NCJ Number
183096
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2000 Pages: 48-50
Editor(s)
Larry Motiuk Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Okimaw Ohci (Thunder Hills) Healing Lodge is a 30-bed facility for federally sentenced Aboriginal women located in Cyprus Hills, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Abstract
The lodge has been in operation since October 1995 to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of federally sentenced Aboriginal women. It is designed to house up to 30 women and up to 10 children under 4 years of age. A holistic healing strategy is the focus of the lodge, and all activities and programs are guided by the concept of Aboriginal healing. Healing is viewed as a lifelong process; the premise is that residents will start their road to healing at the lodge and will continue when they leave. Core programs focus on substance abuse prevention, living without violence, cognitive living skills, literacy, and education. These programs are presented in a culturally and gender-sensitive manner. Cultural activities include beadwork, sewing, drumming, and singing. Under the mother and child program, children live with their mothers and go to the day care center during the day while mothers participate in programs. Elder services are available on a 24-hour basis to provide support, guidance, inspiration, and hope. Mental health services are also provided, as well as counseling services and mediation and conflict resolution programs. The author indicates that the lodge is effective since only 6 of 50 women released to date have re-offended. 3 footnotes