elders. Each of our programs successfully integrates traditional teachings with modern therapeutic techniques.

Can couples or families come together?

Tsow-Tun Le Lum provides programs for individual participants. This allows for participants to focus on their own healing, rather than that of a family member.  Our programs are COED.

Is there a minimum age for admission? 

Clients must be 19 years of age and older.

What does it cost?

There is no per diem charge for Indigenous people who have Status, and Recognized Inuit, who are residents of Canada. Programs are funded by First Nations Health Authority. Travel to and from the Centre is the responsibility of the client. Self pay admission is $300 per day (must be paid in advance).

How do I get referred to Tsow-Tun Le Lum?

Clients must see a referral worker (Counsellor, Psychologist, or Therapist) to be referred to our programs.

Where can I get an application for treatment?

All prospective clients need to adhere to requirements identified in the intake package. Prospective clients must see a counsellor to be referred for treatment (we do not accept self-referrals). Referral workers may print an intake package under the “Referral Package” tab within our website menu.

Does Tsow-Tun Le Lum offer detox services?

No. We do not have the medical facilities nor the resources required to support people who need detoxification.

Clients must be able to physically and mentally able to participate in an intensive live-in program. A minimum of 2 weeks sobriety is required to be considered for admission to the substance misuse program. The 5-week trauma program requires clients to have abstained from the use of drugs and alcohol for a minimum of 6 months.

Longer sobriety times before treatment result in clients who have greater success in maintaining their sobriety after treatment.

Is there a store, bank, or bank machine near the centre?

Clients are encouraged to bring enough personal supplies for the duration of their stay.  Clients must bring Identification cards, bank cards, and spending money, which will be stored in a locked safe.

I hear Tsow-Tun Le Lum has moved.  When will your new centre open?

Our new centre is getting the final touches and we expect to be operational in Fall 2023.  Our programs will re-start after staff training is completed at our new centre.