Pine Grove Correctional Centre. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

First Nations women

First nations women in jail over represented and lack proper supports, says FSIN

Mar 8, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Concerns related to the over representation of First Nations women in the correctional system, and a lack of supports, are being raised on International Women’s Day by the organization that represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.

According to a press release Monday by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), First Nations women in the Canadian justice system do not have accessible community services and lack support due to shortage of resources, and are often forced to serve remand time in correctional facilities.

“Statistics prove that Saskatchewan has three times the number of individuals serving remand time than other jurisdictions in Canada,” the statement said.

The FSIN explains that First Nations women make up to 40 percent of the inmate population at Federal correctional centres, despite being only four percent of women in Canada.

At Prince Albert’s Pine Grove Correctional Centre, they represent 90 percent of the inmate population, despite being only 16 percent of the provincial population.

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The FSIN cites the January death of Kimberly Squirrel, as proof of the urgent need to address shortfalls that endanger women in custody.

On Jan. 23, 2021, the 34-year-old was found frozen outside in a Saskatoon neighbourhood, just days after being released from Pine Grove Correctional Centre. Family members relayed to CBC their belief Squirrel’s death could have been prevented had they been contacted about her release.

The circumstances surrounding Squirrel’s death are still being investigated by the Ministry of Corrections, as well as the Saskatoon Police Service and the Coroner’s office. According to a previous statement provided to paNOW by the Ministry, release conditions for remand inmates are set out by the court, and they added conditions often require remanded inmates to have a set place of residence, dependent on their individual circumstances.

“It is up to the individual to decide what level of involvement their family may have in their release,” the statement indicated.

The FSIN’s Calls for Justice seek to address the barriers and lack of resources in institutions and communities through wholistic practices and proper funding of community-based supports that assist an individual’s rehabilitation. FSIN Vice-Chief Heather Bear said it’s important to remember the systemic barriers that were already there before COVID-19.

“We must address the new issues arising due to COVID-19 that further the marginalization of our women. The lack of resources and chronically underfunded institutions are systemically murdering our women and contributing to a crisis,” she said.

Bear goes on to explain institutional and systemic failings can be addressed by supporting more community-based services that incorporate cultural and trauma-informed programs that specifically address the systemic barriers that work against First Nations women.

“As a reminder on this International Women’s Day, it is a day to celebrate all that women have accomplished. It is also a time to remember all the work that needs to be done,” Bear said, adding we must all seek a more inclusive society and unite in the fight to tear down systemic barriers for Indigenous women.

“There are too many injustices experienced by our women within the current systems and it’s the role of governments and decision-makers to recognize their hand in changing the status quo,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell