Culture, cultural identity, and the role of culture in the rehabilitation of aboriginal offenders

Aboriginal people are vastly over-represented in the Canadian Criminal Justice system and it is widely accepted that this is the result of colonization, assimilation, and continued marginalization of Aboriginal people (see Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, 1991; Perreault, 2009; Roach and Rudin, 2000). As part of the process of colonization and assimilation, colonizing agents purposely destroyed Aboriginal culture and traditional knowledge (Corrado et al, 2008; LaPrairie, 1998). However, many Aboriginal people are now attempting to recapture their traditional knowledge of healing in an effort to revitalize their communities. Traditional healing programs are being established in correctional facilities and offered as alternatives to Western-based rehabilitation programs. This paper, therefore, draws on the connection between traditional Aboriginal healing systems and cultural identity and rehabilitation. The question of how and why culture is important to identity and rehabilitation is explored by highlighting how culture can benefit the Aboriginal offender; particularly in the teaching and encouragement of traditional cultural values, beliefs and traditions, and in the establishment of self and cultural identity. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and traditional healing may enhance rehabilitation by anchoring offenders to a history, culture, and identity that they have been deprived of. As a result, this major paper provides a critical review of the current literature and research about the state of culture-based rehabilitation programs for Aboriginal offenders in Canada