Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Waseskun has had success stories, including residents who have gone on to become key figures in their communities. One former resident, who asked to be identified only as John, now works in the addictions field and is a spiritual adviser. He credits the healing lodge with helping him overcome his addictions and traumas.
“If I didn’t come here, I probably would have died,” John said. “I would have ended up back in prison or I would have ended up dead.”
Waseskun’s successes are not unique. Healing lodges across the country have shown promising results in reducing recidivism rates and helping offenders reintegrate into society. But the lack of funding and resources for these facilities means that many Indigenous offenders do not have access to the healing they need.
Zinger and other advocates are calling for increased investment in Indigenous-led healing centres as a way to address the crisis of over-incarceration of Indigenous people in Canada. By providing culturally informed support and a safe environment for healing, these facilities offer an alternative to the punitive approach of conventional prisons.
As the sun sets over Waseskun, the men gather for a final smudge ceremony, sending their prayers and intentions out into the universe. In this healing circle, they find strength, support, and a sense of community that is often lacking in the conventional prison system.
As the healing lodge continues to provide a safe space for Indigenous offenders to heal and grow, advocates hope that more resources will be allocated to these facilities in order to break the cycle of incarceration and provide a path forward for Indigenous people in Canada.
**Indigenous Healing Lodges in Canada Facing Funding Disparities**
In a recent report released by Zinger, it was highlighted that despite calls for more healing lodges and for communities to run them, there has been little progress. The report revealed that there are only 53 more beds in community-run healing lodges compared to a decade ago. Additionally, there are still no healing lodges in the North, Ontario, or Atlantic Canada.
The current healing lodges are operating at an average of 51% capacity, with Zinger attributing this to the low number of individuals being transferred to them. Furthermore, funding disparities were found between community-run healing lodges and those managed by Correctional Services Canada (CSC). Indigenous-run lodges receive only 62 cents for every dollar provided to their CSC counterparts.
Correctional Services spokesperson Chris MacMillan stated that CSC-run lodges often require more funds due to residents with higher security needs and the need to cover healthcare expenses. However, Zinger believes that the underlying cause of the funding disparity is discrimination, advocating for more control and authority to be given to healing lodges run by Indigenous communities.
The report by Zinger sheds light on the challenges faced by Indigenous healing lodges in Canada and the need for greater support and resources. With the current funding disparities and lack of expansion in key regions, there is a pressing need for action to address these issues and ensure that healing lodges can effectively support those in need.
As the conversation around Indigenous healing lodges continues, it is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to address the funding gaps and work towards a more equitable system that prioritizes the well-being and rehabilitation of individuals in the justice system..
