Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: April 22, 2025

April 22nd is Earth Day. It was initially celebrated on April 22, 1970, marking the start of the environmental movement. It is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the impact that our daily lives have on the environment and future generations.

I also want to highlight a thoughtful act from Indigenous offenders at the Atlantic Region. After hearing about the importance of representing Indigenous culture at CSC, participants from the Pathways program, working with Elder Robbie, crafted the Eagle Staff, a unique and sacred symbol that represents Indigenous culture.

They included several meaningful details such as:

• Beading features to represent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Every Child Matters.
• A dreamcatcher at the top surrounded by sweetgrass and sage. Those plants are two of the most valuable medicines for Indigenous Peoples.
• A medicine bag containing a crystal. Crystals are believed to hold powerful energies that promote healing, protection, and balance. 
• Different colored ribbons to represent diversity.
• 13 eagle feathers to represent the 13 moons. According to Indigenous beliefs, The Creator “gisu’lgw’ gave the eagle a crucial job - to fly high and deliver prayers.
• A beaver fur to represent creativity, creation, cooperation, persistence, and harmony.
• A coyote fur to symbolize the deep magic of life.
• A dark blue ribbon to represent CSC Correctional Officers.

Thank you to all those involved in making this truly inspiring Eagle Staff.

 

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” - Wendell Berry