![]() ![]() |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate
Strategic Plan for Aboriginal CorrectionsInnovation, Learning & Adjustment Table of Contents
Annexes
Contact Us:
Senior Deputy Commissioner's MessageMuch has been accomplished in the last five years, as CSC has developed and implemented new approaches to Aboriginal corrections. I am proud of the innovation that has occurred. The dedication and commitment of Elders, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, community representatives and Aboriginal organizations in contributing to this work has been invaluable. There were certainly risks in trying new approaches, but initial results from evaluations and research support further development and implementation. What Aboriginal peoples have long sought in the justice system - an approach that integrates Aboriginal views of justice and reconciliation - is having a positive impact for Aboriginal communities as well as for individual offenders. We now know what needs to change and why. But just as important, we know what should not be changed. The Aboriginal corrections continuum of care adopted in 2003 is consistent with the four key components of CSC's overall correctional strategy - baseline risk and needs assessment at intake, research-based interventions that resp0nd to those risks and needs, re-assessment for decision-making, and community reintegration. This strategic plan articulates a vision for Aboriginal corrections that will take us beyond development and implementation of correctional interventions, to enhancing capacities to provide interventions for Aboriginal offenders within a continuum of care model that respects the diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders and their communities. It calls for greater integration of Aboriginal initiatives and considerations throughout our organization, with other levels of government and with Aboriginal peoples. Section 84 of the CCRA legislates community notification and engagement when an Aboriginal offender wants to be released to an Aboriginal community. In practice, we know that community acceptance and capacity to support an offender after release is essential in every case. Not all Aboriginal communities are ready to participate. Immediate needs in the areas of health, housing and infrastructure take priority. As Aboriginal communities define their needs and aspirations in relation to community safety and crime prevention, we need to work with our partners to respond to those needs in a cohesive way. A wholistic approach to community healing and development means working from the community's perspective to identify what we can bring to the process. Ultimately, our results will be measured in terms of public safety - the contribution that Aboriginal-specific interventions make to reducing the rate of violent re-offending while individuals are under CSC jurisdiction and the contribution that those interventions make to helping offenders sustain progress beyond the end of their sentence. Don Head
Director General's MessageThis strategic plan articulates our vision for Aboriginal corrections - to ensure a federal correctional system that is responsive to the needs of Aboriginal offenders and that contributes to safe and healthy communities. For over 20 years, Elders have provided services in institutions during some very challenging circumstances. Beginning with the introduction of Aboriginal Liaison Officers and of healing lodges over the past 10 years, Elders have become integral to every part of CSC's business. More recently, the first phase of the Aboriginal Effective Corrections Initiative gave us funding for research to better understand the diverse needs of Aboriginal offenders and to develop and pilot new approaches that incorporate Aboriginal values, cultures and traditions in our correctional operations. We now have a continuum of care model that has, at its core, spiritual and cultural interventions provided by Elders and core national correctional programs based their teachings and guidance. The initial results from implementation of interventions within this model are demonstrating positive results. We are making progress, but it takes time. Our strategic plan for Aboriginal Corrections articulates our vision, to ensure a federal correctional system that responds to the needs of offenders and that contributes to safe and healthy communities. Our five-year strategy builds on the learning of the last 10 years, with three key areas of focus:
Our priority in these three areas is to enhance capacities to provide effective interventions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders. However, we cannot forget that correctional interventions alone will not make a difference. Correctional results are important, but these results are about people. We cannot impact the over-representation of Aboriginal people, or recidivism rates, without community involvement, support and capacity. At the end of the day, it will be Aboriginal and Canadian communities which will have the power to change these results. For CSC, this means working to ensure a strong network of support after release, to help Aboriginal offenders sustain the progress made during their sentence. And it means respecting that communities, whether on-reserve or off, rural or urban, remote or Northern, have different capacities to support correctional initiatives. It is essential that we decrease the gap in correctional results between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders throughout the sentence. Our contribution, through this strategy, will provide offenders with the tools to make better choices to contribute to their community with a more traditional Aboriginal lens. What this means for Aboriginal communities is that their members will return healthier than when they left. Their families and communities will be safer because of these efforts and Canada will be safer. Lisa Allgaier
ContextIn their 1996 report, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples brought to the attention of governments and the public the severity of problems for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The Commission concluded that “the justice system has failed Aboriginal peoples” and the key indicator of this failure was the steadily increasing over-representation in Canadian penitentiaries and prisons. Other research had demonstrated persistent over-representation at all levels of Canada’s justice system. Greater recognition and understanding of Aboriginal community issues and Aboriginal cultures and traditions were identified as crucial to address these problems. While issues of over-representation presented serious challenges, there was also extensive interest in Aboriginal self-government, a separate justice system, and strategies for supporting the development of Aboriginal communities. Revised legal frameworks and jurisdictional arrangements were central to Aboriginal proposals for legislative reform. Amendments to the Criminal Code followed, introducing provisions for alternative measures and diversion programs. Section 718.2(e) specifically required that sentencing judges take into consideration all available sanctions other than imprisonment for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders. In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada decision R. v. Gladue provided further direction on how to apply Section 718.2(e). In this case, the original decision of the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that this Section did not apply, as the accused was living off reserve. While the British Columbia Court of Appeal upheld the original decision, Justice Rowles wrote a strong dissenting opinion on the extent of systemic discrimination in the criminal justice system. The Supreme Court ruled that Section 718.2(e) did apply. The Court further required sentencing judges to use a two-part test for considering the circumstances of all Aboriginal offenders:
The Court further identified the specific background factors to apply in analyzing individual situations. The decision acknowledged the place in the criminal justice system of Aboriginal beliefs on justice and reconciliation and on the interconnectedness between individuals, families and communities (be it urban, rural or reserve). Our Relationship with Aboriginal PeoplesThe Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) 1992 was one piece in a series of legislative reforms to the criminal justice system. The CCRA targeted offenders at highest risk to public safety for the most restrictive provisions of the legislation while providing legislative options for managing lower risk offenders. It made public safety the paramount consideration for all decision-making about an offender. It also responded to some of the most significant issues raised by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples about the corrections and conditional release system. The CCRA fundamentally redefined the relationship between CSC and Aboriginal peoples when it came into effect on November 1, 1992. For the first time, the law gave Aboriginal peoples a place in the development and delivery of federal correctional policies, programs and services and a place for Aboriginal spirituality and culture in the correctional environment. And it gave CSC an obligation to consider offender health status in all decision-making about offenders - an obligation that is consistent with Aboriginal belief in the inter-connectedness of all aspects of life. Annex A identifies the Aboriginal-specific provisions in the CCRA. CSC's first priority was to develop a policy to accommodate the practice of Aboriginal spirituality and culture within federal penitentiaries. Commissioner's Directive 702 on Aboriginal Programming was issued in 1995, following consultation with Elders and Aboriginal Liaison Officers working in institutions. Inmates belonging to Native Brotherhood and Native Sisterhood groups and working on behalf of Aboriginal offenders participated in this consultation. The policy provided a framework of definitions, considerations and guidelines for implementation. What was still lacking, however, were ways to integrate culturally appropriate operations, programs and services throughout the system and to engage Aboriginal communities in doing so. The concept of an Aboriginal healing lodge integrating Aboriginal beliefs on justice and reconciliation first emerged from the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women in 1990. The concept was a collaborative effort with CSC, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and the Native Women's Association of Canada. Annex B provides a description of the concept presented in the Task Force's final report. As the Task Force continued development of an operational plan for implementation, a subsequent incident at the Prison for Women in April 1994 provided further impetus for action. It focused public attention on the plight of Aboriginal women offenders, their disconnect from their families and communities and their need for healing. Working with the Nekaneet First Nation in Saskatchewan, the first healing lodge for Aboriginal women, Okimaw Ohci, opened in 1995. The first healing lodge for Aboriginal men followed in 1997. The Quest for Correctional ChangeThe increasingly disproportionate representation of Aboriginal peoples in the federal offender population led to establishment of an Aboriginal Issues Branch as part of the Correctional Operations and Programs Sector at National Headquarters in the early 1990’s. The first task for the Director General, following completion of Commissioner’s Directive 702 in 1995, was to lead development of a national strategy for Aboriginal corrections. In 1997, CSC’s Executive Committee approved the strategy, with five major objectives: 1) to strengthen Aboriginal offender programming;
Key initiatives included:
Engaging Aboriginal Communities 2000 to 2005
The bulk of the funding ($11.9 million) was initially dedicated to developing additional Aboriginal healing lodges with Aboriginal communities. Emerging research evidence was demonstrating that reconnection with families and communities improved outcomes and reduced recidivism. But by the end of 2002, several failed attempts to establish and sustain new healing lodges identified two key barriers to progress. First, while some Aboriginal communities were interested in developing healing lodges, many lacked the capacity and/or expertise to engage in the planning, development and implementation of community-based alternatives. Priorities for rural and remote communities, including the North, were focused on more immediate needs such as health, housing, and economic development. Priorities in urban centres were targeting the same needs, as well as issues related to social marginalization for Aboriginal peoples. Secondly, an examination in 2002 of outcomes for offenders who had been released from healing lodges, found higher rates of recidivism than for Aboriginal offenders released from CSC minimum security institutions (19% versus 13%). CSC lacked Aboriginal-specific programs in institutions to help offenders prepare for the healing lodge environment. An audit of access to spiritual and cultural services in 2000 had indicated only 3% of Aboriginal offenders identified affiliation with Aboriginal spirituality on admission, suggesting the need for a continuum of interventions that would begin on admission. As a result of these findings, CSC refocused efforts on adjusting operational approaches throughout the sentence, to help Aboriginal offenders reconnect with their culture and communities, and to better understand the diverse needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders and their communities. At the end of this five-year initiative, CSC had developed and implemented a number of initiatives within a Continuum of Care model created with the guidance of Elders and the participation of national Aboriginal organizations. These included:
Ongoing Initiatives
Based on these results, the federal Treasury Board approved $3.7 million annually in ongoing funding to:
As a condition of this approval, CSC must provide Treasury Board with an evaluation by June 30, 2009, of how these initiatives contribute to the broader CSC reintegration results. The Aboriginal Corrections Continuum of CareThe Aboriginal Corrections Continuum of Care model (to be referred to as Continuum), introduced in 2003, was developed in consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders working with CSC to develop new approaches to addressing Aboriginal offender needs. Aboriginal community research indicated that the major factors contributing to Aboriginal offenders’ success upon release were their participation in spiritual and cultural activities, as well as, programs (preferably delivered by Aboriginal people) and the support they received from family and community. The Medicine Wheel, found at the centre of the Continuum, reflects research findings that culture teachings and ceremonies (core aspects of Aboriginal identity) appear critical to the healing process. Representing the cycle of life from conception to return to the Spirit World, the Medicine Wheel is a reminder that correctional interventions developed and implemented for Aboriginal offenders must take into consideration the past, the present and the future direction of Aboriginal people as a whole and of the Aboriginal person as an individual. Surrounding the Medicine Wheel is the Aboriginal community, which includes both on-reserve and urban communities made up of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. The Continuum recognizes that Aboriginal communities must be involved in supporting Aboriginal offenders during their healing journey and reintegration, as they link offenders to their history, culture, and spirituality. The Continuum also reflects the importance of community support at every step during administration of the sentence. Integrating Aboriginal culture and spirituality within CSC operations, the Continuum:
IMPLEMENTING THE CONTINUUM OF CARE
Elders First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders contribute throughout the sentence to meeting the cultural and spiritual needs of diverse Aboriginal offenders. They provide guidance and leadership in correctional planning/intervention for those who wish to follow a traditional healing path. Aboriginal Liaison Officers
Aboriginal Correctional Program Officers
Pathways Healing Units
Healing Lodges (minimum security)
Aboriginal Community Development Officers
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers
INTEGRATING THE ABORIGINAL CONTINUUM OF CARE Corporate and operational policies that are culturally appropriate and recognize the impacts on Aboriginal offenders are key in addressing systemic barriers that result in the over-representation of Aboriginal offenders in the federal correctional system. The decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Gladue
Intake Assessment
Correctional Programming
Security
Health Care
Case Management
Aboriginal People in Federal CustodyAboriginal offenders continue to be disproportionately represented at all levels of the criminal justice system, including in the federal correctional system. At the end of March 2006, Aboriginal people represented 16.7% of federally-sentenced offenders compared to 1.7% of the Canadian adult population. Statistics Canada population projections to 2017 suggest that the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal peoples among newly sentenced offenders will continue to grow in federal and provincial/territorial correctional systems, particularly in the West and in the North. This expectation is based on projected growth in the 20-29 age group (40% for Aboriginal Canadians compared to 9% for non-Aboriginal Canadians). In 2004-05, 50.4% of offenders admitted to federal custody were under the age of 30, compared to 38.5% of non-Aboriginal offenders. Aboriginal Offenders on Admission A 2004 CSC Research report highlighted the diversity of Aboriginal offenders on admission to federal custody. The report found significant differences in background, offence patterns and the assessed risk among First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders. Approximately 68% of the federal Aboriginal offender population are First Nations, 34% are Métis and 4% are Inuit. First Nations offenders were characterized as having extensive previous involvement in the criminal justice system and histories of violent criminal behaviour (homicide offences 28% and serious assault 39%). The seriousness of these offences, along with various other factors, has led to a greater number of First Nations offenders recommended for maximum security, as compared to Métis and Inuit offenders. Métis offenders were incarcerated most often for robbery (40%), drug offences (17%) and break and enters (38%). Two-thirds of the Inuit population (62%) were incarcerated for sex offences, which is substantially higher than First Nations (22%) and Métis (16%) offenders. A larger proportion of Inuit offenders (85%) are classified on admission as high risk to re-offend, as compared to First Nation (73%) and Métis (68%) offenders. For all three groups within the total federal inmate population in 2004, 23% were identified as having gang affiliations, compared to 14% in 1997. Offenders convicted of a violent offence as defined in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (murder or an offence listed on Schedule I) are systematically targeted at the beginning of their sentence for the most restrictive provision of the legislation - detention beyond their Statutory Release Date. The following tables identifies the proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders as of April 10, 2005, who were immediately flagged on admission for detention review.
These are key factors in determining initial security classification within the criteria established in the CCRA and the Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations. Aboriginal offenders are more frequently classified as maximum security on admission. Public Safety Results The proportion of Aboriginal offenders charged or convicted of a violent offence in the community was 3.6% during 2005-06, the lowest since 2000-01. This proportion ranged from 3.9% to 5.5% (in 2001-02) during the previous five years. However, there is still a significant gap in the rate of violent re-offending between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders while under supervision in the community. Aboriginal offenders are more than twice as likely as non-Aboriginal offenders, to be charged or convicted of a violent offence while under CSC supervision (3.6% compared to 1.3% in 2005-06). Data on offenders released from federal custody in 2003-04 reflect that 13.5% of Aboriginal offenders returned within two years with new federal sentences, compared to 10.0% for non-Aboriginal offenders. Correctional Results Compared to non-Aboriginal offenders, the gap in positive results for Aboriginal offenders across the spectrum of correctional processes throughout the sentence remains significant. Federally-sentenced Aboriginal offenders continue to be more likely to be incarcerated (18.7% of those incarcerated at the end of March 2006) than to be in the community on a supervised release (13.6% of those under supervision). They serve a greater proportion of their sentences in institutions and have higher rates of reincarceration during periods of conditional release (i.e. revocations of release, with or without a new offence). Aboriginal offenders under supervision in the community are more likely to be on a more restrictive form of release - either Day Parole or Statutory Release, rather than Full Parole. At the end of March 2006, they represented 16.1% of those on Day Parole, 9.6% of those on Full Parole, and 17.0% of those on Statutory Release. In 2005-06, 29.8% of offenders released from institutions at their Warrant Expiry Date (62 of 208) were Aboriginal. The Way ForwardOUR VISION
Defining a common vision and priorities is a critical step to building on the learning and innovation of the past 10 years in Aboriginal corrections. Reasonable agreement with regard to involvement and responsibility of key stakeholders is needed to specify what more can be accomplished to reduce the disproportionate representation of incarcerated Aboriginal peoples. Creating the conditions for success requires respecting the jurisdictional mandates of governments, the aspirations of Aboriginal communities and organizations, and the needs of Aboriginal offenders. Communication and partnerships among governments and especially Aboriginal service providers is key to moving forward in meeting our vision. In October 2005, the Commissioner of Corrections announced a realignment of responsibilities to carry out this work. The Senior Deputy Commissioner assumed direct responsibility for leadership to integrate ongoing CSC initiatives within the broader framework of collaboration and coordination within the federal government, with other levels of government, and with Aboriginal communities. Projections of greater Aboriginal youth involvement in crime and the impact of that crime may increase resistance to offenders' presence in communities and their participation in community-based healing approaches. However, engaging communities in correctional initiatives can also facilitate innovation and transition as they seek to develop culturally appropriate approaches to prevent crime and victimization. Improving Public Safety and Correctional Results Research and evaluations of Aboriginal-specific interventions developed over the last five years are demonstrating positive results both for public safety and for correctional operations. Aboriginal offenders who participated in Pathways units had a significantly lower rate of re-0ffending after release (17% compared to 35% for Aboriginal offenders who have not resided on those units). These units are also proving to be safer environments for CSC staff and for Aboriginal offenders, with lower rates of violent incidents and detected drug use. Data for 2003-04 and 2004-05 reflect similar results for healing lodges - safer work environments for staff and inmates and a greater proportion of Aboriginal offenders who have been released from healing lodges are successfully completing their supervision periods. Similar improvements are evident where Aboriginal Community Development Officers have engaged communities in the development of offender release plans. The short-term data for offenders who have participated in Aboriginal-specific interventions suggest that the risk of re-offending can be reduced further through culturally appropriate programs and services within the Continuum of Care. However, culturally appropriate programs and services are not yet universally available to Aboriginal offenders within institutions and in communities. Many of the national Aboriginal correctional programs are still being piloted or have only recently been implemented. Ongoing evaluation and adjustment is needed to ensure their effectiveness. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders have played and will continue to play a critical role in narrowing the gap in correctional results between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders. They participate in the identification and orientation of Aboriginal offenders on admission. They provide access to ceremonies and teachings within their unique cultures. They help them re-establish connections with their families and communities. And they assist CSC and communities in planning for the offender's eventual return. Where an offender chooses to initiate a healing journey, the Elder becomes part of the Case Management Team. He or she participates in developing a healing plan that will guide all CSC staff in supporting the offender during the sentence and to continue their healing journey after release. OUR PRIORITY
The Aboriginal Corrections Continuum of Care model now forms the basis by which CSC identifies priorities for action. While much has been accomplished internally, there is a need to further develop and implement Aboriginal initiatives within this model and to fully integrate correctional initiatives with Aboriginal communities and other levels of government. Increased Aboriginal involvement at all levels and across CSC will respond to the needs of the individual offenders once in the community. CSC must also respond to the community's needs, working to build acceptance of the offender back in the community to support the individual to continue their healing journey. OUR RESULTS COMMITMENT
Public safety results for Aboriginal offenders will be measured in relation to CSC's overall public safety results by the gap in results between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders for violent and non-violent re-offending, including:
Effectiveness of Aboriginal-specific interventions in improving outcomes for Aboriginal offenders will be measured in comparison with Aboriginal offenders who do not participate in these types of interventions. KEY OBJECTIVES This strategic plan outlines the initiatives that CSC will undertake over the next five years in order to improve outcomes for Aboriginal offenders. Initiatives will be developed in every area of CSC, at all levels, to address the gaps in implementation of the Continuum of Care. Performance Agreements for all executives in CSC will include accountabilities for contribution to the Aboriginal corrections agenda, to ensure integration throughout the organization. Each year will build on the previous year with measurable results to show at the end of the five year plan. Three key objectives have been identified: 1) Culturally appropriate interventions that address the specific criminogenic needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit men and women offenders CSC will take action to fully implement the Continuum of Care model, in consultation with Aboriginal leaders and communities, to respond to the diverse needs of men and women Aboriginal offenders and their communities. Initiatives will focus on:
2) Enhance Collaboration CSC will enhance horizontal collaboration and coordination within CSC, within the Public Safety portfolio, and with other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations and stakeholders, to contribute to Aboriginal community development and to help Aboriginal offenders initiate and sustain their healing journeys. Initiatives will focus on three key areas:
3) Address systemic barriers internally and increase CSC cultural competence CSC will take action to make the organization more aware of and representative of Aboriginal cultures. Enhancing cultural competence will permit further identification and removal of systemic barriers to ensure that Aboriginal offenders can be successfully and safely reintegrated at the earliest possible time in their sentences. Initiatives will focus on three key areas:
Specific actions are included each year in CSC's annual Report on Plans and Priorities to Parliament. Who's Accountable? Every individual working in CSC contributes to achieving measurable improvements in Aboriginal corrections. Results and Performance The Commissioner of CSC has overall accountability for achievement of public safety results. A National Aboriginal Advisory Committee, chaired by the Commissioner, provides expert advice on all aspects of Aboriginal corrections. The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Program and the Deputy Commissioner for Women share accountability for results throughout the correctional continuum for Aboriginal men and women offenders respectively. They are also accountable to integrate Aboriginal considerations and initiatives within policies, programs and services to achieve those results. The Director General Aboriginal Initiatives and the National Elders Working Group provide subject-matter expertise within CSC to address cross-sector and operational implementation issues. Regional Deputy Commissioners are accountable achievement of results for implementation of Aboriginal-specific policies, programs and services. They are supported by Regional Administrators responsible for Aboriginal Initiatives and Regional Aboriginal Advisory Committees who provide functional expertise to address the diverse cultures and traditions of Aboriginal communities in their geographic areas of responsibility. Governance and Strategic Direction The Senior Deputy Commissioner has direct responsibility for the advancement of Aboriginal Corrections within CSC, to provide leadership in integrating Aboriginal initiatives within the federal government framework for management of Aboriginal Affairs, and for external collaboration and coordination with other levels of government. The Director General, Aboriginal Initiatives, with the assistance of a National Elders Working Group, provides strategic advice on the development of intergovernmental initiatives and supports the SDC in his role. The Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Research, is responsible for strategic policy and human rights in relation to Aboriginal offenders. The Sector also ensures that Aboriginal issues raised by the Correctional Investigator, by human rights organizations and through CSC's offender redress system are addressed. Corporate Accountabilities Other Sectors of CSC are instrumental in integrating Aboriginal considerations in corporate policies and processes to support the management of Aboriginal corrections. Performance Assurance Sector: assesses, measures, analyses, evaluates, and monitors operational and management performance in relation to Aboriginal offenders. Legal Services The General Counsel is the focal point for the resolution of legal issues, and interprets policies, directives and guidelines in relation to Aboriginal offenders. Human Resource Management Sector is accountable for integration of Aboriginal considerations in human resource planning for recruitment, retention and development of staff capacity to support implementation of the Strategic Plan. Corporate Services is accountable for the implementation of effective financial management and reporting on expenditures related to Aboriginal corrections, including Parliamentary reporting on spending for Aboriginal corrections. Communication and Citizen Engagement is the focal point for stakeholder engagement at the national level, as well as public education, citizen engagement (voluntary sector, volunteers and Citizen's Advisory Committees) and outreach to Aboriginal communities. ANNEX A - Corrections and Conditional Release Act
ANNEX B - Creating Choices: Report of the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women April 1990The Aboriginal Healing Lodge This section of the recommended plan was developed in consultation with Aboriginal members of the Task Force. Further changes may evolve from continuing consultation with Aboriginal communities during the implementation stage of the Report. A Healing Lodge will be established in a prairie location. Potential locations must be sought by Aboriginal communities, not the Correctional Service of Canada. The location eventually chosen must be acceptable to both Aboriginal communities and the Correctional Service of Canada. The connection of the Lodge to an Aboriginal community will be essential to its survival. The development of the Lodge will also require the expertise of Aboriginal women whose input will be facilitated through the establishment of an Advisory Council to the Correctional Service of Canada for this initiative. Overall responsibility for programs for Aboriginal women will be given to the Elders Council in each region. The Lodge will be premised on principles which promote:
Design
Accommodation options for women at the Lodge will include communal living areas, family living units, and opportunities to live close to the land. Assessment and Case Planning
Elders
Programs
The outreach aspect of the Lodge will also support a minimum of one Community Worker who will establish linkages to Aboriginal women both entering and leaving the correctional system. Administration and Staff
Staff selected to work at the Healing Lodge will be Aboriginal and will be recruited with high emphasis on their life experience and their ability to act as positive role models for the women serving sentences. There will be a place for professionals in the Healing Lodge, but this role will be supportive rather than central to the leadership of the Lodge. Non-Aboriginal staff may be recruited from time to time in a support role for specific skills and expertise. Staff at all levels must have the ability to live the example of what they are teaching.
|
![]() |
![]() | |
![]() |
Last Updated:
2006.10.10
|