Program and Service Needs of Federally Incarcerated Métis ...

currently attached to their Métis culture and only 6% reported participating in Métis
activities within the federal facility. It is important to note that low participation was likely
related to a lack of Métis-related activities inside the institutions. In contrast, larger
proportions reported being involved in other Aboriginal activities inside the institution
(42%) and were currently attached to another Aboriginal culture (55%). Past research
demonstrates that First Nations offenders have had a different experience with their
culture inside federal facilities. In comparison to Métis offenders in Saskatchewan,
larger proportions of First Nations offenders have reported speaking an Aboriginal
language, being attached to their culture and participating in traditional activities
(Trevethan et al., 2002a).
Results in the current study appear to suggest that Métis offenders had limited exposure
to traditional Métis life during their childhood and felt little affiliation to their culture. In
addition, offenders did not appear to be involved in Métis practices within the
institutions, but large proportions were participating in activities oriented towards First
Nations cultures. Many offenders also felt a strong attachment to First Nations culture.
While there are positive aspects to being involved in spiritual and cultural activities,
programs need to acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal cultures present in federal
facilities. Furthermore, the benefits of practicing cultural activities that do not reflect the
experiences of the clientele remain unclear.
Program Participation
Findings from the interviews suggest that Métis offenders have participated in a variety
of correctional programs. Over three-quarters (79%) reported participating in a program
while incarcerated within the federal system. Figure 4 indicates that the largest
proportions participated in substance abuse (88%). Large proportions also participated
in anger management/family violence (63%), educational (61%), cognitive/living skills
(61%) and counselling (46%) programs. Smaller proportions were involved in
employment (34%), sex offender (15%) and "other" (5%) programs (see Table 9). In
addition, of those who reported being on parole, more than one-half (58%) said they
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