Native justice task force visits Drumheller institution

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Quietly a circle forms, hands hold hands and heads bow while advisor/elder Harley Crowchild says a prayer. Sweetgrass burns and an inmate uses a feather to send whiffs of smoke on the praying participants.

The Native criminal justice task force was getting a firsthand insight into Native spirituality as part of a May 11 visit to Drumheller medium correctional institution to hear inmate's views on the workings of the criminal justice system.

The message to the task force headed by Mr. Justice Robert Cawsey was clear - Native elements must be incorporated into as many areas of the justice system as possible.

In their presentations members of the Native Brotherhood covered many concerns including the environment, education, the child welfare system and the legal aid system.

Speaking generally of the child welfare system and in particular foster home programs, brotherhood secretary Riel Derosier called for a number of changes including an "in-depth selection process involving Native people in the ;placement of Native children."

According to Derosier many inmates experienced inadequate care in foster homes leading to their imprisonment as adults. He called the penal system an industry where "the finished product (inmates) is sometimes worse than when they were first brought in."

Robert Alok spoke of his experience trying to assist an illiterate defendant. He felt racism in the courtroom prevented him from being trusted as an interpreter. There's also inadequate communication between lawyers and Native clients, he said.

"An attorney who does not investigate and present Native heritage and culture (in court) is deprived of the personal confidence of his representation in a fair trial."

Alok also called for sensitizing lawyers and judges to Native culture and heritage. He recommended the screening of representation of Native people in court. Exposure to Native lifestyles is an important element in changing the penal system, he said.

Justice Cawsey challenged the view his task force is learning nothing new.

"I learned today cultural training within the institutions should be controlled by Natives themselves."

He defended his task force saying he is approaching Native people on their own ground.. "Very few (task forces) have been to institutions. Nove have visited reserves or people in the inner city like we have."