Research Reports

The Needs of Métis Offenders in
Federal Correctional Facilities
in British Columbia

This report is also available in French. Ce rapport est également disponible en français. Veuillez vous adresser à la direction de la recherche, Service Correctionnel du Canada, 340 avenue Laurier ouest, Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0P9. Should additional copies be required they can be obtained from the Research Branch, Correctional Service of Canada, 340 Laurier Ave., West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0P9.

2003 N^o R-129

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This project was a joint effort between Correctional Service Canada (CSC), Métis National Council (MNC) and Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia (MPCBC), in order to examine the needs of Métis federal offenders while incarcerated and upon release into the community. This involved three components: interviews with 64 Métis offenders incarcerated in federal correctional facilities in British Columbia; interviews with 17 family members; and, focus groups with staff in 8 federal correctional facilities.

Because of their over-representation within the correctional system (4% of federal inmate population versus 0.7% of Canadian population), and because the current programs and services may not be appropriate for them, Métis offenders may require different interventions than non-Aboriginal and First Nations offenders. It is necessary to examine what programs and services are in place, and what services Métis offenders require for successful reintegration. The present research attempts to answer this, by addressing the following questions:

1. What are the characteristics of federal Métis offenders interviewed in British Columbia? How do Métis offenders differ from other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders?
2. What programs are federal Métis offenders participating in within the institution and upon release? Are Métis offenders participating in programs that address areas of high need?
3. What programs and services do federal Métis offenders require within correctional facilities and once they are released into the community?
4. What programs and services do the families of Métis offenders require?
5. What information or training do correctional staff have regarding Métis offenders and the Métis culture?

Profile of Métis Offenders

The study found that federal Métis offenders tend to be young, single, have low education and high unemployment and substantial need for program intervention in a number of areas, in particular personal/emotional issues, substance abuse, criminal associates and attitude. This profile is similar to First Nations offenders and the Canadian Aboriginal population generally. Furthermore, Métis offenders have more extensive criminal histories and different criminogenic needs than non-Aboriginal inmates.

Although Métis offenders have similar demographic and criminal profiles as First Nations offenders, there are some differences in other characteristics that may indicate a need for different styles of intervention between Métis and First Nations. While large proportions of First Nations offenders reside in rural areas or on reserve, Métis offenders tend to live in urban areas. Furthermore, there are differences between Métis and First Nations offenders in culture, as indicated in Aboriginal language, involvement in Aboriginal activities, and feelings of identity. Therefore, although the reasons for their incarceration and their criminogenic needs may be similar, differences in home environment and cultural characteristics indicate the importance of incorporating Métis history and culture into programs for Métis offenders. For instance, a healing lodge in a remote setting may not be effective for many Métis offenders. Similarly, the use of First Nations Elders, sweat lodges and sweet grass ceremonies may not be meaningful for Métis offenders.

Program Participation

Almost all of the Métis offenders who were interviewed (98%) reported that they had participated in correctional programs while incarcerated. One-quarter said they had participated in programs while on conditional release. The largest proportion participated in core programs relating to substance abuse, anger management, cognitive skills and educational programs. Almost two-thirds of the Métis offenders said that they participated in Aboriginal-specific programs. However, only two Métis offenders said they were involved in Métis-specific programs, such as substance abuse counselling.

Addressing Criminogenic Needs of Métis Offenders

An examination of the criminogenic needs that Métis offenders have upon intake, and their program involvement, indicates that Métis offenders have their diverse criminogenic needs addressed by correctional programming. For instance, 80% of the Métis offenders who were rated as having some or considerable need in substance abuse have participated in substance abuse programs. Furthermore, many of the offenders feel that the programs were useful. However, it is not clear whether the programs meet Métis offenders' cultural or spiritual needs.

Although the proportion of offenders with some or considerable need decreased from intake to the time of release for some need areas, large proportions of Métis offenders were still rated as having needs for intervention. Although the programs in place target the criminogenic needs identified at intake, the offenders may not respond fully to the programs unless they are given in an appropriate cultural context and in a way that is meaningful to the lives of Métis offenders.

In interviews, Métis offenders reported having different programming needs from non-Aboriginal offenders because of differences in spiritual and cultural beliefs. However, only about one-quarter of the Métis offenders said that they had different needs from First Nations offenders. Those that noted differences indicated that Métis and First Nations come from different cultures. Those that said there were no differences noted that Métis and First Nations offenders are treated the same and struggle with issues of identity.

Métis offenders clearly have a broad range of needs when entering the federal correctional system and upon release to the community. Some of the programs in place are attempting to address these issues and those interviewed feel the programs are useful. However, it is also clear that they feel that the cultural aspect is missing from the programs. In order to make the programs most effective, it was noted that the programs need to be Métis-specific and facilitated by Métis staff. Another common theme was the need for community support and programs for Métis offenders in the community.

At the time of release, some of the respondents indicated the need for different services and programs for Métis offenders. However, others noted the need for services that appear similar to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders - such as employment, housing, financial support, community support, etc. However, they think that these services need to be provided by Métis organizations.

Needs of Family

The results also illustrated the needs of family members of Métis offenders. While incarcerated, it was felt that family members need contact with the offender, as well as financial assistance. Upon release, family members may need community support and counselling services. These point to the importance of having a network in place to provide assistance for families. These needs are likely similar to the needs of family members of all offenders. However, in order to make the services most effective, providing them in the appropriate cultural setting is important.

Staff

Based on focus groups with federal institutional staff, it appears that staff have little knowledge of Métis culture or training in the area. Although staff realize there are differences between Métis and First Nations culture, many said that they were not aware of what the differences were, nor how to address the differences. They were also not sure whether there was a need for all staff to have an in-depth understanding of Métis culture.

Summary

This study has provided a better understanding of federal Métis offenders. Although they are similar to First Nations offenders in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, offence profile and criminogenic needs, they differ in home environment and cultural aspects. Furthermore, although they are participating in programs that relate to their criminogenic needs while incarcerated, tailoring the programs to make them more relevant to their lifestyles may make them more effective. There is clearly the feeling among Métis offenders that they require different programs from non-Aboriginal offenders, and perhaps different programs from First Nations offenders, to make them more meaningful to them. Perhaps the incorporation of information about Métis history and culture into programs would help make the programs more meaningful for Métis offenders.

The family members of Métis offenders also have diverse needs, an area requiring more attention. The involvement of Métis communities in addressing the needs of family members and Métis offenders upon release may make reintegration efforts more successful. Better training for correctional staff about Métis culture may also help improve the outcome for Métis offenders. Information sessions for staff on Métis culture could aid in a better understanding of differences between Métis and First Nations offenders.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was made possible through the combined efforts of a working group comprised of representatives from various organizations. Members of the working group included: Tim Low (Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia - MPCBC), Shelley Trevethan (Research Branch, Correctional Service Canada), Frankie Berland (Métis National Council), Alvin Kube (Pacific Region, Correctional Service Canada), Gloria Rendell, Wally Lavigne, John Sinclair, and Rene Therrien (MPCBC regional representatives). The working group members helped to guide the research and provided valuable expertise and advice on the project. Matt Thorpe (Karma and Associates) was the consultant to the project.

This project was partially funded by the Aboriginal Issues Branch of CSC. In particular, the authors would like to thank Gina Wilson and Paul Sonnichsen for their support and assistance in initiating this project.

A special thanks to other CSC staff who contributed to this project, including: Michael Jeffery, Collette Cousineau, and Vicky Charron-Bourdon.

The authors would like to thank the staff from the federal institutions in British Columbia for all of their assistance. This project could not have been completed successfully without the help of the Assistant Wardens of Correctional Programs, the native liaison officers, Elders, parole officers, psychologists and other staff. Furthermore, we'd like to thank the staff who took place in the focus groups for discussing their experiences and providing valuable insight.

Finally, we would like to thank the offenders and their families who took the time to take part in the interviews. They discussed sensitive aspects to their lives. We appreciate their candour and openness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
  • Métis Offenders
  • Present Study
• METHOD
  • Offender Files
  • Offender Interviews
  • Family Interviews
  • Staff Focus Groups
  • Process
• FINDINGS
  • Profile of Métis Offenders
  • Program Participation
  • Addressing Criminogenic Needs of Métis Offenders
  • Needs of Family Members
  • Staff Knowledge
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES
• APPENDICES
  • Appendix A: Tables
  • Appendix B: Offender Case File Information
  • Appendix C: Offender Interview
  • Appendix D: Family Interview
  • Appendix E: Staff Focus Group

INTRODUCTION

This project was a joint effort between Correctional Service Canada (CSC), Métis National Council (MNC) and Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia (MPCBC). The MNC is the national representative of the Métis Nation in Canada. Working with CSC, the MNC wants to enhance the role of Métis communities so they can be actively involved in reducing the over-representation of Métis offenders. However, first of all, it is important to determine what the needs of Métis offenders and their families are. It is in this context that this research project was borne.

The project examined the needs of federal Métis offenders while incarcerated and upon release into the community. This involved three components: interviews with offenders incarcerated in federal correctional facilities in British Columbia; interviews with family members; and, focus groups with staff in correctional facilities.

Métis Offenders

It is clear that Aboriginal persons are over-represented within the criminal justice system (e.g., Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1996; Saskatchewan Métis Justice Review Committee, 1992; Solicitor General of Canada, 1988; Task Force on the Criminal Justice System and its Impact on the Indian and Métis People of Alberta, 1991; Trevethan, Tremblay & Carter, 2000). As reported by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) "Reports and inquiries… have not only confirmed the fact of over-representation [of Aboriginal offenders in the criminal justice system] but, most alarmingly, have demonstrated that the problem is getting worse, not better".

The January 2001 Speech from the Throne illustrates the priority of addressing issues facing Aboriginal people. It says:

As with other Aboriginal groups, Métis offenders are over-represented in the criminal justice system (Saskatchewan Métis Justice Review Committee, 1992; Task Force on the Criminal Justice System and its Impact on the Indian and Métis People of Alberta, 1991). Although they comprise 0.7% of the Canadian population, Métis offenders account for 4% of the federal inmate population. In terms of actual numbers, there are approximately 600 Métis offenders incarcerated in federal correctional facilities, and another 300 serving time in the community. Métis offenders comprise more than one-quarter (27%) of the Aboriginal federal offenders in Canada (CSC, 2002).

Although the differences have not been extensively examined, a few studies have indicated that Métis offenders differ from First Nations and Inuit offenders (Moore, 2002; Motiuk & Nafekh, 2000). The differences are reflected in the offences for which they are incarcerated and their criminogenic needs at intake into federal correctional facilities. Motiuk and Nafekh (2000) found significant differences between Métis, First Nations, Inuit and non-Aboriginal offenders on the offences they were incarcerated for, as well as their needs upon admission. Moore (2002) found that, similar to First Nations, Métis offenders have an extensive criminal history. However, in terms of offences, larger proportions of Métis offenders were incarcerated for robbery, break and enter, and drug offences than other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups. Furthermore, Métis offenders were more likely to experience problems related to employment and social interaction, compared to other Aboriginal offenders.

In addition to their over-representation, the experience of Métis offenders during incarceration may indicate the need for targeted services. According to a report by Manitoba Métis Federation (2002), when Métis offenders enter federal institutions they are identified as Aboriginal, which most often refers to “First Nations”. Because they do not identify as First Nations, some Métis offenders do without any Aboriginal services or supports during their incarceration. Alternatively, those who seek an Aboriginal connection are provided with programs and services that include practices that are not part of their culture (e.g., sweat lodges and sweet grass). These institutional alternatives that direct Métis offenders into culturally inappropriate programs may be less effective in the reintegration efforts than anticipated.

A similar set of circumstances confronts Métis offenders upon release. Like First Nations people, the reintegration process of Métis offenders and their families is assisted by post-release supports and services. However, these services may be inappropriate for Métis offenders. Although there are several programs and services for Aboriginal offenders, these are not specifically focused on Métis individuals and families.

Because of their over-representation within the correctional system, and because the current programs may not be appropriate, Métis offenders may require different interventions than non-Aboriginal or First Nations offenders. It is necessary to examine why current programs and services may not be appropriate for Métis offenders, and to examine what the services should look like. The present research attempts to answer this question.

Present Study

The present study was conducted to examine the needs of Métis offenders. The major research questions for this study include:

1. What are the characteristics of federal Métis offenders interviewed in British Columbia? How do Métis offenders differ from other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders?
2. What programs are federal Métis offenders participating in within the institution and upon release? Are Métis offenders participating in programs that address areas of high need?
3. What programs and services do federal Métis offenders require within correctional facilities and once they are released into the community?
4. What programs and services do the families of Métis offenders require?
5. What information or training do correctional staff have regarding Métis offenders and the Métis culture?

This information should help CSC and Métis organizations better understand how to work with Métis offenders to successfully reintegrate them the community. It may provide information leading to different strategies for dealing with Métis offenders while incarcerated. Further, it may provide information on the best approach for implementing Section 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) for Métis offenders. The purpose of these sections of the CCRA is to aid Aboriginal offenders in their successful reintegration by using traditional healing methods. Information from this project could lead to a second phase that would target specific communities and examine what services are available for section 81 or 84.

METHOD

This project is a descriptive examination of Métis offenders in federal institutions in British Columbia. In order to gather the necessary information, the following data sources were utilized:

• offender files
• interviews with offenders
• interviews with family members
• focus groups with federal institutional staff

Offender Files

A review of offender case files, using CSC's Offender Management System (OMS), was conducted to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of the offenders, current offence, criminal history, and static and dynamic factors (see Appendix B for a list of variables examined). This information was primarily gathered through the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA) process. CSC’s OIA process collects and stores information on each federal offender’s criminal and mental health background, social situation and education, factors relevant to determining criminal risk (such as number, variety of convictions and previous exposure, response to youth and adult corrections), and factors relevant to identifying offender dynamic needs (such as employment history, family background, criminal associations, addictions, attitudes). While the results help determine institutional placement and correctional plans, a distribution of selected criminal history and case need variables can result in a comprehensive profile of the federal offender population.

A comparison between Métis, First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders was undertaken in order to examine differences in the profiles of Métis offenders and other offenders.

Offender Interviews

Interviews with federal Métis offenders provided more extensive information than was available through offender case files. In particular, interviews provided some personal information not available in case files, and allowed for more in-depth discussions about the needs of offenders. An interview tool was developed in consultation with a steering committee.

Interview questions were designed to examine six key areas: background information on the offender; childhood experiences; family problems; current relationship with family; program participation; and, needs. The structured interviews included both closed and open-ended questions. The interview questions are included as Appendix C. Respondents were individually interviewed by an Aboriginal consultant hired by MPCBC.

The sample for this study consisted of male and female offenders incarcerated at selected federal institutions in British Columbia. Sixty-four Métis respondents were selected through a convenience sample of inmates who were "on-count" in each institution at the time of the study.

The interview took anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on the amount of information provided. An average interview took about 45 minutes.

During the interviews, a few respondents recorded as non-Métis in the files said that they were Métis. It was decided to include them within the sample if they self-identified as being Métis. Therefore, the total male sample included 62 Métis males and two Métis females. The following indicates the breakdown of interviews conducted at each institution:

Institution	Security	Sex	Offenders
Regional Health Centre	Max	M	7
Kent Institution	Max	M	9
William Head Institution	Med	M	10
Mountain Institution	Med	M	10
Mission Institution	Med	M	10
Matsqui Institution	Med	M	6
Kwikwèxwelhp	Min	M	2
Ferndale Institution	Min	M	5
Regional Reception Centre	Multi	M	2
Sumas Community Correctional Centre	CCC	M	1
British Columbia Correctional Centre for Women	Multi	F	2
TOTAL			64

Family Interviews

Each of the offenders who were interviewed were asked to provide the name of one or more family members with whom they have maintained contact that they felt comfortable with us contacting. A total of 35 family members were identified.

A structured interview was developed for family members of the Métis offenders who were interviewed. Interview questions examined four key areas: background; relationship to offender; needs of offender; and, family needs. The structured interviews included both closed and open-ended questions. The interview questions are included in Appendix D.

The family members were contacted by telephone and asked if they were willing to be interviewed for the project. If they were willing to participate, they were given the opportunity to conduct the interview in person or over the phone. Seventeen family members were interviewed, and all chose to be interviewed by phone.

Fourteen of the 17 family members (82%) were female. Eight were Métis, three were First Nations, and six were non-Aboriginal. Six of the family members were siblings, five were spouses/common-law, four were mothers, one was another family member and one was a family friend.

Staff Focus Groups

In addition to interviews with Métis offenders and family members, focus groups were held with staff from some of the federal institutions in British Columbia. Questions focused on staff knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, the needs of offenders and family members, and programs available for Métis offenders. Appendix E indicates the questions addressed in the focus groups.

Focus groups were held in the following institutions: William Head Institution, Mountain Institution, Kent Institution, Regional Reception Centre, Matsqui Institution, Mission Institution, Kwikwèxwelhp, and the Regional Health Centre. Staff involved in the focus group included native liaison officers, parole officers, unit managers, and therapists.

Process

The project began with the creation of a steering committee. This committee was comprised of representatives of the MPCBC, MNC, and CSC (national headquarters and the Pacific region). An Aboriginal contractor was hired to conduct the interviews and focus groups. Following an initial meeting with the steering committee, interview and focus group questions were prepared and agreed upon by the steering committee.

The Warden of each institution was contacted to discuss the research and to suggest staff who could participate in the focus group. The Assistant Warden of Correctional Programming of each institution was then contacted to set up interview dates and to organize any information sessions that they felt should take place prior to the interviews.

Interviews were conducted with offenders in the 11 institutions. During the same timeframe, focus groups were conducted. Finally, family members were contacted and interviews were conducted.

The interviews were sent to CSC for data input. Open-ended questions were examined and, where appropriate, themes were developed and coded for analysis. Once a dataset was prepared, analyses were conducted to address the research questions.

FINDINGS

As previously described, the study sample consisted of 64 Métis offenders incarcerated at federal institutions in British Columbia. Preliminary analyses examined whether differences existed between the study sample and the population of Métis offenders identified through the OMS. The 64 Métis offenders interviewed comprised 65% of the Métis offenders incarcerated in correctional facilities in British Columbia. Although some differences were found between the offenders in the sample and those in British Columbia federal correctional facilities, these differences did not reach significance. Therefore, the results can be generalized to federal Métis offenders in British Columbia.

The following describes the specific analyses examining the five research questions described earlier. See Appendix A for all tables referred to in the report.

Profile of Métis Offenders

An examination of the profiles of the Métis offenders who were interviewed was undertaken. They were also compared to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders in federal correctional facilities in British Columbia.

Socio-demographic characteristics

Métis offenders are fairly similar to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders on demographic characteristics. As illustrated in Figure, 1, there were similar proportions of women among the three groups. Further, the largest proportions of all offenders were single at time of admission to federal custody (also see Table 1).

One difference that emerged between the groups was age. Métis offenders tended to be younger at admission to federal custody than non-Aboriginal offenders. More than two-thirds (69%) of Métis offenders were less than 35 at the time of admission, compared to only about one-half (55%) of non-Aboriginal offenders. Métis and First Nations offenders were similar in age. The mean age for Métis and First Nations offenders was 31 and 32, respectively, compared to 35 for non-Aboriginal offenders.

Although larger proportions of Métis than non-Aboriginal offenders had not completed high school upon admission to the institution (77% versus 68%), this difference was not significant. The difference between First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders was significant (85% versus 68%). However, no significant differences emerged between Métis and First Nations offenders.

There were no significant differences between Métis, First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders in terms of unemployment at the time of admission. About seven out of every 10 offenders were unemployed at the time of arrest.

Current offence

As illustrated in Figure 2, the most serious offence for which Métis offenders were currently incarcerated was similar to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders. The two most serious offences for which Métis offenders were currently incarcerated were homicide (35%) and robbery (24%). A smaller proportion of Métis offenders were currently incarcerated for sex offences than First Nations offenders (8% versus 20%) (also see Table 2). The differences were not significant between Métis and non-Aboriginal offenders.

The mean aggregate sentence for Métis offenders was 6.6 years. This did not differ significantly from First Nations (7.1 years) or non-Aboriginal offenders (7.0 years).¹

Criminal history

Métis offenders differ from non-Aboriginal offenders in terms of criminal histories, but not significantly from First Nations offenders (see Table 3). Larger proportions of Métis than non-Aboriginal offenders had previous youth court convictions (73% versus 55%), previous community supervision (91% versus 74%) and had served previous provincial sentences (84% versus 70%). Furthermore, larger proportions of Métis offenders had failed on previous community supervision compared to non-Aboriginal offenders (84% versus 60%) and had been reclassified to higher levels of security (41% versus 25%).²

Although Métis offenders had more extensive criminal histories than First Nations offenders, these differences did not reach significance.

Static and dynamic factors

Although larger proportions of Métis than non-Aboriginal offenders were rated high risk to re-offend (79% versus 67%), these differences did not reach significance (Table 4). However, a significantly larger proportion of First Nations than non-Aboriginal offenders were rated as high risk to re-offend (81% versus 67%).

As illustrated in Figure 3, Métis offenders in federal custody in British Columbia are rated as having different needs for programming than non-Aboriginal offenders (also see Table 4).

A larger proportion of Métis than non-Aboriginal offenders had some or considerable need in the areas of substance abuse (95% versus 76%) and employment (77% versus 62%). No significant differences emerged between Métis and First Nations offenders. However, more differences existed between First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders.

No significant differences emerged between Métis, First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders on motivation for intervention. However, a significantly smaller proportion of Métis and First Nations offenders were considered to have high reintegration potential, compared to non-Aboriginal offenders (7% and 10% versus 24%).

In sum, Métis offenders tend to be young, single, have low education and high unemployment, which is similar to First Nations offenders and the Canadian Aboriginal population generally. Furthermore, Métis offenders have more extensive criminal histories and different criminogenic needs than non-Aboriginal inmates. However, there are fewer differences between Métis and non-Aboriginal offenders than between First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders in criminogenic needs.

Culture and family background

Additional information was gathered through the interviews with the Métis offenders (Tables 5 and 6) and compared to information from previous studies. In terms of Aboriginal culture, Métis offenders differ from First Nations offenders in some areas, but less so in other ways. First of all, 23% said that they understand or speak an Aboriginal language. However, 62% said that they followed a traditional native religion. A previous study found that substantially more First Nations offenders (67%) understand or speak an Aboriginal language (Trevethan, Auger, Moore, MacDonald & Sinclair, 2002).

Interestingly, 42% of the Métis offenders interviewed said that they were attached to Métis culture. However, three-quarters (74%) said that they were attached to other Aboriginal culture. Furthermore, 71% said that they participate in traditional Aboriginal activities. This included activities such as Aboriginal arts and crafts, drum making, traditional dancing/drumming, pow-wows, and sweat lodges. According to Trevethan et al., 78% of First Nations offenders were attached to Aboriginal culture.

The largest proportion of the Métis offenders said that they grew up in an urban area, either a small city (30%) or a large city (25%). A further 37% grew up in a rural community and 6% on a reserve. At the time of arrest, an even larger proportion of the Métis offenders were living in an urban area (53% a large city; 33% a small city). At the time of the arrest, about one-third (34%) had been in that location for less than one year. A further one-quarter (27%) had been there between one and five years, 19% between six and 15 years, and 20% more than 15 years. Métis offenders are more likely than First Nations offenders to be in urban areas when arrested - about 86% of Métis offenders were living in urban areas when arrested, compared to about 75% of First Nations offenders (Trevethan et al., 2002).

The largest proportion of the Métis offenders said that they currently considered a city as home (37% a large city and 31% a small city). A further one-third (31%) considered a rural community as home, and only 2% a reserve. Similarly, the largest proportion thought a city was the best place to be released (36% small city, 20% large city). However, about one-third (35%) said that a rural community would be the best place to be released. The largest proportion of the respondents said that they planned to live in a city upon release (38% small city; 31% large city). The most common areas where the Métis offenders planned to be released were to: Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey, Edmonton, and Abbotsford.

Table 6 provides information on family background and current relationships. The largest proportion of respondents indicated that their primary caregiver while growing up was a parent (67%). However, one-fifth (20%) were raised by a non-family member, such as foster parents or child welfare agencies. Most (84%) said that they were attached to their primary caregiver. Only about one-half said that they grew up in a good economic situation (53%), had a stable childhood (56%) and were happy during their childhood (52%). Many experienced problems during their childhood, such as violence and drug use in the home (83% and 73%, respectively), as well as violence in their community (89%). Further, two-thirds (66%) said that they had family members involved in crime.

Fewer than one-half of the Métis offenders interviewed said that they currently had contact with their spouse/common-law partner (46%) and children (48%). Larger proportions (88%) said that they currently had contact with other family members, such as siblings and mother.

These findings indicate that, although Métis offenders are similar in socio-demographic characteristics, offence profiles and criminogenic needs as First Nations offenders, they differ in location of residence and cultural experiences. Métis offenders typically live in urban settings. They also tend to follow Aboriginal traditions, although some follow Métis culture and others First Nations culture. Most do not speak an Aboriginal language. As with other federal offenders, many had difficult home environments during childhood, including violence and substance abuse in the home.

Although the reasons for their incarceration and their criminogenic needs may be similar, differences in home environment and cultural characteristics point to a need for different methods of intervention for Métis than for First Nations offenders. For instance, a healing lodge in a remote setting may not be effective for many Métis offenders. Similarly, the use of First Nations Elders, sweat lodges and sweet grass ceremonies may not be meaningful for Métis offenders.

Program Participation

A second question focused on what programs Métis offenders are participating in within the institution and upon release. Further, it examined whether Métis offenders are participating in programs that address areas of high need. It should be noted that CSC offers core and non-core programs. Core programs include substance abuse, education, family violence, living skills, and sex offending. These programs are determined based upon the criminogenic needs identified in the offenders' correctional plan. Non-core programs refer to programs that are not standardized across CSC.

An examination was undertaken of the programs Métis offenders said they had participated in. Almost all respondents (98%) said that they were aware of the programs available in the correctional facility. Similarly, 98% said that they had participated in institutional programs at some point in their sentence. As illustrated in Figure 4, the largest proportion said they had participated in programs for substance abuse (77%) (also see Table 7). Further, approximately two-thirds participated in programs for anger management, cognitive skills, and education (66%, 66%, and 62%, respectively). Fifty-seven percent received psychological or counselling services and 56% participated in employment programs. Approximately one-half (52%) said they had participated in some form of cultural programming. As noted earlier, CSC has core programs. Therefore, it is not surprising that the largest proportion of the respondents would have participated in core programs relating to substance abuse, anger management, cognitive skills and education as part of their correctional plan. Cultural programs are currently considered a non-mandatory part of the plan.

One-quarter (25%) of the respondents said they had participated in programs while on conditional release. Of those involved in programs, the largest proportion had participated in substance abuse programming (94%).

Almost two-thirds (61%) said that they participated in Aboriginal-specific programs. Some of the Aboriginal-specific programs included substance abuse, cultural programs, and anger management (such as the "In Search of Your Warrior" program). However, only two offenders said they were involved in Métis-specific programs, such as substance abuse counselling.

At intake, offenders often present with a multitude of criminogenic needs and those who are high need in one area also tend to be high need in other areas. Furthermore, during the course of incarceration, offenders often participate in a number of programs. Therefore, it is difficult to examine whether specific needs are being targeted by specific programs. Table 8 indicates whether those who were high need at time of admission participated in different types of programs. Overall, the largest proportion of the respondents who had some or considerable need in any of the seven domains participated in substance abuse programs.

Specific need domains can also be examined to determine if those who are high in a certain need tend to participate in programs that address that need. Large proportions of Métis offenders who were rated as having some or considerable need in substance abuse have participated in substance abuse (80%) and cognitive/living skills (66%) programs. Further, large proportions of Métis offenders who were rated as having some or considerable need in employment have participated in employment (58%) and educational (62%) programs. Approximately six out of 10 offenders with some or considerable need in the personal/emotional domain have had their needs addressed in anger management (64%), counselling (57%) and psychological services (57%). Large proportions of those with some or considerable need in marital/family issues have been involved in anger management programs (65%).

The majority of respondents involved in programs said that they completed them (90%). As illustrated in Table 7, of those who completed programs, the largest proportions were in substance abuse programs (76%), anger management (76%), cognitive/living skills (70%), education (59%), psychological services (56%), and counselling (52%). Fewer than one-half completed employment programs (48%), cultural (26%), pre-release³ (24%), and sex offender programs (13%). It is possible that some of the respondents were still involved in the programs which is why they had not completed them. Twelve respondents provided reasons why they did not complete a program. A few people noted that the programs were not Métis-specific. Other reasons included: being transferred to another institution, conflict of interest, and involvement in incidents resulting in them being removed from the program.

As illustrated in Table 7, the majority of respondents felt that that the programs they participated in were useful. This ranged from 63% of those who commented on psychological services to 100% of those who commented on pre-release and sex offender programs.⁴ Of those who said that certain programs have been useful, some said that the programs focused on the underlying factors that caused the problem, provided skills on how to deal with their issues, and provided support. Many people noted that the cultural aspect of the programs made them most effective.

Among those who said that programs were not very useful, one reason given was that it was difficult to get group dynamics going. Further, some noted that the programs were too simplistic and didn't always focus on the most relevant areas. Finally, some respondents said that the facilitators lacked hands-on experience.

Overall, a considerable number of Métis offenders in the present sample have had their diverse criminogenic needs addressed by programming. Furthermore, generally they feel that the programs were useful. However, it is not clear whether the programs meet Métis offenders' cultural or spiritual needs. Although the programs target criminogenic needs identified at intake, the offenders may not respond fully to the programs unless they are given in an appropriate cultural context and in a way that is meaningful to the lives of Métis offenders.

Addressing Criminogenic Needs of Métis Offenders

As indicated earlier, substantial numbers of Métis offenders in federal custody are rated as having some or considerable need on each dynamic need domain at the time of admission to the federal facility. An examination of needs at intake and prior to release was conducted for those who had needs assessments completed at both time periods. As illustrated in Figure 5, Métis offenders have substantial criminogenic needs at both intake and prior to release into the community. However, fewer had some or considerable need on substance abuse (92% versus 80%), attitude (84% versus 68%) and employment (80% versus 68%) at the time of release. Interestingly, larger proportions had some or considerable need for marital/family issues (87% versus 79%) and associates (88% versus 84%) at the time of release. This may be because, at the time of release, these areas are more predominant than during a period of incarceration.

An additional analysis was conducted to examine significant differences between criminogenic needs at intake and release. It was found that Métis offenders were rated as significantly lower need upon release to the community for substance abuse (mean 3.6 versus 3.2),⁵ personal/emotional issues (mean 3.8 versus 3.5), and attitude (mean 3.4 versus 3.0). This suggests that some needs are being addressed while the offenders are incarcerated. However, large proportions still have significant needs at release. It is possible that the programs would be more effective if conducted in an appropriate cultural context for Métis offenders.

Information from the interviews confirms the findings from the needs assessments. Large proportions of the Métis interviewed said they were facing issues relating to substance abuse and self esteem (77% each) at the time of incarceration (Table 9). Furthermore, more than two-thirds (69%) said they had issues associated with anger. About one-half of the offenders said they had financial (56%), violence (53%), employment (50%), mental health (48%), and marital/family (45%) issues at intake. Smaller proportions faced housing issues (34%), health issues (30%), and death in the family (23%).

Clearly, Métis offenders face a number of varied issues while incarcerated and upon release into the community.

The offenders were asked if they thought they had different needs from non-Aboriginal offenders and from other Aboriginal offenders. Overall, 57% of the respondents reported different needs from non-Aboriginal offenders. However, the differences are not in the area of criminogenic needs, but perhaps best refer to responsivity needs.

Over two-thirds (69%) of those who said they had different needs from non-Aboriginal offenders noted that the differences related to spiritual and cultural aspects.

About one-quarter (27%) of the Métis offenders interviewed said that they have different needs from other Aboriginal offenders. Of those who said that the needs of Métis and First Nations offenders are similar, about one-half (42%) noted that they were similar because they are treated the same and/or struggle with issues of identity. However, some noted the importance of addressing the needs differently. Others felt that the Métis culture is very different from the First Nations culture. One offender who thought that Métis offenders had different needs noted:

The offenders were also asked what their needs as a Métis person are in the institution and upon release to the community. Of those who responded, a large proportion (54%) indicated the need for knowledge or awareness about Métis culture. A further 28% noted the need for more Métis-specific programs and 28% said there was a need for Métis facilitators and staff. A small proportion (6%) indicated the need for more Métis community involvement. According to one respondent:

Upon release to the community, respondents noted the need for Métis community support (40%), financial support (22%), employment (16%), cultural support (15%), housing (15%), education (9%) and family support (9%). According to one respondent:

The offenders were asked what programs they would like to see in the institution or in the community. A large proportion said that they saw the need for more cultural programs. One-third (33%) noted cultural programs in general and 22% noted Métis-specific programs in particular. Many noted the need for programs in the community. In particular, some respondents noted the need for education/employment programs, release/transition programs, and cognitive/living skills in the community. According to one respondent:

In sum, Métis offenders clearly have a broad range of criminogenic needs when entering the federal correctional system and upon release to the community. Some of the programs in place are attempting to address these issues. Overall, those interviewed tend to feel that the programs have been useful. However, they also note that the cultural aspect is missing from programs. Another common theme was the need for community support and programs for Métis offenders in the community. Although the programs are targeting criminogenic needs, to make them most effective for Métis offenders, it may be important to include cultural aspects.

Needs of Family Members

In addition to examining the needs of Métis offenders while incarcerated and upon release to the community, this study also examined the needs of the families of Métis offenders (Table 10).

The largest proportion of offenders interviewed felt that their family members needed more contact with the offender (48%). About one-fifth (21%) said that family members need to better understand the situation the offender is facing while incarcerated. Other areas of need while the offender is incarcerated include finances, housing and medical needs. Upon release to the community, the offenders felt that their family members needed a commitment from the offender (35%), contact (29%), support (21%), counselling (19%), a better understanding of the offender (15%). Other issues suggested by the offender include help in the areas of such as finances, housing and health.

Of the 17 family members interviewed, 82% said that they had experienced difficulties in their life - most often substance abuse.

Although some of the family members didn't answer the question, seven out of the 12 who provided answers (58%) said that they have services available to them while their family member is incarcerated. These programs include visitation, counselling, social services and Elder services. Furthermore, seven out of 10 of the family members who provided answers (70%) think that services will be available to them once the offender is released.

Forty-three percent of family members felt that they would need support from their family and community when their incarcerated family member is released. Others noted the need for contact with the offender (21%) and a few said that they would need some form of counselling or access to psychological services at the time of release. These results point to the importance of having a network in place to provide assistance for families when needed.

These needs of family members of Métis offenders are likely similar to the needs of family members of all offenders. However, in order to make the services most effective, providing them in the appropriate cultural setting is important.

Staff Knowledge

As a final question in this study, focus groups with staff examined what information or training correctional staff have regarding Métis offenders and the Métis culture.

Based on the discussions with institutional staff, it appears that staff have little knowledge of Métis culture. For instance, although the staff noted that they realized there were differences between Métis and First Nations culture, many said that they were not aware of what the differences were, nor how to address the differences. Some noted that the Elders and native liaisons understand Métis culture, so it may not be necessary for all staff to have training in this area.

Importantly, many staff noted that they have little training in the area of Métis culture. Although some have received information through university courses, it was noted that they had not received training in Métis culture through CSC.

This is clearly an important area for further work. Information sessions for staff on Métis culture could aid in a better understanding of differences between Métis and First Nations offenders.

---

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this project was to examine the needs of federal Métis offenders and their family members while incarcerated, as well as upon release to the community.

Based on a profile of those interviewed, Métis offenders tend to be young, single, have low education, high unemployment and substantial need for program intervention in a number of areas, in particular personal/emotional issues, substance abuse, criminal associates and attitude. This profile is similar to First Nations offenders and the Canadian Aboriginal population in general. Furthermore, Métis offenders have more extensive criminal histories and different needs than non-Aboriginal offenders. Although there are differences between Métis and non-Aboriginal offenders, the socio-demographic profiles of Métis and First Nations offenders are fairly similar.

In terms of childhood experiences, Métis offenders also appear similar to First Nations offenders. This is similar to the findings from Trevethan et al. (2002). Large proportions had an unstable childhood, involvement in the child welfare system, violence in the home and community, and alcohol/drug abuse in the family. However, Métis offenders differ from First Nations offenders in a few ways. Métis offenders are more likely to live in urban areas. Further, they are less likely to understand or speak an Aboriginal language. They are, however, involved in various Aboriginal activities. Differences in the characteristics of Métis offenders indicate the importance of incorporating Métis history and culture into programs for Métis offenders.

A second question focused on what programs Métis offenders are participating in within the institution and upon release. Further, it examined whether Métis offenders are participating in programs that address areas of high need. Overall, almost all of the Métis offenders (98%) said they had participated in institutional programs. More than three-quarters (77%) said they had participated in programs for substance abuse. Other common programs that about two-thirds of the respondents were involved in included anger management, cognitive skills, and educational programs. Fifty-seven percent received psychological or counselling services and 56% participated in employment programs. About one-half said they had participated in cultural programming. One-quarter of the Métis offenders said they had participated in programs while on parole. These programs related to substance abuse, employment, and culture.

Almost two-thirds (61%) of the offenders said that they participated in Aboriginal-specific programs. Some of the Aboriginal-specific programs included substance abuse, cultural programs, and anger management. Only two offenders said they were involved in Métis-specific programs, such as substance abuse counselling.

An examination of the needs that offenders have upon intake with their program involvement indicates that a considerable number of Métis offenders in the present sample seem to have had their diverse needs addressed by programming.

Furthermore, many of the offenders felt that the programs were useful. However, it is not clear whether the programs met Métis offenders' cultural or spiritual needs.

An examination of the needs of Métis offenders within correctional facilities and upon release to the community was also undertaken. Clearly, Métis offenders are facing a number of varied issues while incarcerated and upon release into the community.

In interviews, the largest proportion (57%) of Métis offenders reported having different needs from non-Aboriginal offenders. They focused on differences in spiritual and cultural beliefs. However, only about one-quarter of the Métis offenders said that they had different needs from other Aboriginal offenders. Those that noted differences indicated that Métis and First Nations come from different cultures. Those that said there were no differences tended to say that Métis and First Nations offenders are treated the same and struggle with identity.

Métis offenders clearly have a broad range of needs when entering the federal correctional system, and upon release to the community. Some of the programs in place are attempting to address these issues and those interviewed feel the programs are useful. However, it is also clear that they feel that the cultural aspect is missing from the programs. It was noted over and over again that the programs need to be Métis-specific, including a focus on Métis rather than First Nations culture, and facilitated by Métis staff. Another common theme was the need for community support and programs for Métis offenders in the community.

Some of the respondents indicated different services and programs for Métis offenders. However, others noted the need for services that appear similar to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders - such as employment, housing, financial support, community support, etc. However, it appears that they think that these services need to be provided by Métis organizations.

In addition to examining the needs of Métis offenders while incarcerated and upon release to the community, the needs of Métis offenders' families was also examined. Offenders felt that their family members needed contact/visitation and financial assistance while the offender is incarcerated. Upon release to the community, the offenders felt that their family members needed counselling, support, and better communication. Similarly, family members felt that they would need support from their family and community, as well as counselling services, when the offender was released. These results point to the importance of having a network in place to provide assistance for families when needed.

Finally, focus groups with staff attempted to examine what information or training correctional staff have regarding Métis offenders and the Métis culture. It appears that staff have little knowledge of Métis culture or training in the area. The focus groups illustrated that staff don't receive training about Métis culture. Although the staff noted that they realized there were differences between Métis and First Nations culture, many said that they were not aware of what the differences were, nor how to address the differences.

This project allowed a voice from Métis offenders and their families into their needs. The findings re-affirmed the notion that there is a difference between the Métis culture and other Aboriginal cultures. While there are certain areas where Métis offenders are similar to First Nations and non-Aboriginal offenders, there are other areas where they differ. Overall, the biggest difference noted by offenders related to cultural and spiritual areas. It was noted that Métis offenders need Métis-specific programs and services, both while incarcerated and upon release to the community. Therefore, the programming needs may be similar, but how (and by whom) the information is presented may need to be re-thought. Perhaps the incorporation of information about Métis history and culture into programs would help make the programs more meaningful for Métis offenders.

The information from this study can be used by CSC and Métis organizations to better understand how to implement Section 81 and 84 of the CCRA for Métis offenders. In addition to indicating the need for staff training on Métis culture, the findings from this project could be used to move towards a second phase of research that would target specific communities. The project could examine what Métis services are available for section 81 or 84. In particular, some of the urban centres in British Columbia, such as Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, and Surrey, were identified as places where the offenders plan to be released. Needs assessments could be examined for these cities.

REFERENCES

Correctional Service Canada (2002). One-day snapshot of federal offenders, Unpublished data from Offender Management System, March 2002.

Government of Canada (2001). Speech from the Throne. 1^st Session, 37^th Parliament, January 30, 2001.

Manitoba Métis Federation - Winnipeg Region (2002). Community Needs Assessment for Métis Offenders in Manitoba. Research Report R-111, Correctional Service Canada.

Moore, J. (2002). A comparative profile of First Nations, Métis and Inuit federal offenders. Research Report (in publication), Correctional Service Canada.

Motiuk, L., & Nafekh, M. (2000). "Aboriginal offenders in federal corrections: A profile." Forum on Corrections Research, 12(1), 10-15.

Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996). Bridging the cultural divide: A report on Aboriginal people and criminal justice and Canada. Ministry of Supply and Services Canada.

Saskatchewan Métis Justice Review Committee (1992). Report of the Saskatchewan Métis Justice Review Committee.

Solicitor General of Canada (1988). Correctional issues affecting native peoples. Correctional Law Review Working Paper No. 7.

Task Force on the Criminal Justice System and its Impact on the Indian and Métis people of Alberta (1991). Justice on trial: Report of the task force on the criminal justice system and its impact on the Indian and Métis people of Alberta. Alberta: Volume 1.

Trevethan, S., Auger, S., Moore, J-P., MacDonald, M., & Sinclair, J. (2002). The effect of family disruption among Aboriginal inmates. Research Report R-113, Correctional Service Canada.

Trevethan, S., Tremblay, S., & Carter, J. (2000). The over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada.

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Tables

Table 1: Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics

	Métis1		First Nations		Non-Aboriginal
	#	%	#	%	#	%
Total	64		281		1382
Institution	64		281		1382
Regional Health Centre	7	11%	17	6%	108	8%
Regional Reception Centre	2	3%	36	13%	186	13%
Kwikwèxwelhp	2	3%	18	6%	14	1%
Sumas Community Correctional Centre	1	2%	0	0%	0	0%
Ferndale Institution	5	8%	5	2%	104	8%
William Head Institution	10	16%	29	10%	162	12%
Mountain Institution	10	16%	78	28%	300	22%
Mission Institution	10	16%	39	14%	220	16%
Matsqui Institution	6	9%	6	2%	59	4%
Kent Institution	9	14%	42	15%	168	12%
BC Correctional Centre for Women	2	3%	5	2%	21	2%
Other	0	0%	6	2%	40	3%
Gender	62		281		1382		NS
Men	60	97%	274	98%	1361	98%
Women	2	3%	7	2%	21	2%
Age at Admission	62		277		1380		*
< 24	13	21%	69	25%	257	19%
25 - 34	30	48%	102	37%	497	36%
35 - 44	16	26%	73	26%	379	27%
45 - 54	3	5%	22	8%	179	13%
55 +	0	0%	11	4%	68	5%
Mean Age		31.3 yrs		32.1 yrs;		34.6 yrs;	***
Marital Status at Admission	62		280		1380
Single	29	47%	155	55%	682	49%	NS
Married/Common-law	28	45%	107	38%	493	36%	NS
Seperated/Divorced	4	6%	15	5%	178	13%	***
Widowed	1	2%	3	1%	27	2%	NS
Education at Admission	47		216		999		***
No Highschool Diploma	36	77%	183	85%	681	68%
Highschool Diploma	11	23%	33	15%	318	32%
Employment at Arrest	47		215		1001		NS
Employed	12	26%	51	24%	301	30%
Unemployed	35	74%	164	76%	700	70%

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Table 2: Current Most Serious Offences

Current Offence	Métis (1)		First Nations		Non-Aboriginal
	#	%	#	%	#	%
Most Serious Offence	62		281		1382
Homicide	22	35%	106	38%	462	33%	NS
Attempt Murder	2	3%	6	2%	38	3%	NS
Sexual Assault	5	8%	55	20%	207	15%	*
Assault	8	13%	27	10%	103	7%	NS
Robbery	15	24%	52	19%	342	25%	NS
Other Violent	0	0%	0	0%	18	1%	NS
Property	7	11%	14	5%	104	8%	NS
Impaired Driving	0	0%	2	1%	6	0%	NS
Drug-Related Offences	1	2%	1	0%	41	3%	*
Other Criminal Code and Federal Statutes	2	3%	18	6%	61	4%	NS
Mean Aggregate Sentence1	6.6 yrs		7.1 yrs		7.0 yrs		NS

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Table 3: Criminal History

	Métis		First Nations		Non-Aboriginal
	#	%	#	%	#	%
Previous Youth Convictions	45		216		961		***
Yes	33	73%	143	66%	531	55%
No	12	27%	73	34%	430	45%
Previous Adult Convictions	45		217		990		NS
Yes	41	91%	189	87%	829	84%
No	4	9%	28	13%	161	16%
Previous Community Supervision	45		217		989		**
Yes	41	91%	172	79%	731	74%
No	4	9%	45	21%	258	26%
Previous Provincial Term	45		217		990		*
Yes	38	84%	166	76%	694	70%
No	7	16%	51	24%	296	30%
Previous Federal Term	45		217		990		***
Yes	15	33%	66	30%	299	30%
No	30	67%	151	70%	691	70%
Failed - Community Sanction	45		217		986		***
Yes	38	84%	154	71%	593	60%
No	7	16%	63	29%	393	40%
Failed - Conditional Release	45		217		987		NS
Yes	25	56%	97	45%	411	42%
No	20	44%	120	55%	576	58%
Segregation for Disciplinary Infraction	44		205		955		NS
Yes	23	52%	78	38%	348	36%
No	21	48%	127	62%	607	64%
Escape/Attempt/UAL	45		216		988		NS
Yes	18	40%	64	30%	289	29%
No	27	60%	152	70%	699	71%
Reclassifed to Higher Security	44		216		979		*
Yes	18	41%	58	27%	240	25%
No	26	59%	158	73%	739	75%
< 6 Months Since Last Incarceration	44		215		990		NS
Yes	19	42%	81	38%	321	32%
No	26	58%	134	62%	669	68%

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Table 4: Static and Dynamic Factors

	Métis		First Nations		Non-Aboriginal
	#	%	#	%	#	%
Security level at Admission	56		257		1189		NS
Minimum	4	7%	26	10%	139	12%
Medium	31	55%	141	55%	697	59%
Maximum	21	38%	90	35%	353	30%
Risk to Re-offend	61		277		1367		***
Low	0	0%	8	3%	80	6%
Medium	13	21%	45	16%	367	27%
High	48	79%	224	81%	920	67%
Overall Dynamic Need	61		277		1367		***
Low	0	0%	2	1%	39	3%
Medium	15	25%	49	18%	392	29%
High	46	75%	226	82%	936	68%
Dynamic Factors	61		278		1353
Employment - some/considerable need	47	77%	202	73%	842	62%	***
Marital/Family - some/considerable need	45	74%	223	80%	874	65%	***
Associates - some/considerable need	51	84%	235	85%	1027	76%	**
Substance Abuse - some/considerable need	58	95%	260	94%	1034	76%	***
Community - some/considerable need	43	70%	199	72%	834	62%	**
Personal/Emotional - some/considerable need	60	98%	275	99%	1322	98%	NS
Attitude - some/considerable need	51	84%	246	88%	1155	85%	NS
Motivation for Intervention	23		56		391		NS
Low	6	26%	11	20%	82	21%
Medium	11	48%	34	61%	222	57%
High	6	26%	11	20%	87	22%
Reintegration Potential	56		254		1170		***
Low	39	70%	194	76%	507	43%
Medium	13	23%	35	14%	383	33%
High	4	7%	25	10%	280	24%

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Table 5: Other Information on Métis Offenders

# %   Speak/Understand Aboriginal Language 64   Yes 15 23% No 49 77%   Religion 61   Traditional native 38 62% Protestant 6 10% Roman Catholic 6 10% Other 5 8% None 6 10%   Attached to Métis Culture 60   Yes 25 42% No 35 58%   Attached to Other Aboriginal Culture 62   Yes 46 74% No 16 26%   Participate in Aboriginal Activities - now? 63   Yes 45 71% No 18 29%   Participate in MĂ©tis Activities - childhood? 61   Yes 11 18% No 50 82%   Type of Community during Childhood 63   Large city 16 25% Small city 19 30% Rural community 23 37% Reserve community 4 6% Other 1 2%   Type of Community at Arrest 64   Large city 34 53% Small city 21 33% Rural community 8 13% Reserve community 1 2% Other 0 0%

# %   Where do you Consider Home 52   Large city 19 37% Small city 16 31% Rural community 16 31% Reserve community 1 2% Other 0 0%   Best Place to be Released 55   Large city 11 20% Small city 20 36% Rural community 19 35% Reserve community 1 2% Métis community 4 7%   Plans to be Released 55   Large city 17 31% Small city 21 38% Rural community 15 27% Métis community 2 4%

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Table 6: Family - Background and Current

# %   Primary Caregiver during Childhood 64   Parent(s) 43 67% Grandparent(s) 5 8% Other relative 3 5% Non-family 13 20%   Attached to Primary Caregiver 64   Yes 54 84% No 10 16%   Good Economic Situation While Growing Up 64   Yes 34 53% No 30 47%   Stable Childhood 64   Yes 36 56% No 28 44%   Happy during Childhood 64   Yes 33 52% No 31 48%   Experienced/Witnessed Violence in Home 64   Yes 53 83% No 11 17%   Experienced/Witnessed Violence in Community 64   Yes 57 89% No 7 11%   Drug/Alcohol Use in Family 64   Yes 47 73% No 17 27%   Family Involvement in Crime 61   Yes 42 66% No 19 30%

# %   Current Contact with Spouse 59   Yes 27 46% No 32 54%   Attached to Spouse 29   Yes 28 97% No 1 3%   Current Contact with Children 40   Yes 19 48% No 21 53%   Attached to Children 38   Yes 28 74% No 10 26%   Current Contact with Other Family 64   Yes 56 88% No 8 13%

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Table 7: Program Participation - Métis

	Institutions		Conditional Release		Aboriginal Programs		Program Completions
	#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
Overall Programs	61		16		38		54
Anger Management	40	66%	2	13%	20	53%	41	76%
Cognitive / Living Skills	40	66%	2	13%	12	32%	38	70%
Education	38	62%	2	13%	5	13%	32	59%
Psychological	35	57%	2	13%	1	3%	30	56%
Counselling	35	57%	2	13%	10	26%	28	52%
Employment	34	56%	3	19%	3	8%	26	48%
Cultural	32	52%	3	19%	21	55%	14	26%
Pre-Release	11	18%	1	6%	4	11%	13	24%
Sex Offender	4	7%	0	0%	3	8%	7	13%
Other	15	25%	3	19%	4	11%	9	17%
	Yes		No
	#	%	#	%
Program Usefulness
Substance Abuse	32	78%	9	22%
Anger Management	33	85%	6	15%
Cognitive / Living Skills	26	84%	5	16%
Educations	24	96%	1	4%
Psychological	5	63%	3	38%
Counselling	12	92%	1	8%
Employment	14	93%	1	7%
Cultural	15	88%	2	12%
Pre-Release	4	100%	0	0%
Sex Offender	1	100%	0	0%
Other	8	100%	0	0%

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Table 8: Program Participation by High Dynamic Needs

Some or Considerable Need
Programs	Marital / Family		Substance Abuse		Community Functioning		Personal / Emotional		Attitude		Associates		Employment
	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%	n	%
Substance Abuse	43	***	56	***	43	***	58	***	50	***	49	***	45	***
No	11	26%	11	20%	11	26%	13	22%	12	24%	12	24%	9	20%
Yes	32	74%	45	80%	32	74%	45	78%	38	76%	37	76%	36	80%
Cognitive / Living Skills		*		*		NS		*		**		**		**
No	14	33%	19	34%	16	37%	20	34%	16	32%	15	31%	14	31%
Yes	29	67%	37	66%	27	63%	38	66%	34	68%	34	69%	31	69%
Anger Management		*		*		NS		*		NS		NS		NS
No	15	35%	20	36%	16	37%	21	36%	19	38%	18	37%	17	38%
Yes	28	65%	36	64%	27	63%	37	64%	31	62%	31	63%	28	62%
Education		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS
No	19	44%	21	38%	17	40%	23	40%	20	40%	20	41%	17	38%
Yes	24	56%	35	63%	26	60%	35	60%	30	60%	29	59%	28	62%
Psychological		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS
No	16	37%	23	41%	21	49%	24	41%	23	46%	22	45%	18	40%
Yes	26	60%	32	57%	22	51%	33	57%	26	52%	27	55%	27	60%
Counselling		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS
No	18	42%	25	45%	20	47%	25	43%	23	46%	23	47%	17	38%
Yes	25	58%	31	55%	23	53%	33	57%	27	54%	26	53%	28	62%
Employment		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS
No	18	42%	26	46%	20	47%	27	47%	22	44%	21	43%	19	42%
Yes	25	58%	30	54%	23	53%	31	53%	28	56%	28	57%	26	58%
Cultural		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS		NS
No	22	51%	27	48%	21	49%	28	48%	25	50%	25	51%	22	49%
Yes	21	49%	29	52%	22	51%	30	52%	25	50%	24	49%	23	51%
Pre-Release		***		***		***		***		***		***		***
No	35	81%	45	80%	35	81%	48	83%	41	82%	40	82%	37	82%
Yes	24	56%	35	63%	26	60%	35	60%	30	60%	29	59%	28	62%
Sex Offender		***		***		***		***		***		***		***
No	40	93%	52	93%	40	93%	53	91%	46	92%	47	96%	43	96%
Yes	2	5%	3	5%	3	7%	4	7%	3	6%	2	4%	2	4%
Other		***		***		***		***		***		***		***
No	32	74%	44	79%	33	77%	44	76%	38	76%	40	82%	38	84%
Yes	11	26%	12	21%	10	23%	14	24%	12	24%	9	18%	7	16%

---

Table 9: Offender Needs

# %   Issues at Time of Incarceration1 64   Substance abuse 49 77% Self-esteem 49 77% Anger 44 69% Financial 36 56% Violence 34 53% Employment 32 50% Mental health 31 48% Family/marital 29 45% Housing 22 34% Health 19 30% Death in family 15 23% Other 8 13%   Do Needs Differ from Non-Aboriginal Inmates 58   Yes 33 57% No 25 43%   Do Needs Differ from Other Aboriginal Inmates 52   Yes 14 27% No 38 73%   Needs in Institution1 64   Métis cultural knowledge/awareness 27 54% Métis-specific programs 14 28% Mé facilitators/staff 14 28% Mé community involvement 3 6% Other 13 26%   Needs upon Release to Community1 55   Métis community support 22 40% Support in general 15 27% Financial support 12 22% Employment 9 16% Cultural support 8 15% Housing support 8 15% Education 5 9% Family support 5 9% Other 14 25%

# %   Suggestions for Programs1 46   Cultural programs 15 33% Métis-specific 10 22% Employment/education 6 13% Substance abuse 6 13% Pre-release 7 15% Violence 4 9% Cognitive/living skills 2 4% Other 7 15%

---

Table 10: Family Needs

# %   Offender Interview - Family Needs during Incarceration1 42   Contact 20 48% Understanding offenders' situation 9 21% Support 9 21% Financial 6 14% Housing 2 5% Medical 2 5% Other needs 4 10% No needs 3 7%   Offender Interview - Family Needs at Release1 48   Commitment from offender 17 35% Contact 14 29% Support 10 21% Counselling 9 19% Understand offender 7 15% Financial 3 6% Housing 1 2% Health 1 2% Other needs 7 15% No needs 2 4%   Services for Family during Incarceration 12   Yes 7 58% No 5 42%   Services for Family at Release 10   Yes 7 70% No 3 30%   Family Needs during Incarceration1 14   Support 6 43% Contact 3 21% Understanding 1 7% Counselling 1 7% Other 5 36%   Family Needs at Release1 12   Counselling 3 25% Support 7 58% Other 4 33%

---

Appendix B: Offender Case File Information

Offender Characteristics:

• Aboriginal status (non-Aboriginal, Aboriginal)
• Aboriginal group (North American Indian, Métis, Inuit)
• Sex
• Age at most recent admission
• Current age
• Education at most recent admission
• Marital status at most recent admission
• Employment at most recent admission (unemployed, employed)

Offence Characteristics:

• Current offence
• Number of convictions
• Current aggregate sentence length

Criminal History:

• Age at first adult conviction
• Previous youth convictions (yes/no)
• Previous youth court dispositions (community supervision, open/closed custody)
• Previous adult convictions (yes/no)
• Number of previous adult convictions
• Previous adult court sanctions (community supervision, provincial, federal terms)

Risk Factors:

• Security level based on Custody Rating Scale (minimum, medium, maximum)
• Risk to re-offend (low, medium, high)

Dynamic Factors Assessment (at admission AND prior to release):

• Level of Intervention Based on Dynamic Factors: (low, medium, high)
• Employment
• Marital/Family
• Associates/Social Interaction
• Substance Abuse
• Community Functioning
• Personal/Emotional Orientation
• Attitude

Program Database:

• Participation in programs while incarcerated (yes/no)
• Type of programs
• Successful completion

Appendix C: Offender Interview

NEEDS OF MÉTIS OFFENDERS
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - OFFENDERS

My name is (first name). I'm involved in a project that examines the needs of Métis offenders while in federal correctional facilities and in the community. You're one of a number of inmates we'll be interviewing over the next few weeks. The purpose of this interview is to discuss your needs while in the institution and, once you are released, in the community. For instance, I will be asking you general questions about your background, current relationships, program participation and needs. In addition to this interview, I will be getting some general information from your file, such as your current offence, programs you have been involved in, etc. This information is meant to help develop culturally-appropriate and specific programs for Métis offenders.

Your participation in this interview is voluntary and will be kept strictly confidential. You may stop at any time and if there are questions that you do not feel comfortable answering, please let me know and we will move on. Please feel free to ask me questions during the interview if you need further clarification on anything.

The interview will take approximately 1 hour to complete. Do you have any questions? Can you please sign this to indicate your agreement to participate?

OFFENDER INTERVIEW

SECTION A: BACKGROUND

I'm going to begin by asking you some general questions about yourself, where you have lived and early involvement in the criminal justice system.

1. What is your current marital status? (Check one)
   
   
   • [01] Single
   • [02] Married
   • [03] Common-Law
   • [04] Divorced
   • [05] Separated
   • [06] Widowed
   • [07] Don't know
   • [08] Refused
   
   
2. Do you understand or speak any Aboriginal languages?
   
   
   • • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
     • [2] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. If yes, what Aboriginal language or languages do you understand or speak:
        
        
        • [1] 1^st language: ________________________________________________
        • [2] 2^nd language: ________________________________________________
        • [3] 3^rd language: ________________________________________________
        • [7] Don't know
        • [8] Refused
        • [9] Not applicable
   
   
3. What, if any, is your religion or spiritual belief (Check one):
   
   
   • [01] None
   • [02] Protestant
   • [03] Roman Catholic
   • [04] Traditional Native
   • [05] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
   • [07] Don't know
   • [08] Refused
   
   
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", to what extent would you say you are currently attached to Métis culture (e.g., is it part of your everyday life, do you feel a sense of belonging) (Circle one)
   
   
   Not at all attached

   Somewhat

   Very attached

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
5. Why are you attached/not attached? How would you describe your attachment to Métis culture [interviewer prompts - is it part of your everyday life; give examples of attachment/non-attachment]?
   
   
   • Inside Institution:
     
     
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
   • Outside Institution:
     
     
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
   
   
6. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", to what extent would you say you are currently attached to other Aboriginal culture (e.g., is it part of your everyday life, do you feel a sense of belonging) (Circle one)
   
   
   Not at all attached

   Somewhat

   Very attached

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
7. Why are you attached/not attached? How would you describe your attachment to other Aboriginal culture ? [interviewer prompts - is it part of your everyday life; give examples of attachment/non-attachment]?
   
   
   • Inside Institution:
     
     
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
   • Outside Institution:
     
     
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • ___________________________________________________________
       
       
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
   
   
8. Do you currently participate in or attend any traditional Aboriginal activities?
   
   
   • • [01] Yes (go to follow-up question)
     • [02] No
     • [07] Don't know
     • [08] Refused
     
     
   • 1. If yes, which traditional activities do you participate in or attend (check all that apply)::
        
        
        • [01] Bead Making
        • [02] Sash Weaving
        • [03] Drum Making
        • [04] Other arts/crafts
        • [05] Jigging
        • [06] Fiddling
        • [07] Traditional dancing/drum
        • [08] Pow-wows
        • [09] Feasts
        • [10] West Coast Ceremonies
        • [11] Other Ceremonies
        • [12] Sweat Lodges
        • [13] Smudges
        • [14] Circles
        • [15] Hunting/fishing/trapping
        • [16] Talk to Elder
        • [17] Storytelling
        • [18] Traditional Healing
        • [19] Medicine Bundles
        • [20] Language Training
        • [21] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
9. During your childhood, what type of community did you live in most of the time (Check one):
   
   
   • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
   • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
   • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
   • [04] Reserve
   • [05] Métis Community
   • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
   • [07] Don't know
   • [08] Refused
   
   
10. At the time of your most recent arrest, what type of community were you living in (Check one):
    
    
    • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
    • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
    • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
    • [04] Reserve
    • [05] Métis Community
    • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
11. At the time of your most recent arrest, how long had you lived in this community (Check one):
    
    
    • [01] Less than 1 year
    • [02] 1-5 years
    • [03] 6-10 years
    • [04] 11-15 years
    • [04] 16-20 years
    • [06] More than 20 years
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
12. Where do you consider home?
    
    
    • Name of city/community: ________________________________________________
    • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
    • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
    • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
    • [04] Reserve
    • [05] Métis Community
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
13. In terms of staying out of trouble, where do you think would be the best place for you to be released to?
    
    
    • Name of city/community: ________________________________________________
    • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
    • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
    • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
    • [04] Reserve
    • [05] Métis Community
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
14. Upon your release, where do you plan to live (not just for short-term treatment)?
    
    
    • Name of city/community: ________________________________________________
    • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
    • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
    • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
    • [04] Reserve
    • [05] Métis Community
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
15. What reasons do you have for going to that community (where you plan to live)?
    
    
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    
16. What supports or resources are available for you in that community?
    
    
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    
    

    Now I'm going to ask you about your early involvement in crime.

    
    
17. How old were you when you were first questioned by the police about anything they thought you had done?
    
    
    • Age: ________________________________________________
    • [07] Don't know
    • [08] Refused
    
    
18. Were you ever in custody as a youth (open or secure)?
    
    
    • • [01] Yes (go to follow-up question)
      • [02] No
      • [07] Don't know
      • [08] Refused
      
      
    • 1. If yes, how long did you spend in youth custody (total of all sentences) (check one):
         
         
         • [01] Less than 6 months
         • [02] 6 months to < 1 year
         • [03] 1 - 3 years
         • [04] 4 - 5 years
         • [05] More than 5 years
         • [07] Don't know
         • [08] Refused
         • [09] Not applicable
    
    
19. What type of offences did you commit as a youth (not necessarily charged for) (check all that apply):
    
    
    • [01] None
    • [02] Sexual assault
    • [03] Assault
    • [04] Robbery
    • [05] Other violent (e.g., murder, manslaughter)
    • [06] Car theft
    • [07] Vandalism/mischief
    • [08] Other property (e.g., theft, B&E)
    • [09] Prostitution
    • [10] Drug offences
    • [11] Driving-related offences
    • [12] Under-age drinking
    • [13] Other (specify): ________________________________________________
    • [77] Don't know
    • <88> Refused
    
    
20. How long have you spent in adult correctional facilities to date (provincial and federal - total of all sentences):
    
    
    • [01] Less than 6 months
    • [02] 6 months to < 1 year
    • [03] 1 - 3 years
    • [04] 4 - 5 years
    • [05] 6 - 7 years
    • [06] 8 - 10 years
    • [07] 11 - 15 years
    • [08] More than 15 years
    • [77] Don't know
    • [88] Refused
    
    
21. What caused you to come to jail?
    
    
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    
22. What do you think would have prevented you from entering the corrections system (e.g., programs, services, people, education, etc.)?
    
    
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • __________________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    

SECTION B: CHILDHOOD

Now I'm going to ask you some questions about your living arrangements while you were growing up and what your childhood was like.

1. Who would you say was your primary caregiver while you were growing up (i.e., the person(s) who took care of you the most) (check one) [Note: if respondent says myself - ask about secondary caregiver]:
   
   
   • [01] Both Birth Parents
   • [02] Birth Mother
   • [03] Birth Father
   • [04] Grandparent(s)
   • [05] Sibling
   • [06] Other Relative (specify): ________________________________________________
   • [07] Adoptive Parent(s)
   • [08] Other Non-Family (specify): ________________________________________________
   • [77] Don't know
   • [88] Refused
   
   
2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", how would you characterize your attachment to your primary caregiver(s) while you were growing up. By attachment, I mean feelings of love, caring, trust, support and belonging [interviewer prompts - did you like/love them, did you trust them, did you feel a sense of belonging, did you spend time together] (circle one):
   
   
   Not at all attached

   Somewhat

   Very attached

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
3. Why would you say you were/weren't attached to your primary caregiver? Can you describe your relationship with your primary caregiver(s) [interviewer prompts - was it a positive or negative relationship, did you feel loved, was there a lot of fighting, was he/she supportive, what did you do together, give examples of attachment/non-attachment]?
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "poor" and 5 being "above average", how would you rate your economic situation while you were growing up (circle one):
   
   
   Poor

   Average

   Above Average

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all stable" and 5 being "very stable", how would you rate the stability of your home life while you were growing up. By stability, I mean whether you had a feeling of security, reliability and routine (circle one):
   
   
   Not at all Stable

   Somewhat

   Very Stable

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
6. Why would you say your childhood was/wasn't stable [interviewer prompts - give examples of how your caregivers did or didn't provide you with stability - regular hours for bed, homework, regular meals, sense of security, etc.]?
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
7. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all" and 5 being "very", how would you rate how happy you were while you were growing up (circle one):
   
   
   Not at all Happy

   Somewhat

   Very Happy

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
8. Can you describe what your family life was like while you were growing up [interviewer prompts - dynamics of family relationships, was role modelling taught, were the relationships functional, respectful and positive, etc.]?
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
9. Did you participate in or attend any traditional Métis activities while you were growing up?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION C: FAMILY PROBLEMS

In this section, I'm going to ask you about family problems you experienced during childhood.

1. Did you experience or witness physical and/or sexual violence or emotional abuse in the home environment while you were growing up (check one):
   
   
   • • [1] Yes - experienced (go to follow-up questions)
     • [2] Yes - witnessed (go to follow-up questions)
     • [3] Yes - experienced & witnessed (go to follow-up questions)
     • [4] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. What type(s) of violence were present (check all that apply) [interviewer: allow respondent to spontaneously answer, then prompt about specific types]:
        
        
        • [01] Physical violence
        • [02] Sexual violence
        • [03] Psychological/eomtional
        • [04] Mental
        • [05] Spirtual
        • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not applicable
        
        
     2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all" and 5 being "very", to what extent do you think the violence in your home environment contributed to you being in prison (circle one):
        
        
        Not at all

        Somewhat

        Very

        
        

        1

        2

        3

        4

        5

        
        
        

        [7] Don't know

        [8] Refused

        [9] Not Applicable

        
        
        
        
     3. Can you describe the effect the violence had on you [interviewer probes - how did it make you feel, how did it make you act]?
        
        
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • [7] Don't know
        • [8] Refused
        • [8] Not Applicable
        
        
   
   
2. Did you experience or witness any violence in the community while you were growing up (check one):
   
   
   • • [1] Yes - experienced (go to follow-up question)
     • [2] Yes - witnessed (go to follow-up question)
     • [3] Yes - experienced & witnessed (go to follow-up question)
     • [4] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. Can you describe the effect the violence in your community had on you [interviewer probes - how did it make you feel, how did it make you act]?
        
        
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • [7] Don't know
        • [8] Refused
        • [8] Not Applicable
        
        
   
   
3. Did anyone responsible for your upbringing have an alcohol and/or drug problem (check one):
   
   
   • • [1] Yes - Alcohol (go to follow-up questions)
     • [2] Yes - Drugs (go to follow-up questions)
     • [3] Yes - Alcohol & Drugs (go to follow-up questions)
     • [4] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all" and 5 being "very", to what extent do you think the substance abuse problem in your home environment contributed to you being in prison (circle one):
        
        
        Not at all

        Somewhat

        Very

        
        

        1

        2

        3

        4

        5

        
        
        

        [7] Don't know

        [8] Refused

        [9] Not Applicable

        
        
        
        
     2. Can you describe the effect the substance abuse problem had on you [interviewer probes - how did it make you feel, how did it make you act]?
        
        
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • [7] Don't know
        • [8] Refused
        • [8] Not Applicable
        
        
   
   
4. Have any of your family been involved in the criminal justice system?
   
   
   • • [1] Yes (go to follow-up questions)
     • [2] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. To what extent were your family member(s) involved in crime? What were the circumstances?
        
        
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • __________________________________________________________
          
          
        • [7] Don't know
        • [8] Refused
        • [8] Not Applicable
        
        
   
   

SECTION D: CURRENT RELATIONSHIP WITH FAMILY

In this section, I'm going to ask you some questions about your current family relationships.

1. [If currently has spouse/common-law] Do you presently have regular contact with your spouse/common-law (e.g., see or talk to them regularly - at least every 6 months)?
   
   
   • • [1] Yes (go to follow-up questions)
     • [2] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     • [9] Not Applicable
     
     
   • 1. If yes, currently, how often do you have contact (check one):
        
        
        • [01] More than once a day
        • [02] Once a day
        • [03] Several times a week
        • [04] Once a week
        • [05] Serveral times a month
        • [06] Once a month
        • [07] Serveral times a year
        • [08] Less often
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not applicable
        
        
     2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", how would you characterize your current attachment to your partner (circle one):
        
        
        Not at all Attached

        Somewhat

        Very Attached

        
        

        1

        2

        3

        4

        5

        
        
        

        [7] Don't know

        [8] Refused

        [9] Not Applicable

        
        
     
     
   
   
2. Do you have any children (including biological, step or adopted)?
   
   
   • • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
     • [2] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. If yes, do you presently have regular contact with your child(ren) (e.g., see or talk to them regularly - at least every 6 months)?
        
        
        • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
        • [2] No
        • [7] Don't Know
        • [8] Refused
        • [9] Not applicable
        
        
     2. If yes, currently, how often do you have contact (check one):
        
        
        • [01] More than once a day
        • [02] Once a day
        • [03] Several times a week
        • [04] Once a week
        • [05] Serveral times a month
        • [06] Once a month
        • [07] Serveral times a year
        • [08] Less often
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not applicable
        
        
     3. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", how would you characterize your current attachment to your child(ren) (circle one):
        
        
        Not at all Attached

        Somewhat

        Very Attached

        
        

        1

        2

        3

        4

        5

        
        
        

        [7] Don't know

        [8] Refused

        [9] Not Applicable

        
        
     
     
   
   
3. Other than your spouse/common-law partner and children, do you presently have regular contact with your immediate or extended family (e.g., see or talk to them regularly - at least every 6 months)?
   
   
   • • [1] Yes (go to follow-up questions)
     • [2] No
     • [7] Don't know
     • [8] Refused
     
     
   • 1. If yes, with whom in your family do you presently have regular contact (check all that apply):
        
        
        • [01] Mother
        • [02] Father
        • [03] Sibling(s)
        • [04] Grandmother
        • [05] Grandfather
        • [06] Other Relative (specify) ________________________________________________
        • [07] Other Non-Family (specify) ________________________________________________
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not applicable
        
        
     2. If yes, currently, how often do you have contact (check one):
        
        
        • [01] More than once a day
        • [02] Once a day
        • [03] Several times a week
        • [04] Once a week
        • [05] Serveral times a month
        • [06] Once a month
        • [07] Serveral times a year
        • [08] Less often
        • [77] Don't Know
        • [88] Refused
        • [99] Not applicable
     
     
   
   
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", how would you describe your attachment/connection to your family currently? (Circle one for each)
   
   
    

   Not at all attached

   Somewhat

   Very attached

   Don't Know

   Refused

   N/A

   
   
   

   Mother

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Father

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Sibling(s)

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Grandmother

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Grandfather

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Other __________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Other __________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Other __________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]
   
   
   
5. Can you describe your current relationship with your family overall? [Interviewer prompts: do you love them, do you like them, would you spend time together; describe relationship with individual family members]
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION E: PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

In this section, I'm going to ask you some questions about programs you may have participated in during the time you have been incarcerated within the federal correctional facility or on parole.

1. Are you aware of what programs are available within the federal institution?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
2. Have you participated in any programs within the federal institution?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, which programs have you participated in within the federal institution (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
3. Have you participated in any programs while on parole
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, which programs have you participated in within the federal institution (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   

   If the respondent did not participate in any programs while in the institution or while on parole, skip to Question 8

   
   
4. If participated in any program - were any of the programs Aboriginal-specific?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
   1. If yes, which programs have you participated in within the federal institution (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
5. Were any of the programs Métis-specific?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
   1. If yes, which programs have you participated in within the federal institution (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
6. Did you complete any of the program(s)?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question A)
   • [2] No (go to follow-up question B)
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
   1. If yes, which programs have you participated in within the federal institution (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
      
      
   2. If no, why didn't you complete the program?
      
      
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
7. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all" and 5 being "very", how would you rate the usefulness of the programs that you have participated in (circle one for each):
   
   
    

   Not at all

   Somewhat

   Very

   Don't Know

   Refused

   N/A

   
   
   

   Program 1: ________________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Program 2: ________________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Program 3: ________________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Program 4: ________________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]

   
   
   

   Program 5: ________________

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   [7]

   [8]

   [9]
   
   
   
   1. Why would you say the program(s) have/haven't been useful?
      
      
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • __________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't know
      • [8] Refused
   
   
8. What do you think would improve programs at the institution or in the community?
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
9. Are there any programs that you would like to see at the institution or in the community?
   
   
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • __________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION F: NEEDS

In this section, I'm going to ask you some questions about your needs while in the institution and once released.

1. Can you describe what issues you were facing at the time you were incarcerated (check all that apply):
   
   
   • [01] Employment
   • [02] Financial
   • [03] Housing
   • [04] Substance Abuse
   • [05] Marital/family issues
   • [06] Death in family
   • [07] Health
   • [08] Mental Health
   • [09] Anger
   • [10] Violence
   • [11] Self Esteem
   • [12] Other (specify) ___________________________________
   • [77] Don't know
   • [88] Refused
   
   
2. Describe your circumstances at the time of your incarceration.
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
3. What do you think your needs, as a Métis person, are in the institution?
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
4. What do you think your needs, as a Métis person, are upon release to the community?
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
5. Do you think your needs, as a Métis inmate, are different from the needs of non-Aboriginal inmates?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. How do you see your needs as different/not different from non-Aboriginal offenders?
      
      
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not applicable
   
   
6. Do you think your needs, as a Métis inmate, are different from the needs of other Aboriginal inmates?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2]No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. How do you see your needs as different/not different from other Aboriginal offenders?
      
      
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • _________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not applicable
   
   
7. Upon your release, what will need to be in place for you to successfully remain in the community (e.g., programs, services, people, education, etc.)?
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
8. What do you think the needs of your family are while you are in the institution?
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
9. What do you think the needs of your family will be upon your release to the community?
   
   
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • _________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
10. Can you describe any issues that you may have relating to the application, interpretation and policies as they relate to Métis offenders.
    
    
    • _________________________________________________________
      
      
    • _________________________________________________________
      
      
    • _________________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    
11. Can you give me the name of one or more family members with whom you have maintained contact that I can contact to ask some questions about the needs of Métis offenders and their families?
    
    
    • Person 1: __________________ Relationship _______________
      
      
    • Address: ________________________________________________
      
      
      
    • Person 2: __________________ Relationship _______________
      
      
    • Address: ________________________________________________
      
      
    • [7] Don't know
    • [8] Refused
    
    

Do you have any questions? Thank you very much for your time.

Appendix D: Family Interview

NEEDS OF MÉTIS OFFENDERS
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - FAMILY MEMBERS

My name is (first name). I'm involved in a project that examines the needs of Métis offenders while in federal correctional facilities and in the community. You're one of a number of family members we'll be interviewing over the next few weeks. The purpose of this interview is to discuss the needs of Métis offenders and families while the offenders are incarcerated and once they are released. For instance, I will be asking you questions about the needs of the offender and family. This information is meant to help develop culturally-appropriate and specific programs for Métis offenders.

Your participation in this interview is voluntary and will be kept strictly confidential. You may stop at any time and if there are questions that you do not feel comfortable answering, please let me know and we will move on. Please feel free to ask me questions during the interview if you need further clarification on anything.

The interview will take approximately 1/2 an hour to complete. Do you have any questions? Can you please sign this to indicate your agreement to participate?

OFFENDER INTERVIEW

SECTION A: BACKGROUND

I'm going to begin by asking you some general questions about yourself.

1. Gender:
   
   
   • [1] Male
   • [2] Female
   
   
2. Are you Aboriginal (First Nations/Indian, Métis or Inuit)?
   
   
   • [1] Yes, First Nations
   • [2] Yes, Métis
   • [1] Yes, Inuit
   • [1] No
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
3. What type of community do you currently live in (Check one):
   
   
   • [01] Large City (e.g., 100,000+ population)
   • [02] Small City (e.g., 10,000 to 100,000 population)
   • [03] Rural Community (e.g., < 10,000 population)
   • [04] Reserve
   • [05] Métis Community
   • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
   • [07] Don't know
   • [08] Refused
   
   
4. How long have you lived in this community (check one):
   
   
   • [1] Less than 1 year
   • [2] 1-5 years
   • [3] 6-10 years
   • [4] 11-15 years
   • <5> 16-20 years
   • <6> More than 20 years
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
5. What supports or resources are available for you in this community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION B: RELATIONSHIP TO OFFENDER

Now I'm going to ask you some questions about your relationship with the offender.

1. What is your relationship to the offender (check one):
   
   
   • [01] Spouse
   • [02] Common-law
   • [03] Girl/Boyfriend
   • [04] Mother
   • [05] Father
   • [06] Sibling
   • [07] Other Family (specify) ________________________________________________
   • [08] Non-Family (specify) ________________________________________________
   • [77] Don't Know
   • [88] Refused
   
   
2. How long have you known the offender (check one):
   
   
   • [1] Less than 1 year
   • [2] 1 - 5 years
   • [3] 6 - 10 years
   • [4] 11 - 15 years
   • <5> 16 - 20 years
   • <6> More than 20 years
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
3. Do you presently have regular contact with the offender (e.g., see or talk to them regularly - at least every 6 months)?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, currently, how often do you have contact (check one):
      
      
      • [01] More than once a day
      • [02] Once a day
      • [03] Several times a week
      • [04] Once a week
      • [05] Several times a month
      • [06] Once a month
      • [07] Several times a year
      • [08] Less often
      • [77] Don't know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not applicable
   
   
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all attached" and 5 being "very attached", how would you characterize your current attachment to the offender (Circle one):
   
   
   Not at all attached

   Somewhat

   Very attached

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "not at all positive" and 5 being "very positive", how would you characterize how positive your relationship is with the offender (Circle one):
   
   
   Not at all positive

   Somewhat

   Very positive

   
   

   1

   2

   3

   4

   5

   
   
   

   [7] Don't know

   [8] Refused

   
   
   
   
6. What do you think is the attitude of other family members toward the offender upon is/her release to the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
7. What role do you think you will play with your family member once he/she is released to the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
8. Do you anticipate facing any issues upon the release of your family member to the community?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up questions)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, what issues do you anticipate?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      
      
   2. How do you anticipate resolving the issues?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
   
   
9. Do you support your family member's reintegration in the community? For instance, are you prepared to participate in things such as programming, providing accommodation, transportation, employment, etc.?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. Why are/aren't you prepared to participate in your family member's reintegration?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION C: OFEFENDER NEEDS

In this section, I'm going to ask you some questions about the needs of the offender while in the institution and once released.

1. What caused your family member to come to jail?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
2. Do you think the needs of Métis inmates are different from the needs of non-Aboriginal inmates?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. How are the needs of Métis inmates different/not different from non-Aboriginal inmates?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
   
   
3. Do you think the needs of Métis inmates are different from the needs of other Aboriginal inmates?
   
   
   • [1] Yes
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. How are the needs of MĂ©tis inmates different/not different from other Aboriginal inmates?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
   
   
4. Do you think there are programs or services currently available, in the institution or the community, that are effective and supportive for your family member?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question A)
   • [2] No (go to follow-up question C)
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, what programs do you think are effective and supportive to your family member (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Cognitive/Living Skills
      • [05] Pre-Release
      • [06] Sex Offender
      • [07] Anger Management
      • [08] Counselling
      • [09] Cultural
      • [10] Psychological Services
      • [11] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [12] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
      
      
   2. Why do you think the program(s) are effective?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
      
      
   3. If no, why do you think the program(s) aren't effective?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
5. What do you think your family member (the inmate) needs the most while in the institution?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
6. What do you think your family member (the inmate) needs the most upon release to the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
7. What do you think your family member (the inmate) needs the most for sustained success in the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

SECTION D: FAMILY NEEDS

Now I'm going to ask you some questions about your needs.

1. As a family member of a Métis offender, are services and programs currently available to you while your family member is incarcerated?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up questions)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, what services or programs are available to you (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Visitation program
      • [02] Transportation to the institution
      • [03] Counselling
      • [04] Social Services
      • [05] Elders
      • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [07] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
      
      
   2. Were any of the programs Aboriginal-specific?
      
      
      • [1] Yes
      • [2] No
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
      
      
   3. Were any of the programs Métis-specific?
      
      
      • [1] Yes
      • [2] No
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
      
      
   4. What services or programs have you accessed (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Visitation program
      • [02] Transportation to the institution
      • [03] Counselling
      • [04] Social Services
      • [05] Elders
      • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [07] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
2. Are there any programs that you would like to see?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
3. As a family member of a Métis offender, do you think services and programs will be available to you once your family member is released to the community?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, what services or programs are available to you (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Visitation program
      • [02] Transportation to the institution
      • [03] Counselling
      • [04] Social Services
      • [05] Elders
      • [06] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [07] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
   
   
4. Do you think there are areas that have caused you difficulty in your life (e.g., addictions, health, mental health, etc.)?
   
   
   • [1] Yes (go to follow-up question)
   • [2] No
   • [7] Don't know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
   1. If yes, what services or programs are available to you (check all that apply):
      
      
      • [01] Substance Abuse
      • [02] Education
      • [03] Employment
      • [04] Living Skills
      • [05] Health
      • [06] Mental Health
      • [07] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [08] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [09] Other (specify) ________________________________________________
      • [77] Don't Know
      • [88] Refused
      • [99] Not Applicable
      
      
   2. Can you describe how you have addressed these issues since your family member has been incarcerated?
      
      
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • ___________________________________________________________
        
        
      • [7] Don't Know
      • [8] Refused
      • [9] Not Applicable
   
   
5. What do you think you need to successfully support your family member while incarcerated?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
6. What do you think you will need to be able to successfully support your family member upon release to the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   
7. What do you think you will need to be able to successfully support your family member for sustained success in the community?
   
   
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • ___________________________________________________________
     
     
   • [7] Don't Know
   • [8] Refused
   
   

Do you have any questions? Thank you very much for your time.

Appendix E: Staff Focus Group

Note: Institutional staff includes, Institutional Parole Officer (IPO), Correctional Officer (CXII), Correctional Supervisor, Unit Manager and Program Co-ordinator.

1. From your experience, what do you see as the difference between Métis inmates’ needs and other Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal inmates’ needs while incarcerated?
   
   
2. How does the cultural diversity of inmates challenge your role? Are you aware of the differences between cultures, or do you consider all Aboriginal inmates to be of the same culture?
   
   
3. What training, if any, do you have about the Métis culture?
   
   
4. What do you see as the most significant needs for Métis inmates while incarcerated? Upon release to the community?
   
   
5. What do you believe is currently offered, both in the institution and in the community that is effective and supportive to Métis inmates?
   
   
6. What suggestions do you have that would improve the resources and meet the specific cultural needs of Métis offenders in British Columbia?
   
   
7. What do you believe the needs of the inmate’s family to be?
   
   
8. What programs and services, that you are aware of in the institution and community, are available for the families of Métis inmates?
   
   
9. What suggestions do you have that would improve the support to families of Métis inmates, both in the institution and in the community?
   
   
10. Can you describe any issues that you may have relating to the application, interpretation and policies as they relate to Métis offenders.