Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For some time there hasn’t been an Aboriginal wellness coordinator at the North Slave Correctional Centre, and it’s been my understanding that this position has been vacant this summer as of June 3rd .
Being someone who is actually familiar with the Correctional Centre by working there only, I actually am familiar of how critical this cultural-appropriate programming is to the healing and rehabilitation of many. It’s important that we have relevant programming that is meaningful for those who are seeking help. With this position vacant, people are not getting the treatment that they certainly need.
We need to be part of the solution for productive choices. This Aboriginal wellness coordinator
position is key to the success of many getting back into their lives, back into the world with the best step forward.
This programming, in my view, is certainly important and I hope the Department of Justice sees it as well. So, it is important in some views, because from the latest information I’ve received, it was important enough for the department to build a spiritual lodge that they built some time ago, a woodshed that’s also a sweat lodge, fire feeding and talking circle and even a gazebo. Wow! Who thought that would be so hard to say? Even a gazebo, Mr. Speaker.
When it comes to corrections, the judiciary has already sentenced them, so the state has passed judgment. So what I’m saying here is let us not pass further judgment by not giving people the appropriate supports and programs they need.
The system has chosen which path they need to take, but it’s certainly our duty to ensure that they receive the help that they need. If we expect them to return to society properly, we must ensure we give them every chance and every skill through productive choices. I believe this counselling is important, if not absolutely critical, to help them on the right path.
Again, as I remember working there in the centre, many people benefitted from this. I’ll be honest; not everyone does, because not everyone believes in it. But for those who suffer from mental illness, to addictions, to anger management things, these are the types of supports that are critical to help them back on the path.
We cannot give up; we should not give up. I believe in the hope that this program gives. I certainly hope the department and I certainly hope the Minister feels exactly how I feel too. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.