Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: August 6, 2024

August 9 is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, a time to raise awareness and protect the rights of Indigenous populations around the world.

CSC is committed to respecting Indigenous cultural views of justice and reconciliation. As part of this, we offer culturally responsive programs and services to better support you in your healing journey.

I wanted to highlight CORCAN’s sewing and leather program at Warkworth Institution as one of the programs offered.

Program participants are taught hand sewing and how to use tools for leather and other natural textiles. The items they create are then sold through the Indigenous Product shop. The skills and techniques that participants learn help set them up for employment upon release.

They also receive additional vocational training as part of CORCAN’s program, such as forklift training, resume writing, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). In addition, they learn essential communication and problem-solving skills that can help in all types of jobs.

You can find out what learning opportunities, the programs above or something similar might be available to you by contacting your Employment Coordinator.