The Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced that grants are being provided to enhance programming and supports for Indigenous inmates to aid in their rehabilitation. Working with all Indigenous Governments and Organizations and community partners ensures the correctional system in the province provides support to strengthen cultural connections, identity and well-being.

Through the grant funding, the Nunatsiavut Government and Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation will continue to deliver in-reach cultural programming at the Labrador Correctional Centre. The Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network will begin to deliver cultural programming and supports at the Bishop Falls Correctional Centre and the West Coast Correctional Centre. The grant funding for Indigenous cultural programming and in-reach supports at these facilities is approximately $270,000.

Discussions to implement programming at the Clarenville Correctional Centre and Her Majesty’s Penitentiary are progressing to ensure there is a province-wide approach to Indigenous cultural programming and supports at correctional facilities across the province.

Quotes
“The Department of Justice and Public Safety is committed to ensuring Indigenous cultural programming is available in correctional facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. These grants aim to provide the appropriate supports to those in provincial correctional facilities. Our government will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure the justice system reflects the needs and values of all communities in the province.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Investments in culturally grounded programming play an important role in supporting the healing, rehabilitation, and well-being of Indigenous inmates. We welcome continued collaboration with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and community partners to strengthen cultural connections, identity and supports for Indigenous people in correctional facilities throughout the province.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

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