By Alyson Blair
KPHO
FLAGSTAFF, AZ — It would be easy to give up on life if you spent the day locked away in a cell.
When James Bret came to Coconino County Jail five years ago, he was determined to change that way of thinking. The detention services coordinator is in charge of religious, educational and recovery programs. With more than half the inmates of Native American descent, the sweat lodge has been a long time in the making.
“It’s something that we get a request for fairly often that they want to experience their spirituality,” said Bret. In the shadow of razor wire atop a chain link fence sits the skeleton of the structure.
“The opening faces to the east. When we do the sweat those that are participating in it will actually help put the blankets on and the canvas to be a part of the whole service and ceremony,” said Bret. Believers say those ceremonies can change people’s lives.
Full story: Coconino Jail builds sweat lodge at inmate’s request