The Therapeutic Community is an innovative approach taken by the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Corrections Service to support people in custody to be successful in their rehabilitation and reintegration. Today, Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson celebrated the opening of the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Community.

The Therapeutic Community uses a structured and meaningful daily schedule to shape behaviour, create a sense of membership, teach job skills and instil attitudes that promote empowerment. This approach uses active participation in group living and activities and combines work, counseling and around-the-clock behavioural modelling to address the root causes of negative behaviours. Therapeutic Community residents have a role in each other’s recovery as there is an emphasis on social learning and mutual self-help to support accountability and reach recovery goals.

To design a northern program that incorporates Indigenous cultural teachings, the NWT Corrections Service worked and learned from the staff and residents at the Guthrie House, a Therapeutic Community at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre in British Columbia.   The Therapeutic Community incorporates the “Seven Laws of Living” and the Medicine Wheel which supports the cultural teachings of Indigenous peoples. Activities at the South Mackenzie Correctional Center include opening and closing ceremonies, sharing circles, drumming, smudging and traditional land-based teachings by local Elders.

At the end of their custodial sentences, residents at the South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Community are supported to transition back into their communities, which includes assistance to find work and housing. They are provided assistance for up to six months following their release. Research demonstrates that individuals who complete Therapeutic Community programming are less likely to re-offend, are more successful becoming employed, experience increased social and emotional functioning, and have a quality of life.

Quote(s)

“Many residents of the NWT continue to struggle with the effects of discrimination, colonization and residential schooling. Through the Therapeutic Community, the Government of the Northwest Territories is working to support those who come into contact with the justice system by providing a safe place where they can be supported in their rehabilitation and reintegration.”

-  R.J. Simpson, Minister of Justice

Quick facts

• The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Community became fully operational on November 5, 2021. 
• The Therapeutic Community can accommodate up to 36 males.
• To qualify, residents must be serving a custodial sentence of at least three months and must meet pre-determined risk level criteria.

For media requests, please contact:

Ngan Trinh

Senior Communications Advisor

Department of Justice

Government of the Northwest Territories

ngan_trinh@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9256 ext. 82083