Indigenous people in Canada have long been subjected to mass incarceration, due to the enduring legacy of colonialism and ongoing racism. In 2023, Indigenous people represented 32% of the federal prison population, while making up just 5% of the total adult population. In fact, the increasing incarceration of Indigenous women has resulted in Indigenous women representing roughly half of all women detained in federal prisons as of 2022. Their mass incarceration is linked to poor health outcomes, including higher rates of toxic drug injury and death and increased risks of acquiring HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Accordingly, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls have both issued calls pressing all orders of government to reduce overrepresentation and accommodate the specific health and cultural needs of Indigenous people in prison. Canada must ensure that Indigenous people in prison have access to culturally appropriate healthcare, including harm reduction programs.
HARD TIME PERSISTS: HEALTHCARE AND HARM REDUCTION FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN PRISON
Author
Topics
Access to Medicines, Drug Policy, Indigenous Communities, Prisons, Women’s Rights
Language
English