SASKATOON — Saskatchewan ministries of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Justice and Attorney General, and Health have announced a partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) to collaboratively design and deliver the Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak transition program in Saskatchewan.
Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak, which means “turning their life around” in Cree, is the first pilot program under the Pathways and Partnerships approach to reduce the number of women returning to custody. The program will provide up to 18 months of intensive support to female offenders who are reincarcerated on minor offences. Government will be providing $1.2 million to STC to design and deliver the program.
Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak is one of the first Indigenous-designed and delivered reintegration programs in the province with a strong focus on gendered and culturally responsive approaches to reintegration.
“Throughout history the matriarch has been the root of support for Indigenous families,” STC Chief Mark Arcand said. “Through the Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak program we will be able to give back and support Indigenous women as they reintegrate. Those supports are critical when it comes to building a family structure, and in the process, help mold quality productive citizens for the community.”
Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak will focus on healing and wellness, education, training and employment and promoting positive family relationships, according to a press release. Indigenous-led programming will support healthy lifestyles and reduce reoffending by helping former inmates rebuild relationships with their family and community.
