Institutional Racism

As well if you had read into the some La Prairie articles you'll notice a pattern where the higher rates of disproportionate Aboriginal over representation in the criminal justice system. Also, in areas where poverty is highest there is also a correlation for Aboriginal over representation in the criminal justice system. In the east coast rates are on par (or close) with non-Aboriginal crime rates but as you move westward into Thunder Bay towards the prairies the number escalate drastically. Though, Aboriginals are still over-represented as well as other minorities throughout the country. In part, where I argue the proximity of indigenous groups with non-Aboriginals, especially in parliament (Ottawa or larger civic service centers), have more connection to the govern mentality of Canada and how to operate in a co-existing manner in so far as having certain aspects of the culture recognized.

Being disassociated from the creation and formation of Canada has led to the increase in the distinct separation from the Canadian consciousness for the Aboriginals who live westward. Also, reserves play a large part in separating the identities. Canada had a large role in this inability to understand the west, look at the current government with Harper to see how it has finally become established that the west does have a voice with a distinct culture which is currently being recognized and understood. The current conservative minority government is testament about the distinct and different cultural beliefs within Canada. However, marginalization does occur as the representative government is a vestibule of continued conflict between non-Aboriginals and Aboriginals in Prairie Provinces if and when there is not lateral recognition of the other culture.

Poverty stricken communities in the prairies are the highest risk for crime within the Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal reserves close to/apart of cities also experience the highest disproportionate rates of crime. What is most alarming is this at the same time where economic booms have been occurring social programs have been pushed to the limits and are unable to cope with the need of the people or more specifically the Aboriginal people. The separation of cultures comes under the guise of legal systems in which Canada continues to assert its dominance over First Nations.The problem is further escalated as the federal government passes its responsibilities to provincial or municipal governments which do not have or do not want to puts Aboriginal issues at the forefront. The misunderstanding and coercive nature of government officials still bring about historical memory which continues to surface as Treaty 7 is a constant reminder of the dishonesty of the government.

As to the comment of lax Aboriginal law making I do not agree with harsher penalties as youth embarked on longer sentences leaving them detached from communities and more distant than every before. Policies are needed for reintegration, but not reintegration into the same situational circumstances. It is unrealistic for the conservatives to drive a policy of tougher sentencing while cutting social programs. The government of Saskatchewan was in the process of building a $90 million dollar penitentiary and all I could think of was i hope they were spending 10 times that in social programs so that there is need to build such testaments of societal dysfunction. If you fund social programs you will get a return on your investment, that being the children who later turn out to be productive members of society (look at the AFN report on making poverty history).

But because it's Aboriginal children and adults the concept of institution racism is continued and the Canadian government will continue to enact this policy of institutional racism because it creates jobs for the non-Aboriginal. If tougher sentencing occurs and Aboriginals account (over represent) for the majority of offenders isnt the policy directly discriminating against the Aboriginal.

Or more oddly low paying jobs to facilitate the penitentiary facilities as Aboriginals guard Aboriginals in jail whilst the controllers of the institution are always non-Aboriginals are in control of the system. For Aboriginals would need the education and social institutions to reach such a position which were never granted to them as more money is diverted from social programs into jail cells.

Migwetch and Thank you.

Adam