Commissioner's update for correctional employees: August 25 2025

This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.

30th anniversary of Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge

Last week, we recognized the 30th anniversary of Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge (OOHL) – a significant milestone for all of us at CSC. The anniversary is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Creating Choices report.

During the ceremony, attendees had the honour of hearing from Elders, A/Kikawinaw Melissa Wickenheiser, Regional Deputy Commissioner Jason Hope, and Deputy Commissioner for Women Amy Jarrette.

Thirty years ago, OOHL was a bold and innovative proposal in federal corrections. Created in response to the Creating Choices report, the healing lodge was designed to meet the specific needs of federally incarcerated Indigenous women as they transition back into the community. Guided by the wisdom of Elders and Indigenous communities, OOHL offers culturally sensitive programs and services to women in our care and custody.

I am deeply grateful to the Elders, Indigenous communities and CSC staff who have worked together at OOHL. Thank you for your hard work and service over the past 30 years. I look forward to continuing this meaningful work with all of you in the years ahead.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

On August 20, Justice Canada tabled the 2025 annual progress report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA). The Act provides a roadmap for the Government of Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples to work together to implement the Declaration based on lasting reconciliation, healing, and cooperative relations.

CSC continues to work with Indigenous community partners who help us:

• provide culturally specific interventions and services to federally sentenced Indigenous people
• support their safe and successful reintegration

To learn more about the UNDA, visit:

• Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act

International Dog Day

Every August 26, on International Dog Day, we take a moment to celebrate CSC’s amazing Detector Dogs and their handlers. Join me in congratulating the latest Detector Dog Teams (DDT) who graduated and joined the Detector Dog program in 2025:

• K9 Marshall
• K9 Billie
• K9 Kayla
• K9 Rain 

CSC’s Detector Dog graduates

All DDTs re-train and re-certify on an annual basis to ensure they are working at the highest standards. Congratulations to all the teams at our institutions who continue to strive and excel every year. Thank you for your work in keeping our institutions, properties, staff, inmates and the public safe.

Prisons Inside / Out podcast – Behind the Badge

As part of our Front-Line Friday series, we’re reflecting on our Behind the Badge interview series on our podcast Prisons Inside/Out. If you have not had the opportunity to listen to it, I encourage you to tune in to hear directly from some of those serving on the front-line across Canada. Thank you to all our team members who have shared their story and experience.

• Episode 4: Behind the Badge part 1 (maximum security) - Canada.ca
• Episode 5: Behind the Badge part 2 (medium security) - Canada.ca
• Episode 6: Behind the Badge part 3 (minimum security) - Canada.ca

I’m excited to announce that in the coming weeks, we’ll have more stories that highlight the hard and important work you do every day to protect Canadians. Stay tuned and subscribe.

Thank you to all of our employees who are working this last long weekend of summer for their service, commitment and dedication to maintaining our operations and keeping Canadians safe.