‘Atsoo 

Noun. (‘a) (tsoo)

Grandmother (in Carrier language)

At the heart of CSFS and our Nations is a ground-breaking initiative fostering healing and connection through an inter-generational approach to mental health services. Officially launched in November 2023, the ‘Atsoo Program, brought to life by the CSFS mental health team, stands as a beacon in the community as a mental health prevention service.

‘Atsoo program was designed to address understaffing of child and youth mental health clinicians in community and create opportunities for clinicians to not only add culture into their programming, but also gain access to community through building capacity in the knowledge holders’ lives, honouring them in the process. 

The program aims to connect youth and families with an ‘Atsoo for knowledge or guidance and to foster cultural learning. Grandmothers visit homes to teach young ones, and interact with young mothers. We had a chance to hear more about the program from Co-ordinator Janice Nooski and Program Director Marilyn Janzen.

“The importance of being seen, supported, and loved cannot be overstated, especially for adolescents navigating the complexities of modern life,” Janice shares. “The ‘Atsoos become not only mentors but also symbols of strength, resilience, and cultural identity for the youth.” 

The launch of the program in Nadleh was a momentous occasion filled with both emotion and excitement bearing witness to ‘Atsoos acknowledging the need for responsibility and embracing their roles by stepping into spaces often reserved for clinicians or healthcare professionals. This is a testament to their commitment and dedication to their communities’ well-being. ‘Atsoos and clinicians embraced their newfound responsibilities with anticipation, ready to illuminate the path for their youth. In January of last year, the team also carried out with the ‘Atsoo training, where they provided much needed information and received critical feedback to assist in the creation of a concrete plan. The program has developed a training manual to help facilitate capacity building programs and events.

As the program expands, the vision includes having ‘Atsoos from each Nation actively participating. This inclusive approach ensures the initiative remains rooted in the diverse cultural makeup of our culture. By empowering ‘Atsoos from different regions, the program becomes an avenue capable of addressing unique challenges and celebrating distinct cultural strengths.  

“I came across the statement, ‘Grandmas don't leave’ from the Friendship Bench Project created by Dr. Dixon Chibanda. When I heard of this idea looking at where I come from, thinking of my mother as a grandmother in our community, witnessing her reclaiming that title of ‘Atsoo. I believe it changed her and those around because she's chosen to take up the role and the responsibility it comes with. The naming of this program was attributed to her instance and to other ‘Atsoos who desire to step into that space,” Marilyn shares as a parting shot.

Beyond surface impact on mental health outcomes, the ‘Atsoo program is a living testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous cultures. It offers a model of community-driven solutions that blend traditional wisdom with contemporary mental health practices. In a world where mental health has become a shared concern, this program stands out as a shining example of how collaboration and cultural sensitivity can lead to transformative change, and how change can be carried out by present and active community members. Who better to help with change than the individuals always in community, with knowledge about the culture?

‘Atsoo Program is referral based, working closely with Mental Health and Youth Services. Clinicians can refer to the program, and co-ordinate with the ‘Atsoo in-community to meet the child or youth and proceed scheduling sessions together. For now, the program serves youth aged 12-19 years.

If you are an ‘Atsoo and would like to be a part of the program or you desire to know more reach out to: Janice Nooski, Mental Health Support Services Manager jnooski@csfs.org