The Indigenous Report: Community Welcomes Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society to Regent Park

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Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society supports vulnerable Indigenous women

In the downtown east area, Regent Park, Moss Park, and St. Jams Town constitute some of the most ethnically diverse communities, although, sometimes, the indigenous populations that also call these neighbourhoods home are not as well talked about.

However, if we look a little bit closer the truth is that in fact the downtown east side has a considerable indigenous community that are supported by several community agencies that service this population. The most recent addition is the Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society, located at 413 Dundas St East.

The Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society grew out of need to break the cycle of over-representation of Indigenous women in Canada’s prison system. The mandate of the organization is to provide a place where Frist Nation (Status and Non-Status) Inuit, and Metis 2SLGBTQIA+ women can heal and reclaim their positive cultural identity, and place for rehabilitation and wellness.

In a Department of Justice (2017 – 2018) Annual Report of the Office of Correctional Investigator, the following figures regarding incarcerations rates were released:

“Indigenous inmates in federal institutions rose from 20 percent of the total inmate population in 2008-2009 to 28 percent in 2017-2018, while representing only 4.1 percent of the overall Canadian population. Similarly, the percentage of federally incarcerated Indigenous women rose from 32 percent of the female inmate population to 40 percent. While proportions of Indigenous incarceration have risen substantially, the overall inmate population (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) has risen only slightly. “

For women moving away from incarceration, Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society provides a holistic healing process based on indigenous traditional teachings and healing practices. Indigenous women who have been involved with Canadian Criminal Justice system face multiple challenges while incarceration and when they try to re-enter civil society. Re-connecting them with their cultural and spiritual identities is seen as a key component for re-integrating into society.

Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society has prioritised three areas of activity, Restoring Identity, Providing Housing, and Creating Opportunity. Each of these programs has identified the key concerns and pathways for Indigenous women who either still in correction institution, those who are currently before the courts, and those who have been released.

“The Healing Lodge Program is an intensive, structured, daily program for all residents exiting corrections or before the courts. Grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel, the programming will focus on culture and traditions, meeting the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental aspects of the individual. Support programs will address historical traumas, life skills, and reconnection to culture – providing a platform to reclaim the rightful and dignified place in community these women deserve.”

Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society believes that reducing the number of Indigenous women in Canadian prisons is tied to creating the opportunities them to thrive. Providing stable employment, affordable housing, and access to adequate medical supports are crucial to the building of independent lives post – release.


Written by
Dimitrije Martinovic

Journalist
FOCUS Media Arts Centre


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