Stan Daniels Healing Centre – Edmonton, AB

Indigenous-Led Healing Lodge and Correctional Facility

The Stan Daniels Healing Centre is a unique community residential facility (CRF) and Section 81 Healing Lodge located in the Boyle Street district of Edmonton. Managed by Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) under an agreement with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), this 72-bed facility serves Indigenous and non-Indigenous male offenders who are on conditional release or serving federal sentences. The centre operates on a foundation of restorative justice and Cree legal principles, offering a holistic environment that prioritizes spiritual healing, cultural reconnection, and safe reintegration into society.

The Warrior Program and Rehabilitation

Unlike traditional prisons, the Stan Daniels Healing Centre focuses on addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour through trauma-informed care and cultural teachings. The core of their approach is the Warrior Program, which guides residents-referred to as ”relatives”-through a process of self-discovery and accountability. Residents participate in daily ceremonies, including Smudging, Pipe Ceremonies, and Sweat Lodges, facilitated by on-site Elders and Knowledge Keepers. These spiritual practices are designed to help residents heal from intergenerational trauma and build a positive identity.

Residency and Supervision

While the atmosphere is rehabilitative, the centre maintains the security standards of a minimum-security federal institution. Residents typically include men on Day Parole, Full Parole, or Statutory Release with a residency condition. They live in a communal setting where they are responsible for cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the facility, mirroring the responsibilities of independent living. Supervision is provided 24/7, and residents must adhere to strict conditions regarding curfews, sobriety, and movement within the community. The facility acts as a bridge between the penitentiary system and full freedom.

Community Integration and Support

A key objective of the centre is to empower residents to become contributing members of the community. Case management teams work closely with residents to secure employment, upgrade their education, or access addiction treatment services in Edmonton. The centre’s location near downtown provides access to public transit and essential services, facilitating the practical steps needed for reintegration. Through the Indigenous Offender Reconciliation Program, the centre also supports residents in reconnecting with their families and home communities, fostering a network of support that is crucial for preventing recidivism.