A new First Nations and Métis cultural centre opened today at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.

The new centre will serve as a dedicated space for fostering the knowledge of traditional practices and better providing a place of spiritual dialogue for those in Saskatchewan's only correctional facility for women. 

"A strong sense of culture and spirituality is an essential part of the rehabilitative process," said Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell at the blessing ceremony. "It provides people with a better chance of successfully reintegrating back into their communities and helps reduce the risk of re-offending."

In addition to core programs already in place, the number of services offered will be expanded thanks to the new space.  These services will be provided by cultural advisors, spiritual counsellors and Elders and will include sharing circles, cultural awareness programs, sweat lodge and pipe ceremonies, and traditional parenting.  

The aim of the additional programs is to promote healthy, balanced lifestyles and to encourage strong cultural and spiritual identities among women in Saskatchewan’s correctional system.