ONFC Annual Report

COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION
PROGRAM
Report Contributors: Jennifer Valiquette; Denise Anne Boissoneau
Program Description:
The Community Reintegration & Peer Support Program is an offender reintegration project. It is funded as part of the
national Indigenous Community Corrections and Reintegration Programs project with Public Safety Canada. Odawa’s
Community Reintegration Program offers services in traditional and peer supports for Indigenous adults in discharge
planning and upon provincial or federal institutional release. The program works with the offender in the capacity of coach,
educator, advocate, and knowledge broker, and will facilitate access to a wide range of community-based and culturally
appropriate services in supporting successful and long-term reintegration. The program also supports, advocates and
coordinates the use of alternative justice measures.
How we adjusted our Program to deal with COVID-19:
The Coordinator and Traditional Helper continue to receive referrals and maintain working relationships with clientele in
virtual capacities; intakes, wellness planning, advocacy, program referrals, circles, individual traditional guidance, and urgent
supports. The program was able to purchase devices, headsets, books, and sacred medicines to support virtual programming
and wellness. The Traditional Helper also lends facilitation to Odawa’s Community Justice Program in virtual justice circles.
Once the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted, we are looking forward to renewing the peer support position.
Supports include; providing in-person accompaniments and advocacy in community supports; navigating barriers and
systemic “hoops” in tasks such as acquiring I.D.; Learning how to navigate the city independently; applying for supports; and
working with social service agencies or government services.
Partnerships:
• Probation & Parole Services Canada
• Indigenous Community Corrections and Reintegration
Programs (Public Safety Canada)
• Odawa internal programs
• WellBriety
• Treatment facilities
• Community Wellness Centers
• Kagita Mikam
Key Highlights of Program:
• Wabano
• Tungasuvvingat Inuit
• Health facilities/services
• Outreach services
• 510 Drop- In
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• and many many others
• Client-centred support – instilling a sense of acceptance and community to those released from custody.
• Empowering self-determination, life skills and cultural pride.
• Mitigating risk factors in strength-based approach.
• Individualized wellness and action planning to support endeavors in employment, therapy, cultural/spiritual needs,
mental health and substance use programming.
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