Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate

Aboriginal community development in corrections

CSC is working with Aboriginal communities to develop community programs and deliver corrections to Aboriginal offenders.

Introduction:

• CSC is working in partnership with Aboriginal communities to develop initiatives, which will better serve the correctional needs of Aboriginal offenders.
• Aboriginal community developments in corrections include initiatives, such as:

  -	Aboriginal Healing Lodges (9 across Canada);
  -	Aboriginal Community Residential Facilities (23 across Canada);
  -	An Aboriginal Community Reintegration Program (Section 84 of the CCRA); and
  -	Transfers of Correctional Services to Aboriginal Communities (5 agreements signed under Section 81 of the CCRA)

Overview:

• The Framework on the "Enhanced Role of Aboriginal Communities in Federal Corrections" was approved in March of 1999.
• In July 2000, Treasury Board approved 18.6M over a 5 year period. The priorities were:

  a)	Developing Aboriginal community programs;
  b)	Working with partners;
  c)	Development of Healing Lodges; and
  d)	Development of Sections 81/84 CCRA.

• Five agreements under Section 81 of the CCRA have been signed and discussions with several other Aboriginal communities have commenced.
• Section 84 releases are increasing and being utilized on a more consistent basis.

Future:

• CSC will begin focusing its attention on developing non-facility, community-based Agreements under Section 81 of the CCRA;
• Opportunities for Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal offenders, under Section 84 of the CCRA will be widely promoted;
• CSC has hired Aboriginal Community Development Officers in each region, to ensure further development in this area.
• CSC has agreements with National Aboriginal organizations and some regional Aboriginal organizations to work with CSC in accomplishing joint goals to safe and successful Aboriginal offender reintegration.
• Three national meetings have been held with current and developing Aboriginal healing lodge representatives to further strengthen these services.