Program and Service Needs of Federally Incarcerated Métis ...

…it is a tragic reality that too many Aboriginal people are finding themselves in
conflict with the law. Canada must take the measures needed to significantly
reduce the percentage of Aboriginal people entering the criminal justice system,
so that within a generation it is no higher than the Canadian average
(Government of Canada, 2001).
While the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal persons is widespread, the issue
is of significant importance in Saskatchewan. Statistics indicate that the rate of
incarceration among Aboriginal adults in the province is over 1,600 per 100,000, as
compared to 48 per 100,000 among non-Aboriginal adults (CSC, 1999).
As with other Aboriginal groups, Métis offenders are also over-represented in the
judicial system (Saskatchewan Métis Justice Review Committee, 1992; Task Force on
the Criminal Justice System and its Impact on the Indian and Métis People of Alberta,
1991). Although Métis peoples comprise 0.7% of the Canadian population, Métis
offenders account for 4% of the federal offender population. Recent figures indicate
that approximately 600 Métis offenders are incarcerated in federal correctional facilities.
In addition, approximately 300 are currently serving time in the community (CSC, 2002).
Research suggests that Métis offenders may present unique needs for correctional
programming. Some of this evidence is supported by studies comparing Métis
offenders to other offender groups. Although the differences have not been extensively
examined, a few studies have indicated that Métis offenders differ from First Nations
and Inuit offenders. The differences are primarily reflected in the offences for which
they are incarcerated and their criminogenic needs at intake into federal correctional
facilities. Moore (2002) found that, similar to First Nations, Métis offenders had an
extensive criminal history. However, larger proportions of Métis offenders were
incarcerated for robbery, break and enter, and drug offences than other Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal groups. Furthermore, Métis offenders were more likely to experience
problems related to employment and social interaction compared to other Aboriginal
offenders. Motiuk and Nafekh (2000) found similar differences.
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