A woman who escaped from a federally operated healing lodge in Edmonton earlier this month has been located by authorities, concluding a ten-day search.
Escape from Buffalo Sage Wellness House
Charmaine Louis-Crier escaped from the Buffalo Sage Wellness House on December 9, 2025. The Correctional Service Canada (CSC) confirmed the incident and initiated a search. The facility, which provides a culturally appropriate environment primarily for Indigenous women, is a minimum-security institution.
An undated photo of Louis-Crier was released by the CSC to aid the public in the search. Officials have not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to her escape from the lodge, which is located in Edmonton.
Search Concluded Successfully
The search for Louis-Crier ended successfully with her location. The CSC has confirmed she is now back in custody. The service has not released information regarding where she was found or if any charges are pending related to the escape.
Healing lodges like Buffalo Sage are part of a correctional model designed to support rehabilitation through traditional practices and community connection. Incidents of escape from such facilities are relatively rare.
Context and Facility Role
The Buffalo Sage Wellness House operates under a partnership between the CSC and the Native Counselling Services of Alberta. It serves women who are federally sentenced or on conditional release, focusing on programs rooted in Indigenous teachings and values.
This incident brings attention to the security protocols and community notification processes for minimum-security facilities. The CSC states public safety is its paramount concern during any such incident. The swift conclusion to the search suggests coordination between correctional services and local law enforcement was effective.
Further details about the investigation into the escape or any potential changes to lodge procedures have not been made public at this time.
