National Chief Alarmed at Over-Representation in Prisons
- EFN Staff | November 27, 2013
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo continues to be alarmed at the over-representation of Aboriginal people in Canada's federal prisons.
Earlier this week, Atleo commented on the 40th Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator tabled in Parliament.
"Aboriginal people are vastly over-represented in the federal prison system and the number has been rising over the past decade," says Atleo. "This is a clear call for action to address systemic problems both in the justice system and in the country as a whole. We must once and for all dismiss the delusion that this situation is simply a consequence of character. We need to ensure our people who are incarcerated have access to cultural programs, culturally-relevant counseling, training and other avenues to rehabilitation. Equally important, we need to address the overall poor social and economic conditions that place too many of our people at risk. First Nations are the youngest, fastest growing population in the country. They are Canada's future and we must invest in our future."
The report by the Office of the Correctional Investigator included a special focus on "ethno-cultural diversity in corrections," revealing that Aboriginal people, who account for 4.3% of the total Canadian population, make up a "staggering" 23% of the federal prison poplation. Aboriginal women make up one-in-three women under federal sentence.
"This situation is a stark testament to the tragic truth that a First Nations youth in Canada is more likely to go to jail than graduate from high school," says Atleo. "This is why First Nations are united in calling for action on priorities like education. When we open a door to a school, we close the door to a prison cell. We must care for those within the justice system but we must also prevent conflict with the law by offering our people hope and opportunity. First Nations are ready to work with all partners to create real change now."
Read Atleo's open letter to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, where he calls the proposed First Nations Education Act unacceptable.