First Nations Leaders Want Better Programming for Aboriginal Inmates at WCC

Tuesday, 5 September 2017 13:47

Kwanlin Dun Chief Doris Bill says reintegration programming not adequate.

The Council of Yukon First Nations and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation are calling on the Yukon government to work with them to address gaps in the Criminal Justice system faced by First Nations. Grand Chief Peter Johnston (CYFN) and Chief Doris Bill (KDFN) say First Nations continue to be overrepresented in the Yukon Criminal Justice system.

They point to a 2015 Auditor General’s report which indicates that between 70-90 percent of the inmate population at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre is of First Nations identification, while First Nations people only account for 20-25 percent of the overall territorial population. The leaders say they have concerns with WCC over “the lack of mental health and medical services, the use of solitary confinement and the lack of a meaningful appropriate reintegration program.”

Bill says programming intended for First Nations inmates, needs to be designed by Aboriginals. “I believe if First Nations people are overrepresented in the system, then we need programs that are designed by us for our people.” She says Kwanlin Dun is able to take the lead in developing those programs. “We can do it. I know we can do it. Kwanlin Dun I think is in a unique position to be able to do it to take the lead to do some of these issues, given we're right here in the City. We already have that infrastructure. All we need is for government to come on board to build the proper programs and services for our people.”

The leaders concede they have not met with the Justice Ministry regarding their concerns, but have had discussions with the RCMP. Johnston is supportive of reintegration programming, but would like to see more attention paid to early childhood development and families, in preventing incarceration. “By the time they're already in WCC I think its gone to the point where we're dealing with a reactive perspective. If we can support through healthy families and early childhood development, the success we're going to have for the young child and the family at the early ages is going to support their development going forward. Unfortunately, by the time they’re in the correctional facility, we're dealing with a different perspective rather than proactive.”

“The cost of housing an inmate compared to supporting a young individual that's entering the school system, it would be great if those equal dollars were given to that individual as an investment, so they're supported throughout the system and there are more chances of success, rather than dealing with a different perspective.” Johnston said.

Bill suggests more holistic programs. “We need programming from a holistic perspective to help people reintegrate into society. Kwanlin Dun has its own programs that help in that area. But we need something for the people coming out of WCC. I don't think what's in place now is adequate."

Johnston and Bill want to see more pre-sentencing or Gladue reports conducted on First Nations offenders as a way of understanding their background and history. They say there is no formal Gladue program in the territory and want one established.

(Dan Jones Whitehorse September 5, 2017)