Facts and Figures

Aboriginal initiatives

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Aboriginal healing lodges

CSC is working towards meeting some of the Aboriginal-specific accommodation needs of Aboriginal federal offenders, through the establishment of healing lodges.

Introduction:

  • CSC currently operates or funds Aboriginal communities for 8 (eight) healing lodges across Canada;
  • They are developed and operated in partnership with Aboriginal communities;
  • The majority of staff members, including the Directors, are of Aboriginal descent; and
  • Preliminary research demonstrates that they are providing appropriate safe reintegration results.

Overview:

  • Healing Lodges, such as Pê Sâkâstêw Centre and Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge have been operating in the Samson Cree and Nekaneet First Nation communities for approximately 5 years.
  • CSC is establishing the Willow Cree Healing Lodge on the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation.
  • Agreements under Section 81of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act for the operation of Healing Lodges, have been signed with several Healing Lodges, including:
    • Native Counselling Services for the operation of the Stan Daniels Healing Centre;
    • Prince Albert Grand Council for the Wahpeton Healing Lodge
    • Ochichakkosipi First Nation Healing Lodge; and
    • Waseskun Healing Centre in Quebec.
  • In addition, the Somba Ke' Healing Lodge in the NWT is contemplating Section 81.

Future:

  • CSC is considering the development of additional Healing Lodges in Canada.
  • Three National Meetings of Current and Developing Healing Lodge Representatives were recently held in 2000-01. Working groups are established to examine issues, such as standards development; Aboriginal programming; Aboriginal employment/staff issues; offender recruitment issues and a professional association.
  • CSC is in discussions with various Aboriginal communities, on the possibility of carrying out CCRA section 81 agreements for the operation of existing CSC healing lodges.