Coyote Tracks Program (ages 9-12) for racialized youth

The Coyote Tracks program was developed in response to the ongoing need for more safe and supportive group counselling experiences for male-identifying youth in late childhood. In Spring 2024, we are offering our first Coyote Tracks program for racialized male-identifying youth, including multi-racial. We recognize that both access to mental health services and access to outdoor spaces is significantly reduced for racialized individuals due to a variety of reasons, including financial or cultural barriers, stigma, and a limited sense of safety and belonging. In line with our mission to provide low-barrier counselling services and programs for all individuals, we are offering this program for racialized boys to experience supportive group counselling to reduce social isolation and mental health struggles, build confidence, learn coping skills, and connect with their love for nature. 

The program is suitable for male-identified racialized kids ages 9-12 who experience:

• Social Isolation
• difficulty with social skills
• ADD/ADHD
• Learning disabilities
• Generalized anxiety
• Autism Spectrum

Subsidies for this program are available thanks to the generous support from the Greater Victoria Savings & Credit Union Legacy Fund held at Vancity Community Foundation.

Our Facilitators:

The group will be facilitated by Nate Demetrius (RCC) and Kelly Nakatsuka (RTC), both of whom have many years of experience running outdoor groups, including Coyote Tracks.

Nate is a second generation Jamaican-Canadian who has lived on Esquimalt and Songhees territory for nearly 25 years. Because the Jamaican side of his family tree lives outside of Canada, he aims to build new relationships with his Jamaican identity in the coming years. Nate is excited to facilitate a group where visible minority and racialized children can share their similar (and different) experiences while connecting with nature and mental health.

Kelly is a third generation Japanese-Canadian who grew up largely separated from a part of his cultural heritage. His family were among those interned by the Canadian Government during the second world war, despite being born as Canadians. That trauma has rippled through the generations in his family and it has only been in more recent years, Kelly has begun the healing process and reconnecting to the Japanese part of his heritage. His personal experience and gentle manner with clients help to provide a safe and compassionate space to explore our inner and outer worlds. 

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Full payment for the group program is due upon registration. If this is not possible, we offer payment plans. Just contact our Program Manager, Zahura, for more information at [email protected]!

Your program spot is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or a no-show leaves a hole in the program that another client could have filled.

• Any cancellations made up to four weeks ahead of the program start date will receive a full refund.
• Any cancellations made within the four weeks ahead of the program start date will receive a 50% refund, unless the spot can be filled, in which case, a full refund minus a 5% administration fee will be offered.
• No refunds will be made for missed days after the program has started.

Please note that the Coyote Trax programs are highly in demand. Every fall, we prioritize new youth to take part in the program to give them a chance to experience it. If you have already taken part in Coyote Trax and would like to take part again, please let us know and we will add your name to our list for interest; however, we cannot guarantee that you will be given a spot in the program.

For further questions about our Group Programs, please contact Zahura at [email protected].