Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) is grateful to receive a generous $4,200 donation from the Kalein Hospice Centre Society in support of children, youth, and families in the Kootenay region.

Representatives from Kalein Hospice Centre Society present a $4,200 donation cheque to Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) in support of subsidized Eco-Art Summer Camps and community art therapy services in Nelson, BC. — Representatives from the Kalein Hospice Centre Society stand alongside Nicole Le Bihan of Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) during the presentation of a $4,200 donation cheque. The funding will support subsidized Eco-Art Summer Camps and accessible community art therapy programming for children, youth, and families in the Kootenay region. Photo credit: Melissa Welsh

This contribution will help increase access to KATI’s Eco-Art Summer Camps through a new subsidy program designed to reduce financial barriers for families. In combination with additional community donations, the funding will support 20 camp subsidies, including 19 partial subsidies of $175 (covering 50% of camp fees) and one full subsidy covering the full $350 cost of a 3-day camp experience.

Families can request subsidy support directly through the camp registration page.

Supporting Access to Creative and Therapeutic Experiences

KATI’s Eco-Art Summer Camps are immersive, nature-based experiences for children and youth ages 8–12 that combine studio artmaking with outdoor exploration. Through themes such as Forest, Water, and Flora & Fauna, participants are invited to connect with the natural world while engaging in meaningful creative expression.

Rooted in KATI’s art therapy–informed approach, the camps are designed to foster emotional wellbeing, creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

For over 31 years, KATI has been part of the Kootenay community, offering art therapy services to children, youth, adults, and families through direct programming and student clinical placements. Each year, KATI provides more than 3,000 hours of free or highly subsidized services, helping to ensure that creative and mental health supports remain accessible across the region.

A portion of the Kalein Hospice Centre Society donation will also support community-based art groups and clinical art therapy services facilitated by KATI art therapy interns.

“We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution,” says Nicole Le Bihan, Academic Director at KATI. “This support helps remove financial barriers for families, allowing more children and youth to benefit from creative, therapeutic experiences that nurture connection, resilience, and wellbeing.”

The Kalein Hospice Centre Society’s commitment to compassionate, community-centered care aligns closely with KATI’s mission to support healing and growth through the creative process.

Supporting Student Facilitators

In addition to supporting children and families, KATI’s summer camps also provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students in the Institute’s art therapy training program. Under professional supervision, students step into facilitator roles, building experience in delivering creative, therapeutic programming in community settings.