Program and Service Needs of Federally Incarcerated Métis ...

security facility within Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Smaller proportions of the sample
were selected from the maximum security facility and Riverbend institution (minimum).
It is important to also note that staff were not chosen based on experience or their
knowledge of Métis offenders. Rather, the objective of this study was to capture a
range of experience and knowledge.
A structured interview was developed for the institutional staff. Interview questions
examined three key areas: background - with a particular focus on experience and
knowledge, offender needs and programming, and family needs. The structured
interviews included both closed and open-ended questions. Interviews were conducted
in person by one of the two researchers hired by MFCJS.
In total, 13 institutional staff members were interviewed (male, 55%; female, 45%). The
largest proportion was currently employed in case management positions (77%). Few
were currently employed as correctional officers, unit managers and in "other" positions
(8% in each category). The largest proportion of staff interviewed was non-Aboriginal
(70%). A smaller proportion self-identified as First Nations and Métis (30%).
Process
The project began with the creation of a steering committee. This committee was
comprised of representatives from MFCJS, MNC, and CSC (national headquarters and
the Prairie region). An Aboriginal contractor was hired to conduct the interviews.
Following an initial meeting, interview questions were prepared and agreed upon by the
steering committee.
The Warden of each institution was contacted to discuss the research. The Assistant
Warden of Correctional Programming of each institution was then contacted to set up
interview dates and to organize any information sessions that they felt should take place
prior to the interviews.
8