Eagle Women’s Lodge is a Section 81 Healing Lodge able to accommodate up to 30 women involved with the Correctional Service of Canada. This setting promotes community re-integration in a safe and supportive environment.  Culturally relevant programs and services and family reunification will be offered to residents to promote healing and transformation.

Our facility provides:

  • 24/7 residential support staff;
  • Access to basic needs such as food, clothing, bedding and hygiene products;
  • Access to clean housing – a semi/fully furnished suite or room with a bed, dresser, washer/dryer, kitchen access, Healing Room, and common area spaces;
  • Access to individual supports and group programs with in-house Healing Plan Coordinators, Counseling, Peer Mentorship, Outreach Services and traditional ceremonies and activities;
  • Access to external services and supports when the need is indicated in resident Healing Plans

Programs available at Eagle Women’s Lodge:

  • Traditional Cultural Support and ceremony offered through Elders, Spiritual Advisors, Counsellors and Helpers- with a focus on self-identity, traditional and contemporary roles, and pride in being a woman.
  • Healthy Intimate Relationships program focuses on informing participants about safe sex practices, healthy hygiene, and healthy boundaries within intimate relationships. Participants will also learn about sexuality, the meaning of consent and healthy communication skills.
  • Mothers of Tradition is a program designed for Indigenous women to increase their understanding of how important they are as first teachers and mothers in passing on the 9 Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre Inc. Eagle Women’s Lodge Resident Handbook 2021 teachings of living healthy and balanced lives. The program touches on the how intergenerational trauma has affected them personally, as a family, community, and Nation. They are provided with tools to help them work through and process the affects of intergenerational trauma, become healthier, more balanced and continue to practice healthy lifestyles.
  • The Spirit of the Warrior is a healing program that provides women with an opportunity to gain insight into how violence and addiction has evolved in their lives. Participants will begin to understand how violence and addictive behaviours are passed from generation to generation and learn new skills to reduce and ultimately eliminate their own violent behaviour. The program structure is based on cultural practices and connecting to spirit. Every day opens and closes with a smudge and prayer and a sharing circle on the topic being discussed. Due to the intense nature of this program, EWL staff work closely to provide participants the extra support they may need while participating in this healing program.
  • Recovery and Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma (RE/ACT) Phase 1 and 2 is a program designed to start repairing the effects of complex trauma. Complex trauma is the result of a person living in an unsafe environment for an extended period of time. This can be due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, and living in an environment where emotional needs are not consistently met. The result is, that in order to survive, a person must live in a Fight, Flight or Freeze state of being. Living in survival mode may have kept people safe during times of danger, but it creates systems of thought and behaviour that result in unhealthy relationships, unhealthy coping tools, shame and sometimes mental health disorders. RE:ACT helps people understand how complex trauma has impacted them personally, not just in the area of addiction, but in all aspects of their lives.
  • Offsite Educational Upgrading and employment opportunities offered by sister organizations such as the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development, BUILD, Opportunities for Employment and Urban Circle to name a few. • Practical Skills Training and Development to prepare for a future of independent living which will include cooking, housekeeping, general home maintenance, budget management and assistance in the search for safe, adequate and affordable housing locations. • Individual Trauma Counselling offered by the Elder and/or a Counsellor(s) at the Lodge. • Parenting Support through one on one, role-modeling and access to programming and support groups both in-house and in the community.
  • Substance Abuse Programming offered at EWL such as but not limited to, Addictions Awareness and Relapse Prevention programs and access to addiction support groups both in-house and in the community.
  • Family Reunification by providing support and advocacy in dealing with Child and Family Services (if applicable) and other managing other legal needs. The Lodge will provide a safe visiting option for women as they work towards strengthening their bonds with their children, and reconnecting to their role as a parent. A Mother/Child Program is also available to those who qualify. 10 Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre Inc. Eagle Women’s Lodge Resident Handbook 2021
  • Community Reintegration Support in navigating government services through Healing Plan Coordinators and support staff.
  • Mental Health Support/Services delivered collaboratively with CSC or other community partners.

 

Education/Employment:

Employment within the Lodge will be available through assignments such as: working in the kitchen, maintenance crew, traditional helpers, supply assistants, hobby craft and cleaners etc. Employment opportunities may also be available in the community on work release. Residents are encouraged to discuss these opportunities with their Healing Plan Coordinators. There will also be educational opportunities available online and in the community through partner organizations. Residents are encouraged to discuss these opportunities with their Healing Plan Coordinators. Conditionally released women are encouraged to explore education and employment opportunities in the community through partner organizations and the assistance of the Community Employment Coordinator at the Winnipeg Parole Office. Healing Plan Coordinators, EWL support staff and your Community Parole Officer can assist in connecting you with the appropriate resources.

 

Traditional Supports and Services:

Our lodge offers a number of traditional ceremonies and services that include, but are not limited to: one-on-one counselling sessions, smudging, sharing circles, sweat lodge ceremonies, drumming, pipe ceremonies, sun dance, fasting, drum making, beading, sewing, medicine picking, and rock picking. Medicines may be available through the Elder and proper protocol must be followed in these circumstances. Outside Elders may also be invited to the Lodge to meet the needs of the residents from a variety of backgrounds. The Healing Room at our Lodge is accessible 24 hours a day and can be used for burning traditional medicines. Medicine bundles are permitted; however, these bundles are subject to search under the guidance of the Elder or Cultural Advisor if required.

 

Application Process:

All women in the Federal Corrections system or federally supervised Provincial can apply to EWL with an application through their Institutional Parole Officer.

   

Intake Process:

  • Review the Eagle Women’s Lodge Resident Handbook and explore what is offered, to see if it is a match.
  • Request an application from your Case Management Team.
  • Send application to Eagle Women’s Lodge for review.
  • An Intake interview will be scheduled with you and will then be presented to the review committee.
  • You will receive a decision in 10 business days and a Memo to File will be placed on the Offender Management System and shared with your Parole Officer.

For more information please contact us at:

Telephone 204-415-7615
Toll Free 1-888-881-0710

Email frontdesk@iwhc.ca