Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: August 4, 2023

Hello,

It is my pleasure to join you in recognizing the work and impact of those committed to bettering their communities.

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

Respecting Indigenous cultural views of justice and reconciliation is part of CSC’s commitment. This is key to CSC’s culturally responsive programs and services. We recognize the inherent value of reconciliation, and I encourage you to embark on or continue your own learning journey on the path to reconciliation.

I was pleased to read about the rewarding work being done by participants in the Collins Bay and Beaver Creek institutions’ Indigenous-focused and led program, Work to Give (W2G). Work completed by inmates is providing Indigenous communities with structures they need, such as picnic tables, school bus shelters and, in this case, change rooms, bleachers and benches for the community arena at Taykwa Tagamou Nation near Cochrane, Ontario.