A recent report by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has highlighted a concerning trend: the majority of escapes from federal institutions between 2021 and 2024 occurred at healing lodges — facilities designed to support indigenous offenders through culturally focused rehabilitation.The report, covering the period from 2021–2022 to 2023–2024, recorded 25 escapes in total, with 72% taking place at healing lodges — a sharp increase from 2018–2019, when such facilities accounted for only half of all escapes.The data shows a peak of 11 total escapes in 2022–2023, with seven occurring at healing lodges, compared to four from other CSC institutions during the same period..In 2023–2024, healing lodges again saw seven escapes.Notably, 80% of these incidents occurred in the Prairie region, where many of Canada’s ten healing lodges are located.These facilities — four of which are government-run and six managed by community partners — integrate indigenous cultural practices like sweat lodge ceremonies to aid rehabilitation.The report also provides insight into the escapees’ profiles.Most escapes occurred within six months of an offender’s arrival at the institution, with an average stay of 4.1 months.The vast majority (84%) of escapees were serving determinate sentences, with 62% of these being within a year of their Statutory Release date..The CSC notes that while, "escapes from federal institutions remain rare, they are a critical measure of correctional performance, with significant implications for public safety and confidence."It goes on to say, “all escapees in the three-year period were apprehended, with 44% recaptured within a single day.”The CSC believes certain risk factors — such as recent negative news, family conflicts, interpersonal issues, or escalating stress — are potentially the prime motivators for these escapes..The report comes as recent incidents underline this issue.In February of this year, a 30-year-old man serving a three-year sentence for breaking and entering and assault escaped from Willow Creek Healing Lodge in Saskatoon, Sask., during an escorted temporary absence.In September 2024, another offender, serving five years for multiple robberies and aggravated assault, fled a healing lodge near Prince Albert, Sask.The CSC’s findings could bring about renewed scrutiny of security measures at healing lodges, which are intended to foster rehabilitation through cultural connection but could now face questions about balancing openness with public safety.
