Commissioner's Speeches

Opening Ceremony Willow Cree Healing Lodge
Nîpisikopawiyiniwak Nânâtawihôkamik
(Nip-cii-ka-paw-wi-no-wak
Na-na-to-wi-hoo-ka-mic)

Remarks by:

Lucie McClung
Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada

June 25, 2003
Duck Lake, Saskatchewan


Check against delivery

Respected Elders, Chiefs, Minister Easter, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good day.

I was last here two years ago - on July 9, 2001 - for the sod turning ceremony and today, it is with privilege that I stand before you to celebrate the opening of this unique facility and to have the opportunity to speak with you.

The Willow Cree Healing Lodge is the ninth healing lodge to be established in Canada to assist Aboriginal offenders in their reintegration.

As indicated by Minister Easter, we are together today because we share a common goal: to contribute to the wellbeing of communities. In this case, we are doing so by assisting Aboriginal offenders to heal and to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Healing lodges provide Aboriginal offenders with programs and interventions that are culturally and spiritually meaningful, thereby creating an environment that is more conducive to healing and transformation. They are designed and built around the Aboriginal culture, traditions and wisdoms through the guidance and blessings of Elders and various community members.

The creation of healing lodges is the result of strong and unique partnerships with First Nation and Aboriginal communities, such as yours.

These partnerships recognize that more targeted and culturally-based programs and services were required if we truly wanted to affect change on both an individual and collective basis.

Although lodges are an important part of our strategy to address the specific needs of Aboriginal offenders, they are one component among many others. We must also turn our attention to the establishment of a full continuum of services - from assessment through to safe release.

In line with a more comprehensive strategy, spiritual and cultural ceremonies and recognition of spiritual grounds and sacred sites are available in federal penitentiaries. Also, programs have been and continue to be adjusted to include cultural components.

With the valuable contributions of Aboriginal communities and organizations across the country, it is fair to say that we have come a long way.

However, I must agree with Minister Easter that there is still much to be done to improve the health and safety of our communities.

The partnerships we have forged with Aboriginal communities over the past 15 years, including Willow Cree, are examples to be emulated in communities across Canada. Aboriginal communities have greatly enhanced corrections for their members.

Communities have recognized the importance of the process of healing in crime prevention - a process involving the offender, persons who have been affected by the crime and community members themselves.

And in so doing, they have supported the successful reintegration of offenders and sought to create the social conditions that lead to wellness.

Indeed, the offenders have come to believe that success is possible - that there is a community where they can return. And members of your community have come to deal with their return, by asking questions, by supporting the individual, by caring and wanting to make a difference.

Working in partnership with you is crucial since we know very well that a supportive community is a key factor in ensuring successful reintegration.

I am very happy about the partnership that the Correctional Service of Canada has forged with the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation. On behalf of the Correctional Service of Canada, I am honoured to be part of this partnership.

Without the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation efforts, today would not have happened.

And, although we must recognize that we will encounter many challenges tomorrow, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and underline the value of your support and commitment to partaking in this journey of healing with us.

Thank you.