Saskatchewan Expands Ewikīwiyāhn Program to Improve Community Safety

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“Programs like Ewikīwiyāhn play an important role in rehabilitation and successful reintegration,” Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said. “By connecting participants with their culture, identity and community, we are helping them gain the skills and support they need to make positive changes and build a better future. Programs like this contribute to a safer, secure Saskatchewan.”

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Phase One was successfully piloted in March 2026 at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre, with virtual participation from the Prince Albert Correctional Centre. Participants reported stronger life skills, improved self-awareness, enhanced emotional regulation and Phase Two aims to ensure consistent delivery to build long-term capacity within Saskatchewan’s correctional system. The expansion advances a vision first identified by Elders and Knowledge Keepers to create a structured Indigenous teachings and healing program for Saskatchewan’s adult correctional facilities.

“It has been an honour to bring practical life skills together with traditional knowledge in creating Ewikīwiyāhn, a first-of-its-kind Indigenous life skills program firmly grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, Indigenous ways of doing and trusting in the process. Designed to be accessible and adaptable, Ewikīwiyāhn can be delivered in person, virtually or through a blended learning model. It creates a sacred space for healing, learning, connection, understanding and awareness, while providing participants with meaningful tools to move forward in their lives,” Indigenous Program Developer and Facilitator Vanessa Wolfe said. “At its heart is a foundation of identity, culture, connection and reclamation. Ewikīwiyāhn carries forward the vision and knowledge of our Elders and those who came before us, creating space for people to reconnect with who they are, where they come from and the strength and resilience they carry within themselves.”

Saskatchewan correctional facilities offer a range of Indigenous cultural programming, including Elder counselling, sharing circles, smudging ceremonies, sweat lodges, traditional teachings and community connection initiatives. Cultural coordinators and Elders work closely with inmates to support wellness, strengthen cultural connections and help prepare individuals for successful reintegration following their release.

Building safer communities requires more than incarceration alone. By supporting rehabilitation, cultural connection and personal growth, programs like Ewikīwiyāhn help reduce reoffending, strengthen communities and improve public safety throughout Saskatchewan.