NWAC responds to corrections report

A November press release from the Native Women's Association of Canada(NWAC)
says the organization is concerned with the persistent and unacceptable response
of the state and justice system when it comes to Aboriginal peoples, especially
Aboriginal women.
It pointed to an independent report recently released by the Office of the Correctional Investigator. The report confirms the unacceptable situation of Aboriginal offenders under federal sentence in Canada and details the significant gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders on nearly every indicator.
"The alarm bell is ringing and we must take action," stated NWAC President Jeannette Corbiere Lavell. "With a growing
population of young people we need to be aware of the environment and risks
Aboriginal youth face as they grow up, particularly young women."
The report shows that although almost 200 action items were made in 2006, many have yet to be implemented. As well, one in three women who are federally sentenced are Aboriginal.
NWAC is awaiting the government's response, with the hope and expectation that the report will bring about change for the healthy development of families and communities.