Pulis (march 6)

What are the Sacred Grounds, and why are they unique in Canada?

They are a physical space (including a sweat lodge, sacred gardens, and a sacred fire) created for federally and provincially sentenced women to participate in traditional Indigenous ceremony. They are the first off-site space (away from a correctional institution) of this kind in Canada.

What is meant by the critique of "indigenizing the white system"?

This refers to changes made within the current Euro-Canadian correctional system (like hiring Elders or offering on-site programs) that fail to address systemic issues like colonialism. The authors argue these attempts often reinforce colonialism under the guise of helping

Define "carceral recognition politics" in the context of Canadian prisons.

A strategy where the correctional system uses the rhetoric of "healing" and "Indigenous needs" to appear supportive, while simultaneously denying the colonial policies that contribute to Indigenous incarceration and requiring women to take individual responsibility for their situation.

What has happened to the incarceration rate of Indigenous women in Canada over the last decade?

It has increased by 112 percent in the past 10 years, despite overall crime rates remaining at record lows. Indigenous women currently represent over 30% of the federal female inmate population.

Why do the authors argue that on-site (in-prison) sweat lodges may be less effective for healing?

Because the reality of surveillance—including the presence of correctional officers and the fear of being judged—prevents women from feeling safe enough to share their stories authentically. The Sacred Grounds allow women to be physically removed from "bricks and bars"

What role does storytelling play in the Sacred Grounds research?

Storytelling is used to create records of "survivance" (a term from Gerald Vizenor), emphasizing active presence and resilience rather than just victimhood. The research protocol ensures women maintain full ownership of their stories.

How does trauma-informed theory justify the need for the Sacred Grounds?

It recognizes that women cannot heal in environments (like prisons) that may cause or exacerbate trauma. The Grounds provide a decolonized space where women feel safe to "return their abuse back to Mother Earth"

What are some symbolic traditional teachings regarding women at the Sacred Grounds?

Strawberries: Represent a woman's heart.

Tepee: Represents a woman's skirt.

Women's Sage: Used specifically in women's sweats.

Protectors of Water: The traditional role ascribed to women