Program and Service Needs of Federally Incarcerated Métis ...

the family unit. However, little information is currently available on the needs of First
Nations and non-Aboriginal families, making it difficult to draw comparisons.
Nonetheless, it is imperative that correctional policies strongly consider the impact of
incarceration and subsequent release on the family unit. Services may need to be
enhanced to better address financial concerns. Furthermore, involving community
members in the support of families may offset some of the personal and social
challenges they face.
Staff Experience and Knowledge
Correctional staff interviewed had extensive experience within federal corrections. Over
two-thirds (69%) were employed in their current position for more than three years, and
85% were employed with the service for more than three years in total (including prior
positions). A large proportion held other positions within CSC prior to their current
position (92%). Of those who held a prior position, the majority was employed in
correctional officer positions (92%).
In addition to work with the general offender population, institutional staff also appeared
to have extensive experience with Aboriginal offenders inside the institution (Table 14).
All of the staff interviewed reported working with Aboriginal offenders in general and
Métis offenders specifically. Furthermore, fairly large proportions reported working with
Aboriginal (69%) and Métis (31%) communities in some capacity. Similarly, all of those
who held prior positions with CSC worked with Aboriginal offenders in general and Métis
offenders specifically. Furthermore, it appears that staff have received some instruction
from CSC about Aboriginal issues. The majority (85%) of staff indicated that they
received training pertaining to Aboriginal issues in the past. However, no staff had
received training on Métis issues specifically. Results highlight the exposure
institutional staff have had with the needs and issues of Aboriginal offenders.
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