Ethnocultural Initiatives: Presentations

Ethnocultural Services
Sherry Jackson-Smith
Ethnocultural Service Officer
Atlantic Region (902)876-7138
jacksonsmisl@csc-scc.gc.ca

Atlantic Region's Offender Profile

The Black/African Cdn/Nova Scotian inmate offender population is comparable to Aboriginal statistics.

Incarcerated

• Total number of incarcerated inmates: 1367
• Black/ African Cdn/NS 8.9%
• Arab .44%
• Asian .15%
• SA .07%
• Other 1.76%

Released

• Total number of released offenders 887
• Black/African Cdn/NS 6.3%
• Arab .34%
• Korean .11%
• SA .11%
• Other 1.58%

Accomplishments Of Ethnocultural Services

• Assigned to position in Sept. 08
• Reviewed and consulted direction from both NHQ and RHQ.
• Attended all CSC institutions, community facilities, and met with various community organizations in an effort to create increased awareness of CD 767 throughout the region.
• Organized Cultural Competence/ Awareness sessions with an Africentric focus:
  • Oct. NS District Workshop (40+ staff participants)
  • Dec. Springhill Inst. (120+ staff participants)
  • Feb. Nova Inst. For Women- (60+ staff and inmates)
  • Feb. Westmorland Inst. (50+ staff and inmates)
• Ethnocultural Service Officer provided African Cdn. liaison support to Atlantic Institution, Nova Institution for Women.
• The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia contracted the services of an African Canadian Liaison Officer to assist African Canadian inmates.
• The Atlantic region recognized African Heritage Month where various events and celebrations were held at all institutions as well as community sites.
• Met with Ethnocultural inmate groups and heard concerns.
• Provided cultural and community information regarding available services including: Office of African N.S. Affairs, Black Business Initiative, Metro Immigrant Settlement Association, Multi-Cultural Association of N.S., Pride of Race, Unity and Dignity through Education to name a few.
• Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee meetings held.
• Attended CAC meetings.
• Should be noted that NPB Atlantic has hired an African Canadian Cultural Advisor.

Ethnocultural Coordinators

Institutions

• Atlantic Institution Jackie Basque
• Dorchester Penitentiary Alain Daigle
• Westmorland Institution Frank Landry
• Springhill Institution Mike Wilson
• Nova Institution Kathy Horne/Tammy MacEachern

Community

• Nfld- Linda Boland /Roger Duffy
• N.B./P.E.I.- Marla Kavalak
• N.S.- June Dicks

Challenges

• Creating an atmosphere of understanding without negative judgement that people come to us with "culture".
• Demographics- Finding appropriate ethnocultural services in close proximity to institutions. (rural institutions)
• Stability in Funding for ethnocultural services is imperative in partnering with community resources. Difficult for long term planning.
• Lack of awareness of ethnocultural services available to inmates and released offenders.
• Creating a continuum for cultural competence workshops with staff and inmates.

Goals for 2009-10 Fiscal

• Continual dialogue/ awareness with community organizations/partners.
• More focus on identifying specific needs with a strategy to address them.
• Continual support of the Ethnocultural portfolio.
• Regular REAC meetings.
• Establish more community partners.
• Continue to raise awareness of CD 767.
• Create a continuum for regular Cultural Competence sessions with staff and inmates
• Creating strong partnerships with specific key stakeholders within the Black community and other ethnic community organizations.
• Continued involvement with site representatives.
• Financial support for the operational units.
• An established funding base is necessary to show community partners we are committed.