Factors Associated With Successful Re-Integration of Aboriginal Offenders Into the Community

• NCJ Number: 165062
• Journal: Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1996 Pages: 49-51
• Author(s): M. Hodgson; D. Heckbert
• Date Published: September 1996
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

Aboriginal leaders and criminal justice system officials in Canada are aware of the overrepresentation of aboriginal persons in all areas of the criminal justice system, from involvement with the police to court appearances to correctional populations.

Abstract

Recognizing that aboriginal persons also tend to be disadvantaged in such areas as employment, education, and health, Canada's Nechi Institute on Alcohol and Drug Education researched the lifestyles of aboriginal offenders who became law-abiding citizens. The research attempted to document personal qualities, community resources, family relationships, and correctional interventions that positively affected these offenders. A sample of 20 aboriginal offenders was selected, and each individual had a serious and extensive criminal record or had served a sentence of 5 or more years. All were in the community and had not been in further serious conflict with the law for at least 2 years. Aboriginal offenders ranged in age from 32 to 53 years, and their criminal records included minor offenses such as illegal possession of alcohol and serious offenses such as theft, assault, and robbery. Early experiences of offenders varied widely. Most reported some good times, including a close family, strong cultural ties, and supportive communities. The good times, however, did not last long, and offenders experienced the devastation of residential schools, alcoholism, violent deaths, family breakdown, poverty, suicide, and neglect. As a result, offenders tended to lose their self-esteem at a young age and felt their aboriginal identity was threatened. Although explanations for getting into trouble were diverse, all offenders mentioned alcohol or drug abuse. Aboriginal offenders changed due to various positive influences. Most began to see the destruction caused by their substance abuse and decided to stop drinking and taking drugs. Groups such as Aboriginal Elders and the Native Brotherhood rekindled cultural awareness, and aboriginal offenders developed a strong spiritual and cultural identity. Implications of the findings for training nonaboriginal staff are considered. 2 notes