Elder Services

The Elder will provide (in-group or individual) counseling, teachings and ceremonial services to Aboriginal offenders. This includes the following:

Providing guidance and teachings through group sessions (circles) and individual discussions to offenders in the institution.

Conducting spiritual services and various traditional ceremonies based on Elder’s teachings.

Assisting offenders following a healing path in support of their correctional plan.

Elders may be requested, by agreement, to escort offenders on Escorted Temporary Absences (ETAs) for ceremonial and other spiritual purposes.

Provide advice/information to staff and management, locally, regionally and nationally on issues of Aboriginal spirituality and cultural practices.

Introduce institutional staff to various elements of traditional spirituality as deemed appropriate based on their teachings.

Provide advice to the Institutional Head regarding ceremonies, ceremonial objects, traditional practices and protocols, traditional medicines, or sacred ground within the institution including the collection and storage of ceremonial objects and traditional and ceremonial medicines.