NCJ Number
86723
Date Published
1982
Length
47 pages
Annotation
A report on the Canadian seminar on Native Peoples and the Criminal Justice System presents recommendations from the workshops on postsentence reintegration, prevention and pretrial alternatives, and courts.
Abstract
In the workshop on postsentencing reintegration, much of the discussion emphasized the need for both provincial and Federal governments to better understand and accept the importance to Native people of the opportunity to practice their own religion. It was noted that the disproportionate number of Native people imprisoned is directly related to loss of Native culture, particularly religious expressions. Recommendations to facilitate the practice of Native religion while in prison were proposed. Other proposals from this workshop included more halfway houses run by Native people, greater involvement of Native organizations in the development of criminal justice policy and the delivery of services, and the official recognition of Native brotherhood and sisterhood self-help groups in prisons. The workshop on prevention and pretrial alternatives viewed Native counseling services as valuable to Native people in conflict with the law. An expansion of diversion programs oriented toward the needs of Native people was also suggested. This workshop also recommended a greater effort by the criminal justice system to affirm and support Native culture in its programs, primarily by emphasizing this in personnel training. The primary concern of the workshop on courts was the lack of services provided offenders by courtworkers after sentencing. Still, courtworkers were deemed to have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Native offenders and court personnel. Support was given to the program option that permits Native offenders to work out fines rather than be incarcerated. Improved access of Native spiritual leaders to Native offenders was also recommended. Various publications of inmate Native organizations are appended.