In 1999, the Spiritual Lodge at Stony Mountain Institution in Winnipeg, Manitoba was opened. In this particular institution, the majority of the offenders are Aboriginal and it soon became apparent as these numbers grew, that specific programming and designs were required to address the needs of the Aboriginal population. The Lodge does not house inmates, but provides a central location for Aboriginal programming, spiritual circles and ceremonies as well as office space for the Elders who lead the programs. Conversions of existing federal institutions are also underway. The previous Elbow Lake minimum institution located near the Chehalis First Nation in British Columbia is now Elbow Lake Healing Village.
Operational plans are in place to re-design the institution to reflect the Aboriginal culture.
Consultations with nearby Aboriginal groups for staffing and programming are also underway. Now, in British Columbia the concept of the Healing Lodge has already unfolded positive results. However, in 1999, an agreement was signed by the NCSA and the Solicitor General to transfer the operations under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to the Aboriginal Community. The operation has now become the Stan Daniels Healing Centre and ensures that the traditional Aboriginal healing methods and teachings of the Elders become the core of the programs. Waseskun Healing Centre has services in French and English and provides intensive residential therapy for men and women referred from Aboriginal communities and from prisons and federal penitentiaries.