Kootenay Columbia College (KCC) is a well-established school with over 20 years of Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) accreditation and three campuses in Nelson and Burnaby, BC.
For over two decades, the college operated as the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences (ACOS), specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2017, we expanded to include a Registered Massage Therapy Program and a Holistic Nutrition Program. In 2024, KCC launched its Burnaby campus, further diversifying its career education offerings.
KCC is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive programs, making it the only institution of its kind in the Kootenays. Our Traditional Chinese Medicine graduates practice worldwide, while our Registered Massage Therapy graduates thrive as entrepreneurs or in integrative health clinics and spas.
Students benefit from our multi-disciplinary approach, which combines professional development, research, and business practice. This innovative education model equips graduates with the skills to excel in today’s competitive job market.
In Nelson, KCC’s main campus is at 402 West Richards Street in Rosemont, with an additional downtown campus in the historic Nelson Trading Company building.
The Association francophone des Kootenays Ouest (AFKO) promotes French language and culture through diverse public art projects and cultural programming that bring together Francophone, Francophile, and Anglophone communities across the Kootenays.
AFKO offers year-round cultural programming that highlights Francophone arts, culture, and heritage:
- Live Performances: Concerts, theatre, storytelling, and bilingual shows presented in collaboration with local venues and touring artists.
- Workshops and Residencies: Educational and bilingual art workshops (music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing) offered in schools and community center, at 807, Baker St.
- Film Screenings and Festivals: French and bilingual film events, including partnerships with local film festivals and cultural organizations.
- Cultural Celebrations: Organization of flagship community events such as Francophonie Week, St-Jean-Baptiste Day, and Black History Month programs.
Community Gatherings: Bilingual cultural nights, family events, and public celebrations fostering intercultural connections.
Vanessa Deverell is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Registered Craniosacral Therapist (RCST®) serving Nelson and the West Kootenay region. Her practice offers two complementary services: body-centered counselling and biodynamic craniosacral therapy. Vanessa integrates Somatic Experiencing®, mindfulness, and attachment theory into her work, helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, relationship patterns, burnout, and highly sensitive nervous systems. Her approach honours both the intelligence of the mind and the wisdom held in the body.
Counselling sessions are available in-person in Nelson or online throughout BC, with direct billing available to most extended health plans. Craniosacral therapy—a gentle, hands-on treatment that supports nervous system regulation and deep rest—is offered in-person. Vanessa serves Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Kaslo, and surrounding Kootenay communities. She holds an MA in Counselling Psychology and a BA in Philosophy with a focus on trauma and embodied memory. Free consultations are available to explore whether her approach might be a good fit.
Kara-Leah is a boundary-pushing yogi, unapologetically unravelling the threads of liberation with fierce authenticity. She’s a seasoned mentor, guiding others through the fire of transformation with a Tantric lens that devours everything in its path—no holding back. Whether leading immersive workshops or sharing potent wisdom in her weekly newsletter, she’s a true trailblazer in the spiritual space, unravelling the knots of trauma, patterns, and karma. With her no-nonsense approach to self-knowledge, Kara-Leah invites you to step into a deeper, rawer connection with life itself. Kara-Leah is the author of three books and the mother of a teenager.
Kara-Leah’s work is intuitive, drawing on decades of experience in working with the unconscious and somatic expressions of buried truths. She is skilled at facilitating deep transformation in small groups, and 1:1. She’s led 30+ retreats and trainings in the last decade, in New Zealand, Mexico, Bali and now Canada.
She has been a facilitator for BC’s Making Sense of Pain Program and is available for small-group mentoring and group work.
Eli Mead brings over 20 years of bodywork experience to Kootenay Osteopathy, offering comprehensive osteopathic manual therapy to residents of Nelson and the West Kootenays. As a certified practitioner with a Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP), Eli combines gentle hands-on treatment with therapeutic exercises, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle consulting to address each patient’s unique health concerns.
Eli specializes in treating chronic pain, back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, concussions, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, sacroiliac dysfunction, digestive issues, reproductive health concerns, knee problems, and post-injury rehabilitation. His holistic approach identifies and treats the root causes of symptoms, not just the pain itself.
Every treatment plan is customized to help patients achieve their specific health goals through gentle, effective techniques suitable for all ages. Eli believes quality osteopathic care should be accessible to everyone—Kootenay Osteopathy offers sliding scale rates based on income to ensure no one is turned away. Osteopathy is also covered many extended health benefit plans.
Located in Nelson, BC, Eli Mead and Kootenay Osteopathy serve the entire Kootenay region. Book your appointment online today and discover how osteopathic manual therapy can help you return to optimal health.
Relationships through Story!
Storytelling Nelson gathers monthly to inspire the oral tradition. Everyone is welcome and we excel at inclusive welcoming that supports everyone remembering themselves. Storytelling clarifies, where we are, from where we have been, and lights our inner paths to tomorrow.
We offer:
entertainment that builds communication and community.
workshops, presentations, and team building opportunities for any gathering, business, or organization.
Nelson Moosehide Campaign Day: An invitation to create the future!
Nelson Moose Hide Campaign Day is an invitation to a day of ceremony, curiosity, rally, and walk so that we join together to stand against violence towards women, children and all those along the gender continuum. Together we will take practical steps for our collective health and journey to reconciliation.
Fast to End Violence: (optional)
As is common in many cultures, fasting is a symbol of commitment and a way to deepen your intention. We encourage everybody to participate in the fast from sunrise to sunset on Moose Hide Campaign Day.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CJeZTffTD/
5:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony at the water Lakeside Walk, 80 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, BC with Sinixt Elder Rick Desautel.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18EeQPvzU8/
8:30 a.m. Gather at St. Saviours Church 701 Ward Street to livestream the keynote address with one of Canada’s Most Influential People, Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation and Campaign Co-founders Raven and Paul Lacerte.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GA5yL5JLj/
11:15 a.m. A Walk to End Violence at City Hall
https://www.facebook.com/share/18RUy8q1eP/
12:30p.m. Regather at St. Saviours Church for workshop options:
1. Cultivating Safe Spaces with Elaine Alec
2. Indigenous Trauma & Equity Informed Practice with Len Pierre
3. An Introduction to Non-Violent Communication with Rachelle Lamb
4. Kizhe Ininwag: Being a Kind Man with Bob Goulais
5. Meeting the Moment We’re In As Men with Jeff Perera
https://www.facebook.com/share/18LSdk9Y3V/
5:30p.m. Fast Breaking Feast with drum circle, storytelling, poetry, & singer/songwriters at St. Saviours Church 701 Ward St, Nelson, BC
https://www.facebook.com/share/18cNTkqF1U/
Choose your participation here:
At West Kootenay Wellness Centre we offer various Health and Wellness Disciplines.
We are proud serve our immediate community and beyond by offering a wide range of comprehensive services to meet the needs of adults, seniors, and pediatric patients. Our team of professional caregivers specialize in providing personalized care, rehabilitative therapy and companion assistance.
Our services include:
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Registered Clinical Counselling
- Registered Therapeutic Counselling
- Life Coaching
- Acupuncture
- Yoga Therapy
- Jikiden Reiki
- Body Talk Therapy
Welcome to our infrared sanctuary, your daily retreat for inspired movement, focused breathing and deep relaxation.
Our mission is to empower our Nelson community to elevate their life on and off the mat. Our practice is rooted in gratitude and focuses on building strength, increasing flexibility and gaining mobility through the practice of yoga and functional movement.
Core Values:
- Honesty
- Diversity
- Courage
- Commitment
- Leadership
- Fun
- Growth.
Foot Canada Training is a federally incorporated nursing foot care education company based in Nelson BC, that supports nationwide education opportunities by offering online Foot Care Nurse and Educator training, Foot Health courses for Support Workers (coming in 2022) and by providing Foot Care Nurse Educators, health agencies and post-secondary institutions access to our curriculum for clinical courses and advanced skills workshops. Our curriculum is peer-reviewed, current and meets the standards set by the Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses’ National Competencies for Advanced Nursing Foot Care in Canada. Foot Canada Training is dedicated to promoting the advancement of standardized and accessible Foot Care Nurse education in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Our Studio
eARTh Community Clay Studios is a home studio with a breathtaking view. It is not just a pottery studio, it is an inspired playground for adults, kids, and anyone who likes to play with mud.
Hands-on help and personalized instruction are at the core of this experience. The friendly atmosphere supplies warm feedback and creative motivation to help you discover your inner potential.
Owner and teacher Diane Walters has worked with clay for thirty-five years and the learning industry for thirty. Sharing her experience and learning from others is at the core of this small business.
eARTh Community Clay Studios is situated in a beautiful studio with a view in Uphill Nelson, BC, Canada, located at 1116 Latimer St, Nelson, BC. We are open Sept – April and closed for late spring and summer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own light-filled art studio, eARTh Community Clay Studios is for you. Though we specialize in beginner wheel and hand-building classes, if you are a practiced potter, you’ll appreciate our wheel and hand-building work areas, Shimpo wheels and slab roller, our selection of stains and glazes, and our regular firing schedule during our open studio sessions. Everything you need is right here. Experienced Potters and Sculptors make up our team of ceramic professionals who are ready to share their talents.
I have a Homeopathy practice in downtown Nelson. I love that I can do this work. I welcome all ages and all health concerns that people may have, both acute and chronic. Please check out my website: maclarenhomeopathy.com to learn more about homeopathy and how I practice.
Halcyon Hot Springs Resort has a wide variety of exclusive accommodations scattered throughout the serene, forested surroundings. Whether travelling for business or on family vacation, Halcyon has the right place for you. From private, exquisite cabins to family style cottages and grandiose loft chalets, our accommodations provide you with that private getaway experience. All our accommodations are within walking distance of the hot springs. With onsite SPA services and the Kingfisher Restaurant, you will not have to worry about a thing. When it comes time to rest, relax and rejuvenate, Halcyon is here for you. Welcome home.
A professional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture clinic located in the heart of downtown Nelson B.C.
Registered with the College of Chiropractors of BC (# 21819) and a member of the British Columbia and Canadian Chiropractic Associations , I continue to develop my knowledge and techniques through professional development. This includes: ·
- Certified Original Strength Practitioner – Original Strength System Screen and Assessment provider and Pressing RESET trainer
- Certified Yoga Instructor – Moksana Yoga Training Centre, Victoria
- Network Spinal Analysis, Donald Epstein, Italy
- Koren Specific Technique, United Kingdom
- Hoffman Technique, Steve Hoffman, Holland
- KiroKids Neuro Impulse Protocol, Neil Davies, Scotland
After 20 years working as a Chiropractor in the UK, Ireland and Montreal I am proud to call Nelson my home
I love what I do and am very passionate about natural health. Helping thousands of patients and families re-discover their health over the years has been extremely rewarding. And on a personal note, the difference chiropractic and living a healthy lifestyle has made to my family’s life has been enormous. I want to know your goals in wellness and functional fitness and help you achieve them through chiropractic, training and lifestyle changes. I consider it a privilege when people choose me for their care. I appreciate your trust and will do all I can for you, your family and anyone you may refer in the future.
Lake View Village is ideal for seniors who want an independent and active lifestyle without the worries of maintaining a home or depending on family for help.
The Village is a beautifully designed and well-crafted seniors’ lifestyle community. Our quality and maintenance-free suites and our staff’s attentive service give seniors the freedom to enjoy a high standard of living and pursue long-held retirement dreams.
We offer spacious studios and one- and two- bedroom wheel chair accessible suites that include a fridge, stove, window coverings, heat and air conditioning, cable and utilities. The addition of walk-in showers, raised toilets, grab bars, raised electrical outlets and lever handles add to the ease of day-to-day activities. Our 24hr emergency monitoring system provides the added security that allows you to experience the care-free lifestyle you deserve.
Jump aboard our courtesy shuttle bus when you have appointments to attend, errands to run or just want to enjoy a day of shopping.
Enjoy impeccable weekly housekeeping services. And, with the added convenience of our professional maintenance program, you’ll have time to relax in one of our many lounges, take part in our scheduled activity program and enjoy toe-tapping entertainment. For your enjoyment we offer a fitness room, computer lab, chapel, games room, salon and library. We also have a culture room with state of the art video conferencing technology to keep you connected to your family, friends, and even out of town doctors.
Daily choices of delicious and nutritionally balanced meals are available in our friendly dining room with its cozy fireplace and scenic views of the surrounding mountains or prairies. Invite friends and family to dine with you any night, including those special times each month when we serve our sumptuous buffet.
All of our Villages have hassle-free environments where you can come and go as you wish… always knowing someone is available if assistance is required. And for those who may require personal care assistance or medication reminders, we employ the most skilled and compassionate staff who will deliver services in the privacy of your own suite on your schedule.
With the addition of your furniture and decorating ideas, your private residence at one of our Villages is your home in every sense; your small pet is welcome as are your guests.
Just imagine the peace of mind knowing all these services are yours, for one affordable monthly rent. Continue to enjoy your independence, privacy and social life in a safe and rewarding community – this is retirement living the way it should be!
Our services provide a holistic educational support system that welcomes minds of all kinds as we strive to nurture individual potential, inspire academic excellence, and empower each learner on their unique educational journey.
We do this by addressing the diverse needs of students, from individualized tutoring to post-secondary preparation and academic strategizing.
We provide comprehensive support tailored to meet the diverse educational needs of our clients. Whether you’re a student seeking academic assistance, a parent navigating the complexities of post-secondary transitions, or an educator looking for resources to enhance your teaching practice, we’re here to empower you with the tools and guidance you need to succeed.

Nelson Clinic Pharmacy is located in the Medical Associates Clinic on the corner of Hendryx and Vernon St. Our pharmacy is independently and locally owned. We offer a variety of clinical services including vaccinations, compounding, smoking cessation therapy, medication reviews, compression therapy, brace fitting and blister packing for compliance.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm
Please note we are closed 12:30- 1pm to clean the pharmacy each day
Closed weekends and Stat Holidays
The world’s largest collection of authentic wellness retreats. Retreat Guru. Helping you find and book a retreat.
Our Vision
We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.
The best electric bicycles in Canada are the ones that fit you perfectly and are fun to ride.
When you ride a Pedego Electric Bike, it’s not about how great the electric bike is, it’s about how great you are on it.
Pedego brings out the best in you.
That’s why Pedego owners in Canada don’t like their bikes – they love them. And you will too.
First Aid Training in the Kootenays
It’s never too early to start thinking about planning for your retirement. It is the moment that many people crave during their working lives; others dread it: retirement, or unretirement or rewire. Regardless of the industry or profession, retirement comes to all of us. Let me help you and your employees who are entering into their retirement journey. Apart from the usual retirement office party or dinner, it is important to start preparing by: creating a plan & vision about what you or they want in their retirement, Help them to set goals, think about what they want to do when they retire. Writing this plan down now can help with downsizing, financial planning and creating a plan for the next 30 years. I can also help you to transition into a passion career or self employment once you retire.





