Native American inmates require special culturally based programs to meet their special needs. Some programming is available in some States, but issues of availability remain. No studies are available to assess the effectiveness of these programs, but anecdotal evidence supports their positive effect. Canada, in response to statistics that show the disproportionate incarceration of Aboriginal people, as well as to the concerns expressed by Aboriginal communities and criminal justice professionals, along with the findings of a large number of government task forces and royal commissions, implemented correctional programming for Aboriginal inmates in the early 1970's. The National Counseling Services of Alberta (NCSA), a private, nonprofit justice service organization, was the first Aboriginal organization to design and operate institutional programming for Aboriginal inmates (1972). The NCSA was the first nonprofit organization, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, to operate a healing lodge, although the Stan Daniels Healing Centre began with a different name and designation. Healing lodges, including the Stan Daniels Healing Centre, are mandated under Section 81 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. There are currently six healing lodges operating, with an additional two in the development stages. When the Stan Daniels Healing Centre first opened, it provided life skills training, Native Awareness training, educational and employment readiness training, and an addictions program. Treatment plans have become holistic, with a focus on providing each individual with an opportunity to work under close monitoring on the underlying causes of problem behavior. The foundation for these plans is Aboriginal culture and practices; for example, in the program summary distributed to new residents, the language addresses the central Aboriginal values of balance, individual autonomy, non-coercion, collectivism, interconnectedness, and healing. This article describes institutional services, skills development, treatment, and the cultural emphasis. Despite potential obstacles identified in this article, the healing lodge model used in Canada should be considered for use in the United States. Native American peoples face criminogenic conditions similar to those faced by Canada's Aboriginal peoples. The healing lodge model in America would reflect the Native American cultural values that promote behavior conducive to constructive individual participation in community life. 12 notes and 39 references