COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: June 30, 2022

I wanted to share with you that a Traditional Medicine Program was established at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge (OOHL) in Saskatchewan last year, to better meet the health needs of Indigenous Peoples. The program:

• provides residents with increased access to cultural and traditional healing
• integrates traditional and Western medicine, and
• works to increase residents’ overall well-being

It includes the incorporation, into the health service delivery model at OOHL, of:

• a traditional healer apprentice
• a medicine man, and
• a medicine woman 

I am pleased that as of June 1, 2022, there were 26 active participants at OOHL, with a total of 40 participants since the program began. Lessons learned from this initiative will be helpful for the implementation of a Traditional Medicine Program at other CSC sites. If you are a resident at OOHL and are interested in participating in the program, please contact Health Services.

I recently heard that nine inmates completed their high school diplomas while in Millhaven Institution’s structured intervention unit (SIU). This is no small achievement. Congratulations to the inmates that worked hard to obtain their diplomas. I am a strong advocate for education. It has many benefits and can help you find meaningful employment when you get out. Kudos to everyone pursuing their educational goals.

Tomorrow is Canada Day and we will mark Canada’s 155th birthday. Our cultural landscape is diverse, made up of people from nations around the world. Canada is proud of its multicultural heritage, and it is one of our greatest strengths.

Indigenous History Month is coming to an end and we need to take a moment to reflect on the unmeasurable cost of confederation to the cultures and communities of people who lived on these lands before the first Europeans arrived. It is important that we are mindful of this and consider how, individually and collectively, we can play a role in reconciliation.

A quick reminder that COVID-19 is still circulating so please continue to wear a mask when in larger groups or when you are close to others. If you would like more information about getting vaccinated, please speak to Health Services. It is important to stay up to date with vaccines, including boosters.

Thank you for appreciating and accepting everyone’s differences, and showing respect for each other.  A key part of this is listening to others and learning from them. This goes a long way to creating a positive and inclusive environment.