We took an action-oriented, community-based approach to understanding the perspectives of previously incarcerated Indigenous women, men, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, as well as service providers at Indigenous and criminal justice advocacy organizations. Using Indigenous research methods, this project will establish an Ontario-wide Indigenous guidance council to inform the design and delivery of research activities to ensure balanced power dynamics, increased trust, and a sense of project ownership. To facilitate reciprocal relationships and rapport building, care packages that were created with community input will be given to partners to distribute to previously incarcerated clients.

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 Additionally, we conducted one-on-one interviews with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous criminal justice-related service providers as well as individuals with lived experiences with incarceration who have used healing or re-entry programs since their release to gain knowledge about interconnectedness of incarceration, gender, family relations, and reintegration into their community(s). We framed the project using an intersectional lens that incorporated the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel teachings and accompanying knowledge. We are analyzing the data to determine if there are differences in gender and family-inclusive policies for those who were previously incarcerated and how to assist with reintegration and healing after their release.

 

Funded by Canadian Institute for Health Research: Indigenous Gender and Wellness Team Grant

 

Community Partners: Aboriginal Legal Services, Native Land Digital, PASAN, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society