International approaches to the accommodation of Indigenous prisoners
Date
2015
Authors
Grant, E.M.
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Conference paper
Citation
Prisons 2015 : sharing insights on whole of life cycle management of correctional facilities, 2015, pp.1-37
Statement of Responsibility
Elizabeth Grant
Conference Name
Prisons 2015 (17 Mar 2015 - 18 Mar 2015 : Melbourne, Vic.)
Abstract
The high incarceration rate of people from Indigenous cultures is a
world-wide phenomenon. The reasons for overrepresentation vary in
detail and multiplicity across different contexts but there are
commonalities. This paper examines the manner in which various
countries have sought to accommodate the differing needs of
Indigenous prisoners. It outlines the Native American religious practices
and ceremonies allowed in US prisons and some of the struggles
associated with exercising religious freedoms. The partnerships forged
between US correctional agencies and American Indian agencies to
allow prisoners to serve time on reservations are also discussed. These
experiences are contrasted to the Canadian experience of the
establishment of healing lodges and the integration of Aboriginal
religious ceremonies into mainstream prisons. Australian experiences
have been vastly different and this presentation outlines the various
approaches including the recent construction of a prison to meet the
needs of Aboriginal prisoners in West Kimberley. In response to the large
numbers of Māori imprisoned, New Zealand developed the concept of
Māori Focus Units, built on the premise that increased cultural
knowledge reduces the criminal behaviour. The Māori Focus Units and
Pacific Islander Units present unique responses to incarcerating
Indigenous prisoners. Finally, the paper outlines the establishment of
the first prison in Greenland to respond to needs of the Kalaallit peoples
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