Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine: Lessons Learned from the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge Traditional Healing Project
This project and accompanying evaluation serve as an exemplar for integrating Traditional Medicine/Healing into CSC’s Health Services model.
By Mary-Lou Thevenot, Carson Gaudet, Nichelle Nordholt, Dr. Bryce Stoliker, Dr. Lisa Jewell, Dr. Mansfield Mela, & Chaneesa RyanFindings from this evaluation have provided evidence for the benefits of integrating Indigenous healing practices and traditional medicine with Western medicine. This not only represents a substantive and meaningful step towards reconciliation in healthcare, but also demonstrates the importance of Indigenous healing practices and traditional medicine in the treatment of Indigenous Peoples. The evolution of this program –from a two-year pilot to a fully integrated program, with an additional five years of funding – demonstrates CSC’s commitment to effective and culturally safe programs and practices to meet the needs of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit offenders. Lessons learned from this evaluation have informed the development of a National Traditional Medicine Program Roll-out Strategy and Implementation Plan that will be used to support the implementation of a Traditional Medicine Program at other CSC institutions.
