NCJ Number
183094
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2000 Pages: 40-44
Editor(s)
Larry Motiuk Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
To evaluate the role of elders and traditional healers in the provision of Aboriginal sex offender treatment in Canada, a qualitative research project was undertaken in which 11 traditional helpers, 8 sex offender treatment providers, and 12 Aboriginal male inmates attending sex offender treatment programs participated in structured interviews.
Abstract
Participant observation was also part of the research design. Participants attended group therapy sessions, sharing circles, drumming circles, and ceremonial activities such as sweat lodge and pipe ceremonies. The project sought to assess elder attitudes toward and understanding of sex offenders, the role of elders in sex offender treatment, the working relationship between elders and clinicians, traditional approaches employed in the healing of sex offenders, and elder views on the assessment of sex offenders. Findings revealed that much significance was attributed to the involvement of traditional healing in sex offender treatment programs. Elders and traditional healing approaches facilitated an increased comfort with and openness to treatment, strengthened personal identity among sex offenders, and developed a sense of community. In addition, holistic dynamics and effects of ceremony in the work of elders were strongly associated with overall growth and change in sex offenders. Primary challenges in integrating sex offender treatment and traditional healing were in the areas of cross-cultural and professional education and training. Non-Aboriginal staff required a greater awareness of Aboriginal culture and healing, and elders and other traditional helpers required more specific training on sex offender assessment and treatment. All individuals interviewed indicated support for an Aboriginal sex offender treatment and healing process. Aboriginal offenders indicated some measure of direct gain from being involved in traditional healing approaches. 6 footnotes