HEALING LODGES AND INDIGENOUS RECIDIVISM

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Integrating Healing Lodges into Canada’s Correctional System to Mitigate Recidivism

Saksham Deep Wadhwa
J0506698
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Law Enforcement Studies (PBDLES), Justice Institute of British
Columbia

Author Note
This paper was completed for LAWS 4003: Research Project, instructed by Sunny
Mangat synchronously at the New Westminster campus.
This paper is 6,595 words and was submitted on April 04, 2025.

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Abstract
This study investigates how Canada’s correctional system employs the healing lodges for
Indigenous offender rehabilitation programs. This analysis underlines the necessity of
developing indigenous-friendly rehabilitation initiatives that treat the core causes of the
overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples within the Canadian criminal justice system. The
research shows that healing lodges lead to a substantial decrease in reoffending rates compared
to conventional correctional facilities. The complete potential of healing lodges remains limited
by various systemic barriers, such as strict eligibility requirements coupled with insufficient
funding and insufficient Indigenous self-governance control. Policy reforms must include the
different and varied security offender program expansion supplemented with steady funding
sources and complete Indigenous autonomy in healing lodge administration operations. Future
studies must concentrate on how long-term offenders reintegrate into society while investigating
rehabilitative needs that are unique to Indigenous People in Canada. Healing lodges must be
positioned as a central element in Canadian justice system operations to mitigate prisoner
reoffending patterns while promoting Indigenous self-governance and achieving robust
reconciliation aims in Canada.

Keywords: Healing lodges, Canada, recidivism, overrepresentation, Indigenous
rehabilitation, federal correctional system, Indigenous self-governance.

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Table of Contents
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Integrating Healing Lodges into Canada’s Correctional System to Mitigate Recidivism ..... 5
Background Information.......................................................................................................... 5
Problem Statement and Purpose of the Study ....................................................................... 6
Research Question .................................................................................................................... 7
Rationale .................................................................................................................................... 7
Main Argument and Scope of Study ....................................................................................... 7
Literature Review ......................................................................................................................... 8
Historical Injustices and Overrepresentation of Indigenous Offenders .............................. 8
Effectiveness of Healing Lodges in Reducing Recidivism ..................................................... 9
Culturally Responsive Justice and Cultural Rehabilitation ............................................... 10
Systemic Barriers, Funding Gaps, and Policy Constraints ..................................................11
Indigenous Self-Governance and Control in Healing Lodges............................................. 12
Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 14
Literature Search and Data Collection ................................................................................. 14
Inclusion Criteria .................................................................................................................... 15
Exclusion Criteria ................................................................................................................... 16
Worldview and Research Perspective ................................................................................... 17

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Ethical Issues and Researcher Positionality ......................................................................... 17
Results .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Indigenous Overrepresentation and Alternative Rehabilitation Models ........................... 18
Healing Lodges and Their Impact on Recidivism Reduction ............................................. 19
Institutional Challenges in Healing Lodge Integration ....................................................... 20
The Need for a Cultural Shift in Rehabilitation Approaches ............................................. 22
Healing Lodges as a Decolonization Strategy ....................................................................... 23
Barriers Preventing the Expansion of Healing Lodges ....................................................... 23
Discussion..................................................................................................................................... 24
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Research .......................................................................... 25
Limitations of the Research ................................................................................................... 26
Future Research and the Need for Longitudinal Studies .................................................... 27
Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 27
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 29
References .................................................................................................................................... 31

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Integrating Healing Lodges into Canada’s Correctional System to Mitigate Recidivism
Background Information
The overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s correctional system has soared
significantly due to the existence of underlying systemic and colonial injustices. Indigenous
People make up 27% of federal prisons although they only represent a meagre 4% of the total
Canadian population (Hamilton, 2019). The disproportionate incarceration stems from historical
and continued marginalization rather than merely a statistical aberration (Cunneen & Tauri,
2019). Such overrepresentation and increased recidivism of Indigenous Peoples warrants urgent
attention since it is a pressing issue that must be explored through a culturally relevant lens of
rehabilitation through healing lodges. Indigenous sovereignty has been progressively undermined
due to the implementation of colonial policies, including the Indian Act, disenfranchisement,
intergenerational trauma and forced displacement (Asadullah et al., 2020; Cambell & Wellman,
2020).
The correctional system in Canada has failed to address the underlying issues rather, it
has led to a manifestation of perpetuating social injustices in the country and has further failed to
incorporate culturally relevant rehabilitation strategies. The studies have indicated that as
compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts, Indigenous offenders frequently face harsher
sentences, lower rates of parole, and insufficient rehabilitative training (Clifford, 2019).
Healing lodges were introduced as an alternative to traditional correctional facilities to
address the structural inequalities and foster reconciliation amongst Indigenous Peoples. To
rehabilitate offenders in a comprehensive and community-focused setting, healing lodges
integrate Indigenous traditions, spirituality, customs and cultural beliefs (Hamilton, 2019).
Further, the research primarily focuses on recidivism reduction in Indigenous communities, yet it

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draws attention to gender-specific aspects. The completion rate of cultural programs at Healing
lodges reaches 55% for Indigenous women, whereas men achieve a meagre 15%. Further, there
is a striking distinction between 12% and 21% rates of new offence readmissions for men and
women, respectively. Hence, the healing lodges demonstrate that this approach works better for
female inmates (Hanby et al., 2022).
The issues revolving around underfunding, poor implementation into the larger penal
system, and governmental limitations on Indigenous-led governance have continuously
undermined the efficacy of these lodges (Nwaeke, 2024). The assessment of the effectiveness of
healing lodges in lowering recidivism and fostering Indigenous recovery necessitates an
understanding of their operation within the correctional system of Canada.
Problem Statement and Purpose of the Study
The disproportionate overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s prisons
highlights the mainstream punitive policies which have consistently failed to effectively tackle
the particular historical, social, and cultural challenges experienced by Indigenous peoples (Wise
et al., 2024). Indigenous offenders are inclined to re-offend since these individuals are
incarcerated in rigid correctional facilities with no culturally appropriate rehabilitation programs.
Such overrepresentation cannot mitigate their systemic issues, but it exaggerates their alienation
from their cultural heritage (Hamilton, 2019).
The incorporation of Indigenous spirituality, customs and integrative healing methods
into Canada’s criminal justice system, through the advent of healing lodges provides an
alternative rehabilitative strategy. Healing lodges are underutilized, underfunded and grossly
misunderstood instead of their long-term potential in reducing recidivism in Indigenous Peoples.
Cameron et al. (2021) provide the systemic constraints including stringent eligibility

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requirements for healing lodges, lack of government funding and uneven policy implementations
significantly hamper the effectiveness of healing lodges in Canada.
Research Question
How can healing lodges be effectively integrated into Canada’s correctional system to mitigate
recidivism among Indigenous offenders?
Rationale
The research is based on the imminent need to reform current punitive systems because
Indigenous People continue to be overrepresented in the criminal justice system in Canada. The
healing lodges operate as community-based facilities which align with Indigenous justice
principles to promote healing instead of punishment in a manner that emphasizes restoration and
reintegration (Hamilton, 2019). The lack of exploitation of healing lodges stems from the
limitations imposed by governments, the shortage of funding and restrictive eligibility standards
(Nwaeke, 2024). The research evaluates the role of healing lodges by assessing existing policies,
operational challenges and successful practices to establish optimal integration within
correctional institutions. Traditional healing practices based on nature, which Indigenous
communities used historically, remain barred from the punitive correctional system in Canada
(Ambtman-Smith et al., 2024).
Main Argument and Scope of Study
Healing lodges provides a culturally responsive solution that shows high effectiveness
but faces low use because of limited availability, budget deficits, and insufficient Indigenous
governance control. Fundamental financial support along with proper correctional integration
and Indigenous self-leadership management positions Healing lodges to generate substantial
reductions in repeated offences and enhance criminal rehabilitation while building sustainable

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reentry success for offenders. The research evaluates statistical evidence of healing lodges in
Canada’s justice system while exploring policy obstacles and best practices to enhance their
institutional role. The study shall elevate and offer a nuanced understanding of healing lodges
and assess their effectiveness in mitigating recidivism while offering cultural rehabilitation. This
research will offer an extensive evaluation of healing lodges along with their operational barriers
and policy recommendations that target access enhancement through Indigenous leadership
involvement in its efficacy.
Literature Review
The research examines essential themes from literature studies regarding how healing
lodges minimize reoffending rates among Indigenous offenders in Canada. This review examines
peer-reviewed research to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses along with the shared views
about healing lodges’ contributions to Canadian rehabilitative efforts.
Historical Injustices and Overrepresentation of Indigenous Offenders
Numerous studies demonstrate how systemic and historical factors cause Indigenous
peoples to disproportionately fill Canadian correctional facilities (Hamilton, 2019). The
institutional policies of the Indian Act, residential schools and forced removals fostered
intergenerational trauma causing economic deprivation among Indigenous Peoples (Cunneen &
Tauri, 2019). Experts in the field agree that the government policies conducted deliberate
destruction of Indigenous self-governance, and separation from cultural identities while creating
an economically deprived environment that leads to high imprisonment rates (Morin et al.,
2022).
The literature maintains a persistent debate revolving around strict Canadian criminal
justice policies that increase Indigenous incarceration rates, striking beyond their fundamental

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causes. Studies about correctional models are incomplete because they neglect to examine which
existing models could become more effective after merging culturally appropriate rehabilitation
practices (Tetrault, 2023). Nwaeke (2024) maintains that traditional prisons fail to transform
Indigenous offenders since they lack Indigenous knowledge and fail to incorporate trauma
healing protocols. The current circumstances of healing lodges restrict their ability to minimize
Indigenous inmate overrepresentation despite offering some benefits (Clifford, 2019).
Studies have insufficiently analyzed the relationship between police procedures and the
excessive numbers of Indigenous people in correctional facilities. The existing literature strongly
emphasizes sentencing discrimination and rehabilitation programs yet neglects studies on the
factors behind Indigenous excess incarceration related to policies, racial profiling and arrest
patterns (Hamilton, 2019). A comprehensive understanding of Indigenous correctional system
entry and prevention needs insight into both controlling factors and initial preventive measures
which shall reduce recidivism and overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples.
Effectiveness of Healing Lodges in Reducing Recidivism
Healing lodges achieve superior recidivism outcomes compared to standard correctional
establishments (Wise et al., 2024). Research indicates that Indigenous offenders at healing
lodges have recidivism rates while the recidivism rate for federal prison inmates is high
(Hamilton, 2019). The implementation of Elder mentorship programs coupled with land-based
healing activities and culturally appropriate programming demonstrates essential value for
sustaining transformative behavioural changes (Morin et al., 2022, Ward, 2024).
The literature shows a significant missing element regarding the extended tracking of
Healing Lodge participants after their discharge into the community. Research studies primarily
investigate short-term criminal behaviour readjustment yet fail to monitor extended prisoner

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integration achievements in the long run (Legault and Bleau, 2025). The issue remains
unresolved regarding whether healing lodges should accept higher-security Indigenous offenders,
while the present criteria of healing lodges have offered access to minimum-security offenders
(Cameron et al., 2021). A division exists among researchers wherein few argue that evaluating
the benefits of expanding eligibility criteria to achieve better rehabilitation results is significant
while certain researchers question security risks and operational obstacles.
The research poses a significant concern that Healing Lodge participants lack sufficient
support before their release from incarceration. The rehabilitation services that healing lodges
offer incarcerated Indigenous people remain ineffective since they lack essential programs for
transitional support, job training and housing stability once release occurs (Morin et al., 2022).
To achieve greater rehabilitation success rates in addition to decreased recidivism rates postrelease, the expansion of Indigenous-led parole programs and transitional healing spaces would
prove beneficial altogether (Wise et al., 2024). There exists minimal research on both
implementation methods for these programs along with government support availability to
reduce recidivism.
Culturally Responsive Justice and Cultural Rehabilitation
The healing lodges establish a legal approach that pursues restorative justice rather than
punitive punishments (Wise et al., 2024). The healing lodges offer different programs compared
to traditional jails since their prime focus is based on holistic recovery by restoring cultural
identity while conducting traditional ceremonies and using land-based practices (Hamilton,
2019). Multiple researchers confirmed that Indigenous offenders achieve stronger personal
transformation when re-establishing their cultural ties (Morin et al., 2022).

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The research discusses whether healing lodges should continue operating independently
or should join standard correctional systems. Scholarly opinions differ about the effectiveness of
using Indigenous traditions inside federal prisons to increase rehabilitation success rates because
some experts maintain that healing lodges need their self-governance to protect cultural
authenticity (Tetrault, 2023). Federal institutions that rely on punitive measures with solitary
confinement face direct conflict because their security protocols coupled with solitary
confinement create worse mental health conditions and increase criminal behaviour patterns
(Legault & Bleau, 2025). Studies have established that Indigenous defendants who undergo
Elder-guided healing activities along with smudging rituals and traditional land activities present
both emotional resilience and reduced hostile behaviours (Tetrault, 2023).
The argument exists that the federal integration of healing lodges would provide essential
resources and management support to extend their services to more Indigenous offenders
(Clifford, 2019). The integration of land-based healing practices and cultural programs in federal
penitentiaries would improve Indigenous recidivism but may get obstructed because of
institutional restrictions (Ambtman-Smith et al., 2024). Future research focused on policy
evaluation needs to address this question until conclusive findings become available.
Systemic Barriers, Funding Gaps, and Policy Constraints
The literature currently lacks information about the clear allocation of funding in the
federal correctional system. Studies demonstrate healing lodges get reduced government funds
than federal prisons, but no clear information exists about budget arrangements distribution
patterns or funding determinants (Morin et al., 2022). The examination of budgets through
financial audits and correctional analysis would reveal precise patterns of funding inequalities
and resource mismanagement (Wise et al., 2024).

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Healing lodges have failed to overcome numerous institutional barriers which restrict
both financial stability and policy implementation for healing lodges (Legault & Bleau, 2025).
The existing underfunding of healing lodges limits their extension of services due to a shortage
of funds needed for capacity growth and infrastructure advancement (Clifford, 2019). Studies
prove healing lodges produce more effective rehabilitation success, but complex policies grant
federal correctional institutions higher budgets (Hamilton, 2019). Correctional Service Canada,
through its exclusionary eligibility criteria, denies healing lodges access to maximum-security
offenders (Cameron et al., 2021). The exclusion of Indigenous inmates with high-security
classifications who face the highest trauma levels and addiction problems from healing lodges
highlights a crucial policy issue since these facilities demonstrate the best effectiveness in
rehabilitation (Tetrault, 2023). Specifically, high-risk offenders require extensive staffing and
funding per offender in the healing lodges, however, underfunding in healing lodges inhibits its
expansion to maximum-security classification, which has been elaborated in the Results section
of the paper.
The academic analysis of healing lodges distinguishes different views on how the healing
lodges can be incorporated into the Canadian justice system either through complete institutional
integration or through independent Indigenous administration. Environmental science research
presents a split perspective on government integration for healing lodges, where long-term
sustainability benefits against bureaucracy problems (Legault & Bleau, 2025). The research must
oversee the efficacy interdependence of governmental financial support to healing lodges and
Indigenous self-determination to achieve financial stability and preserve cultural independence.
Indigenous Self-Governance and Control in Healing Lodges

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The main argument throughout the research literature focuses on the impact of
Indigenous governance on correctional rehabilitation programs. Studies confirm that healing
lodges led by Indigenous people deliver superior rehabilitation results in comparison to facilities
under the Control of Correctional Service Canada (Hamilton, 2019). The pursuit of governance
by Indigenous communities creates correctional facilities that maintain authentic cultural values
and generate powerful community ties, as well as offer better community reintegration assistance
in contrast to facilities managed by Correctional Service Canada (Tetrault, 2023).
Healing lodges experience control interference from Correctional Service Canada that
restricts Indigenous communities from developing Indigenous justice systems (Legault & Bleau,
2025). The government’s control creates obstacles for healing lodges because it focuses mainly
on security standards and risk reduction rather than cultural recovery programs (Nwaeke, 2024).
Government oversight of healing lodges restricts Native sovereignty in managing their
rehabilitation facilities up to the point that current policies question their ability to maintain
autonomy (Clifford, 2019).
The existent literature lacks quantitative evidence which demonstrates how successful
Indigenous healing lodges have proven to be over time compared to government-run
Correctional Service Canada facilities. Studies demonstrate that healing lodges operated by
Indigenous communities yield superior short-term rehabilitation results, yet there is insufficient
evidence from large-scale empirical research about the lasting success metrics for their
participants beyond a decade (Wise et al., 2024).
Researchers disagree about how much power healing lodges should maintain over
Indigenous offenders while running their facilities in comparison to the requirement of federal
oversight (Legault & Bleau, 2025). The question remains ambiguous if healing lodges would

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benefit by granting full autonomy to healing lodges for cultural protection matters or if better
federal monitoring would ensure funding stability (Tetrault, 2023). The research requires
additional study for alternative management structures of healing lodges, which would unite
Indigenous self-governance with adequate government backing.
Methodology
The research employs secondary research methods combining an extensive literature
review to study the effectiveness of healing lodges as an alternative rehabilitative model for
Indigenous offenders within Canada. The study evaluates the successes and challenges of healing
lodges through a combination of peer-reviewed research, Indigenous justice initiatives and
correctional policy documents. The research follows strict guidelines for literature examination
to provide an amalgamation of academic and policy-based findings. The study presents itself
from a pragmatic perspective that combines Indigenous cultural understanding with practical
justice solutions.
The research method uses several essential components, which include conducting
literature searches, selecting data parameters, performing thematic data analysis and recognizing
specific worldviews. The research methodology includes components that establish systematic
procedures as well as evidence-based analysis and compatibility with an examination of healing
lodges as a correctional alternative.
Literature Search and Data Collection
The research adopted comprehensive literature investigation through different academic
databases and Indigenous-related research projects to explore statistical reports and empirical
studies about healing lodges. The research methodology focused on discovering the appropriate
resources to create a balanced view of Indigenous rehabilitation and recidivism patterns. A wide

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database was explored by incorporating Google Scholar, JSTOR, PRISM Repository, Taylor and
Francis Online, Sage Publications, JIBC Online Library, and the University of Calgary Library
as research sources. This research utilized these platforms since these databases contain
criminological research and Indigenous justice studies along with policy-focused publications.
The research proceeded with Boolean search operators to optimize search results by
implementing a focused research methodology. An extensive search using the following
keywords and phrases explored the literature base: “Healing Lodges AND Recidivism,”
“Indigenous Justice AND Rehabilitation,” “Cultural Healing AND Correctional Facilities,”
“Federal Correctional Institutions AND Indigenous Offenders,” and “Decolonization AND
Indigenous Corrections.” The specific combination of keywords in the search helped maintain
focus on Indigenous correctional models while excluding general criminal justice trends. The
search process produced more than 15,000 results before a structured filtering system aimed at
relevance combined with methodological soundness and empirical validity.
All included studies were filtered as peer-reviewed, rendering the sources
methodologically robust and contextually relevant to answer the research question. After an
initial search and requisite filters, a final selection of 22 relevant sources was included from
Google Scholar and other databases. The research sources endured thematic classification that
enabled an analysis of distinct viewpoints pertaining to healing lodges and Indigenous
rehabilitation supplemented with their associated policy issues.
Inclusion Criteria
This research employed inclusion criteria for exclusive rigorous, up-to-date sources
directly aligned with the research question. The review included research from 2019 to 2025
since this timeframe demonstrates how recent policy transformations, Indigenous rehabilitation

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practices, and societal adaptations affect the efficacy of healing lodges. This study references
older research sources to complement the main direction when those studies provide crucial
historical background of Indigenous Peoples warranting the inclusion of healing lodges’ journey
through Canada’s justice framework.
The analysis of healing lodges was realized in the sources regarding their impact on
decreasing recidivism rates and their rehabilitative effectiveness in promoting Indigenous
cultural reintegration. Studies that used statistical data to determine changes in recidivism rates
while assessing Indigenous healing models’ effectiveness and analyzing barriers to healing lodge
expansion acquisition were selected. The research comparing healing lodges with traditional
correctional institutions was seen as fundamental because it showed the distinctive approach of
Indigenous rehabilitation compared to standard penal approaches in Canada.
Exclusion Criteria
The research excluded studies which were outdated, non-empirical or unrelated to healing
lodges as part of their focus and clarity. The review excluded studies from before 2019 unless
they contained essential historical background which helped to understand the overrepresentation
and recidivism in Indigenous people. The research excluded journals or articles that focused on
all-inclusive prison reforms along with studies about non-Indigenous offender rehabilitation
programs since these did not directly support the assessment of healing lodges as a distinct
Indigenous rehabilitative model.
Only articles that applied quantitative research methods combined with measured data
were selected for inclusion, while other forms of media were excluded. The research approach
analyzed practical applications of healing lodges inside Canada’s corrections facilities by
including sources with policy evaluations or rehabilitation analyses for Indigenous People.

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Worldview and Research Perspective
The research adopts an Indigenous-centered pragmatic framework which focuses on
practical solutions that will inculcate culturally appropriate rehabilitation models to the justice
system. The pragmatic approach maintains a priority on delivering policy implications
accompanied by evidence-based recommendations instead of vague criticism of the justice
system. This research develops initial recommendations to enhance the rehabilitation of
Indigenous offenders although theories about decolonization and restorative justice supply
essential background information (Asadullah et al., 2020).
The justice philosophy behind healing lodges stems from a different model than
traditional penal institutions since it focuses on three key elements: community healing through
culture-based programs and land restoration as well as Elder wisdom mentoring (Wise et al.,
2024). Healing lodges function as an active community-based answer which helps decrease the
risk of relapse while rebuilding native identity with genuine post-incarceration integration. This
research demonstrates healing lodges stand essential for modern justice operations because
Canada should extend their funding support and full system integration to mitigate recidivism
amongst Indigenous People.
Ethical Issues and Researcher Positionality
The study requires careful analysis of ethics connected to the investigation of Indigenous
justice matters without an Indigenous background. The research recognizes that Indigenous
justice systems, compiled with cultural rehabilitation models, derive from ancestral knowledge
and Indigenous community experiences, which only Indigenous people fully comprehend. The
positionality gap which comes from being a non-Indigenous researcher creates barriers to
understanding fundamental aspects of Indigenous justice components, healing practices, and

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correctional systems. Possible ethical challenges emerge from these situations due to the chance
of biased interpretation as well as inaccurate cultural depiction and the need to depend on
secondary sources more than directly hearing Indigenous perspectives.
The research has implemented steps to perform this investigation with ethical respect
toward the communities involved. An Indigenous-centered justice approach guides this study to
analyze healing lodges as Indigenous justice models linked to their traditions.
Results
The research delivers essential findings through analysis of their connection to the main
research inquiry regarding effective healing lodge integration into Canada's correctional system
for reducing Indigenous re-offenders. The research results cover an evaluation of healing lodges'
operations and their success at lowering recidivism along with system obstacles and restrictions
that influence data choices. The study validates the role of healing lodges as culturally
appropriate and effective correctional models. However, regulatory limitations, funding
inadequacy and self-governance constraints restrain its complete potential for rehabilitation.
The growth of healing lodges serves dual purposes because it enhances correctional
success and facilitates the effort to decolonize the justice system and restore Indigenous
traditions. The justice system requires systemic policy changes supplemented with long-term
funding support to achieve full Indigenous control over their justice frameworks. Further, the
research must focus on the exploration of extended criminal justice outcomes, creating genderspecific programs and building more healing lodges to serve as preventive justice mechanisms.
Indigenous Overrepresentation and Alternative Rehabilitation Models
The excessive number of Indigenous people in Canada's prisons stands today as the most
urgent concern in the criminal justice system. The percentage of Indigenous people living in

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Canada constitutes a mere 4%, while they conform to 27% of the total federal imprisonment
statistics and show rising incarceration rates despite policy reforms targeting over-incarceration
(Hamilton, 2019). The proportion of Indigenous women prisoners has reached half of the total
female occupants in federal penitentiaries (Clifford, 2019). According to Cunneen and Tauri
(2019), disproportionate representation exists because of prior colonialism, institutional
prejudice and insufficient treatment facilities which respond to Indigenous traditions.
Correctional facilities mainly use punitive methods instead of rehabilitation programs to
address Indigenous criminal behaviour roots such as ongoing trauma, economic challenges and
substance abuse issues (Morin et al., 2022). The research confirms Indigenous offenders face two
times the risk of arrests while judges sentence them to punishments three times more severe than
non-Indigenous offenders, thus producing higher incarceration durations and extended prison
terms (Legault & Bleau, 2025).
Studies show that correctional institutions fail to deliver appropriate services for
Indigenous offenders so there should be a transition toward Indigenous-specific healing
programs represented by healing lodges. Healing lodges contain potential but do not receive
enough recognition because eligibility restrictions, insufficient funding and improved access
limitations inhibit their expansion and appropriate implementation (Nwaeke, 2024). The current
barriers To provide Indigenous offenders with successful rehabilitation and lower their risk of
repeated offences, it is essential to overcome the barriers and introduce a revolution to the federal
correctional system.
Healing Lodges and Their Impact on Recidivism Reduction
Various research shows healing lodges decrease repetition of crime rates among
Indigenous offenders better than standard correctional facilities. Multiple studies have proven

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that healing lodges successfully lower Indigenous offender recidivism compared to mere
correctional centers. The research shows Indigenous offenders who exit healing lodges in
addition to federal corrections or solely healing lodges demonstrate a lower recidivism rate but
those leaving only through federal correctional institutions often offend again at a higher rate
(Hamilton, 2019). Healing lodges produce successful results through their dedication to
Indigenous cultural identity along with healing practices and community reintegration, which
creates both belonging and accountability for offenders who lack such experiences in traditional
facilities (Cameron et al., 2021).
The healing lodge approach includes Indigenous traditional practices that use Elder
guidance employed with natural therapy and sacred ceremonies to assist convicts with trauma
healing and behavioural self-management (Wise et al., 2024). Research shows that healing lodge
inmates complete rehabilitation programs at a higher rate since they find cultural relevance
indispensable for rehabilitation success (Tetrault, 2023). Although healing lodges prove effective
at lowering offender re-arrests, they encounter systemic obstacles that affect their operation. The
existing healing lodge system is mostly available for Indigenous inmates because minimumsecurity prisoners represent the only group who qualify for the program (Montford & HannahMoffat, 2020). A vast number of Indigenous offenders fail to access healing lodge programs
because systems limit participation to minimum-security inmates thereby diminishing healing
lodge programs' broader impact in lowering recidivism rates.
Institutional Challenges in Healing Lodge Integration
The complete adoption of healing lodges in lieu of correctional facilities encounters
barriers from governmental funding scarcity while additionally facing geographical constraints
and operational limitations set by authority (Clifford, 2019). Healing lodges face the substantial

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challenge of persistent funding shortages as one of their most severe problems. The expense of
housing prisoners at healing lodges generates better efficiency than traditional federal prisons,
although healing lodges only secure a meagre amount of federal prison funding per inmate
(Hamilton, 2019). Insufficient funding prevents healing lodges from increasing their capacity to
serve Indigenous offenders because it hinders staffing and prevents programming and facility
growth (Clifford, 2019).
Systemic colonial influences persist as a main factor in prison systems because
intergenerational trauma along with economic hardship and inadequate correctional programs
result in increased incarceration rates (Panofsky, Buchanan, John and Goodwill, 2021). The
presence of government oversight, along with control measures, restricts healing lodges from
accomplishing their intended functions. The jurisdictional authority over many healing lodges
rests with Correctional Service Canada as opposed to Indigenous community leadership
(Nwaeke, 2024). The evidence shows that Indigenous-led healing lodges deliver more successful
rehabilitation results, yet CSC-operated facilities must follow national security rules and
correctional standards that impair Indigenous justice principles (Tetrault, 2023). The health of
Indigenous Peoples has been observed to improve in cases where Indigenous cultural spaces are
established with an intent to facilitate traditional healing and land-based healing methods
(Ambtman-Smith & Richmond, 2020). Many healing lodges face reduced effectiveness in their
rehabilitative approaches due to their limited authority for self-governance, which prevents the
implementation of culturally appropriate rehabilitation models.
Healing lodges face obstacles due to their location in remote geographic areas. Several
healing lodges exist in distant settings, which creates access problems for Indigenous offenders,
especially those who come from cities that offer more assistance networks (Legault & Bleau,

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2025). Lack of funding, restrictive rules and operational constraints prevent healing lodges from
becoming an effective replacement for standard correctional institutions at a mass scale.
The Need for a Cultural Shift in Rehabilitation Approaches
The main finding from this study shows Canada's correctional system requires immediate
changes in its Indigenous rehabilitation protocols. Current correctional facilities focus heavily on
prison punishments along with security surveillance to ensure confinement since these measures
fail to get to the core of criminal behaviour and make reoffending worse. Indigenous People have
higher rates of recidivism leading to overrepresentation since they face enduring histories of
social segregation, intergenerational trauma, and systemic discrimination, as articulated by
Hamilton (2019). Research shows that incarceration at federal correctional institutions separates
Indigenous offenders from their cultural heritage until they return to society, thus heightening
their chances of reoffending (Cunneen & Tauri, 2019).
The rehabilitative approach of healing lodges bases itself on three fundamental elements,
including Indigenous traditions, spirituality, and holistic healing. The research proves that
Indigenous offenders who access healing lodges demonstrate significantly better behaviour after
release when compared to inmates serving time in regular prisons. Healing lodges function
successfully by guiding offenders in cultural reconnection while addressing trauma using
spiritual techniques along with community healing practices and delivering re-establishment
services (Morin et al., 2022). The set of principles in healing lodges aligns with restorative
justice models because they prioritize rehabilitation along with reconciliation while working
toward societal reintegration instead of standard punitive imprisonment (Tetrault, 2023). Healing
lodges stand to become a standard rehabilitative solution for Indigenous inmates only after

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Canada implements a basic change toward restorative justice practices suitable for Indigenous
nations.
Healing Lodges as a Decolonization Strategy
The healing lodges exceed their role as correctional alternatives because they function as
a way for Indigenous people to regain authority over their justice system. This study reveals how
healing lodges act as an opposition to traditional Western rehabilitation approaches by giving
authority to native legal systems for healing inmates (Hamilton 2019). Through their activities,
healing lodges focus on two essential goals: first, they serve to decrease rates of criminal
reoffending, and second, they build the fundamental framework for Indigenous self-directed
justice processes (Wise et al., 2024).
Healing lodges maintain a marginalized position within the current operation of the
justice system despite their demonstrated promising impact. The effectiveness of healing lodges
could be questioned when they exist under federal policy administration instead of receiving
complete Indigenous community leadership. According to Cameron et al. (2021), Indigenous
justice needs complete autonomy for its stated mission to succeed, along with healing lodges
serving as critical elements of Indigenous justice with self-governance discussions.
Policy changes for Indigenous justice control remain inconsistent, although the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples have advocated for increased Indigenous governance of justice processes (Legault &
Bleau, 2025). The Canadian government must make healing lodges expansion along with
Indigenous leadership control over these facilities their main priority to pursue reconciliation and
justice reform (Morin et al., 2022).
Barriers Preventing the Expansion of Healing Lodges

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The successful ability of healing lodges in decreasing recidivism is limited by policy
restrictions due to unequal funding and limited facilities. The most immediate challenge lies in
the fact that healing lodge admission is restricted to minimum-security Indigenous inmates. The
current policy restricts medium- and high-security inmates from joining culture-sensitive
rehabilitation programs, although the research shows these programs would benefit those with
extensive trauma and criminal history (Montford & Hannah-Moffat, 2020). Systemic inequities
in rehabilitation options remain adamant because the justice system refuses to provide healing
lodges to all Indigenous offenders who need this form of treatment (Hamilton, 2019).
Further, the healing lodges have been proven to be an expensive method for rehabilitation
although it has been effective in mitigating the recidivism rates in Indigenous People (Hermle,
2024). Insufficient funding prevents healing lodges from developing programs properly and
constructing better infrastructure facilities. Insufficient financial support leads to irregular
programming and reduced staffing, which lowers the total performance of healing lodges (Morin
et al., 2022).
Healing lodges exist under a dual management system because different facilities
maintain Indigenous ownership and supervision from the Correctional Service Canada (CSC).
The study demonstrates Indigenous healing lodges deliver better rehabilitation and reintegration
services than lodges controlled by CSC. However, federal policies restrict Indigenous selfgovernance power, and it has been advocated that healing lodges must be operated under
Indigenous control to yield rehabilitation (Kent, 2023; Nwaeke, 2024). The ability to fully
execute culturally appropriate rehabilitation models at healing lodges remains restricted because
Indigenous communities do not have enough authority over these facilities (Tetrault, 2023).
Discussion

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The research results indicate healing lodges act both as a culturally sensitive
rehabilitation program which lowers recidivism rates among Indigenous offenders. These
facilities show limited effectiveness because of governmental policies which constrict their
development while funding is minimal and self-governance by Indigenous communities is
nonexistent.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Research
The research evaluates healing lodges through statistical analysis and case studies, which
form the basis for evaluating policy to deliver precise information about Indigenous offender
rehabilitation. This research has made effective use of quantitative data, including recidivism
rates, to show how healing lodges work because of their effectiveness. The research taps into
criminology and combines Indigenous studies with correctional policies with other disciplines,
so its approach represents a multifaceted data approach (Wise et al., 2024). This research
supports expanding dialogues about applying Indigenous perspectives instead of Western
punishments which previously excluded Indigenous populations from the justice system
(Tetrault, 2023).
There are a number of weaknesses in this research, which deserves attention most notably
centering on the fact that the researcher holds a non-Indigenous identity. The research study
conducted by this non-Indigenous researcher lacks personal understanding of Indigenous justice
principles and cultural customs plus the wider effects of institutionalized incarceration on First
Nations populations. A critical weakness of this study derives from its total dependence on
secondary research sources. The availability of funds and time did not allow for original studies
of Indigenous offenders nor interviews with Indigenous elders or healing lodge administrators.

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The research primarily uses existing literature, which prevents direct access to firsthand
experiences of healing lodge personnel, thus reducing the comprehensive understanding of
operational dynamics and obstacles. The existing literature contains insufficient research about
healing lodges which compares the organizational structure of various Indigenous communities
who operate these facilities. The complete impact of healing lodges could be observed by
following Indigenous offenders from imprisonment to post-release through longitudinal research.
Limitations of the Research
The research faces a crucial limitation since it depends mainly on secondary resources
due to time and financial constraints existent in the theoretical framework of the course. A fourmonth deadline and lack of extensive training inhibited the researcher from conducting primary
qualitative interviews and focus group practices with Indigenous participants. The research could
not verify results with the Indigenous counterparts in healing lodges because it could not
establish direct communication with people belonging to the communities which could have
been vital for the efficacy of the research. The secondary resources allow a strong
comprehension of existing literature, yet they fail to explore the real-life circumstances and
cultural elements that authentic data collection through primary methods would corroborate.
Working on dedicated Indigenous research requires non-Indigenous researchers to show
sensitivity toward Indigenous cultures and satisfy ethical guidelines when studying this field.
The research consistently ensured to conduct this research with dignity and scholarly integrity,
yet subconscious biases and cultural misunderstandings might exist. These theoretical
weaknesses were reduced during analysis with multiple peer-reviewed scholarly papers
alongside priority selection of Indigenous conceptual frameworks as well as the exclusion of
exploitative research approaches and misrepresentative findings.

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Future Research and the Need for Longitudinal Studies
The research investigates the effectiveness of healing lodges effectively yet highlights
multiple areas which warrant additional research. Following the completion of healing lodge
programs, there is an insufficient quantity of long-term data available to monitor the
reintegration of Indigenous offenders (Faruqui et al., 2024). Studies focus mainly on tracking
recidivism rates for a few years after release, but there is insufficient research on how well
positive rehabilitation outcomes persist across several decades (Cameron et al., 2021). The
assessment of the healing lodge program requires extended research with ten-year or longer
monitoring of participants to understand their sustained rehabilitation outcomes.
The analysis would have achieved a more authentic grounding through an upgraded
research methodology which integrated interviews with community members. The quality of
research could include both newer reports as well as contributions from different Indigenous
communities. The limitations of this study lead to significant discoveries which strengthen
existing perspectives on the broader subject matter while respecting ethical research standards.
Future investigation needs to assess what modifications healing lodges require for
Indigenous women based on their elevated susceptibility to trauma and victimization rates
(Legault & Bleau, 2025). Research should investigate healing lodge programs expanding by
offering prevention programs for at-risk Indigenous youth to prevent their re-entry into the
criminal justice system (Morin et al., 2022). The paradigm shift from prosecuting to proactively
helping Indigenous people advances the requirement for preventing future incarcerations.
Recommendations
The study identifies healing lodges as an effective rehabilitation model for Indigenous
offenders, which operates best when systemic barriers, funding limitations and restrictive

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28

policies do not impede their effectiveness. Multiple essential recommendations need to be
implemented to enable the healing lodges to reach maximum operation capacity as well as
reduce significantly the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in correctional institutions. The
expansion in research to understand gaps in knowledge should go hand-in-hand with rendering
healing lodges more accessible. The Indigenous communities must receive stronger backing
from government initiatives and implement post-release programs to achieve better outcomes to
retain rehabilitation success.
Research on Indigenous offenders after healing lodge programs remains insufficient
because there are no extensive studies that track their progress over time. Studies about
recidivism patterns (2-5 years post-release) are prevalent, yet they do not establish what happens
to heal lodge rehabilitation effects when measured beyond ten years. Longitudinal studies need
to evaluate healing lodges by measuring extended recidivism statistics for Indigenous offenders
along with their employment patterns and mental health results along with their ability to
successfully rejoin their communities. Future studies must focus on identifying traits of healing
lodges, particularly Elder mentorship combined with land-based healing along with spiritual
ceremonies, to fully understand their rehabilitation mechanisms.
Female Indigenous offenders make up half of all federally incarcerated women, but
healing lodges exist for only a scarce number of these female inmates. Research on male
Indigenous offenders dominates existing literature. Hence, it fails to supply essential insights
regarding Indigenous women's rehabilitation needs, their high experiences of trauma, domestic
violence and intergenerational poverty. The research about expanding healing lodges into
preventive justice initiatives instead of correctional programs is extremely scarce. Healing lodges

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29

currently work with incarcerated Indigenous people, yet their holistic principles may assist
vulnerable youth to prevent their exposure to criminal justice.
Further, the community members face substantial difficulties with reintegration when
healing lodges end their rehabilitative services because ongoing support systems for offenders
remain inadequate. The challenges Indigenous offenders encounter regarding stable housing in
addition to accessing mental health and addiction services, make them vulnerable to returning to
crime after completing healing lodge programs. The gap in cultural support for Indigenous
offenders between healing lodge completion and reentry into society warrants greater
development of cultural transition programs. The support system after release should provide
Indigenous-specific training for employment, Indigenous-led solutions and robust networks with
spiritual and psychological assistance regulated by Elders.
Further, the management structure of healing lodges is divided between Indigenousowned facilities and Correctional Service Canada-operated ones, which are required to follow
federal correctional standards that contrast with traditional justice values. Healing lodges have
been established to mitigate recidivism amongst Indigenous people and have been more effective
than federal prisons in Canada. The research demonstrates that healing centers managed by
Indigenous leadership achieve greater success outcomes than centers controlled by CSC, yet
bureaucratic regulations prevent them from delivering native-driven rehabilitation programs with
full autonomy.
Conclusion
The research findings show healing lodges create a suitable rehabilitative environment
that helps Indigenous offenders by responding to their cultural needs in Canada. Healing lodges
provide better results than traditional prisons since they focus on spiritual practices and cultural

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30

identity, which ultimately leads to reduced criminal offender relapse. The recidivism rates of
offenders who undergo healing lodge programs stay lower than those who spend their time in
standard correctional institutions. Healing lodges have aimed to establish Indigenous-led
rehabilitation as an essential element in the justice system.
The use of healing lodges remains limited because of narrow participation requirements,
financial gaps and insufficient Indigenous control over their operations. The restriction of
medium and high-security Indigenous offenders from rehabilitation programs hampers their
effectiveness because it blocks the groups that require more robust rehabilitation efforts
Financial shortages create barriers for healing lodges to grow their programs and hire staff while
improving facilities because they reduce the capacity to assist more Indigenous offenders.
The research identifies significant research gaps because there is inadequate data about
how healing lodges affect long-term offender reintegration. Short-term recidivism rates are the
primary focus of research studies when there is an urgent necessity to track offenders for over a
decade or after a decade. The long-term success of healing lodges depends on adopting mediumsecurity offenders into the programs and securing steady funding sources in addition to
increasing Indigenous governance of healing lodges.
By providing Indigenous reintegration programs following release, the government can
optimize healing lodge success as a crime prevention approach. The contribution of healing
lodges plays an essential role in Indigenous justice reform progress. Healing lodges achieve dual
importance in Canadian society since they support rehabilitation efforts while advancing
Indigenous reconciliation through justice programs.

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