“Aboriginal people in Canada are at
greater risk both for being victimized by violent and personal crimes, and for
being negatively involved in the criminal justice system”(Social Challenges:
The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003). First nation peoples are perceived
to be delinquents in the criminal justice system, which I think is a rude
assumption. Aboriginals should be
treated fairly in the criminal justice system just like every other race but
instead they have all these negative assumptions against them. Statistics show “that Aboriginal people represent only 2.8%
of the Canadian population, they account for 18% of those who are incarcerated
in federal institutions.”(Social Challenges:
The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003). If Aboriginals only represent 2.8%
of the Canadian population, then why discriminate against them? It is sad to
hear that Aboriginal people are at risk for being victimized by violent crimes
and are negatively involved in the criminal justice system, but maybe they are
negatively involved because they are at greater risk of being victims too.
“The number of
incarcerated Aboriginal inmates in federal and provincial facilities,
particularly in the Prairies, is still increasing though many of the crimes committed
are minor offences.”(Aboriginal People and the Criminal Justice System, 2000). If
they are minor offences then why be put in jail? I don’t think anyone should be
punished unless they deserve it. It is not fair to arrest an Aboriginal for a
minor offence, just because they are Aboriginal. If the offence is minor then
they shouldn't have to deal with the consequences.
“Aboriginal people in Canada were deprived of their land,
their cultural traditions, and their unique way of life. Children were removed
from their families and sent away to residential schools – where many were
abused.”(Social Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003). First Nation peoples should have not gone
through that especially in Canada, when we are supposed to be the
Peace-Keepers. That happened a long time ago but it still happened, and it
still affects us today.
We live in the 21st
century where all of the stereotyping and racism should be put behind us.
Everyone should be treated with fairness and equality, and not be discriminated
against. When it comes to the criminal justice system in Canada I believe that
only the people committing crimes and are guilty to the crime should be
punished no matter what race or ethnic background. We all follow and abide to
the same laws.
By: Alyssa
References:
Social
Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People. (2003). CCSD. Retrieved
from http://www.ccsd.ca/cpsd/ccsd/c_ab.htm
Aboriginal
Peoples and the Criminal Justice System. (2000, May 15). CCJA. Retrieved
from http://www.ccja-acjp.ca/en/aborit.html
Good post! This is definitely an issue in Canada, and one where many sub issues branch from. Many First Nations people suffer from addictions, mental illness, etc., and incarceration does not in any way help treat these issues. Prisons continue to marginalize First Nations people, as there is a decline in the focus of individual risks and needs. Unfortunately, First Nations youth are particularly susceptible to prison gangs, and gang mentality. The Criminal Code has created a special provision to address the disproportionate percentage of First Nations offenders; judges must consider the unique circumstances of First Nations people and the systemic background factors that may have contributed to their behaviour. Because of this, there are specific sentencing procedures. To me, this doesn't seem to be working, as First Nations people are still greatly overrepresented in out justice system. This may be because proactive programs that would keep First Nations people out of jail are deficient or non-existent, and are only (weakly) addressed once a person is already part of the justice system.
ReplyDeleteShannon
In reading this post my question came to mind " is the justice system still trying to get the Indian out of the person?" We have been taught that in the Indian Act the reason for Residential Schools was to get the Indian out of the child. Is this attitude still remaining today from the courts? I beleive First Nations are in need of one another and thier traditions. They need the ability to recieve support and teach. I have seen many First Nations people heal and maintain a healthy lifestyle once introduced to thier culture. This approach could help many non- Fisrt Nation people.
ReplyDeleteHeather