FROM: Peggy MacTaggart, Ojibwa
Feb.6, 1997
I would like to take this opportunity of introducing myself and sharing with you some of my experiences of my work, as a Native Elder, in federal penitentiaries in the Province of Quebec and also to say that if there is any way that I can be of help to you, do not hesitate to let me know.
First of all, to briefly explain the set-up here:
1: We have what we call the Native Parajudicial Services for the Natives of Quebec. This basically is an organization which acts as a liaison between the Correctional Services and the inmate. Some of the programs involved are Elder Services, Court Workers and the Liaison Worker who works directly with the inmate. Unfortunately, there are eleven institutions in this large province and about 150 Native inmates. Each Liaison Worker and Elder has to cover about 3 of these institutions and they are scattered across the province. Since last year, there are 5 designated institutions for Natives, but to date, the Natives are still scattered about.
2. Please note that from what I understand, the funding for the above mentioned service comes from Correctional Services, so needless to say, they call the shots.
3. I began my work as a volunteer Elder in the early '90's. Please note, that at this time, there were no sweat lodges, tipis, Native based healing programs - in other words, NOTHING. I began contract work around 1993 at which time I began visiting several of the eleven penitentiaries in this province. Although I was supposed to be acknowledged as the equivalent to a chaplain and have my own office, etc., this did not happen. I usually met with the inmate in the Chaplain's office or various small offices. From the beginning, I refused to let my Sacred Bundles be x-rayed or searched by anyone, although I was willing to undo my bundle and show them the contents.
4. I finally got to give a healing program to the Native inmates, although it is not recognized as a healing program and is seen as an activity because Corrections refuse to accredit it because it was not learned in school.
5. Two years ago I was finally able to arrange Fasts and Sweat Lodges in maximum security institutions, although Correctional Services tends to look for reasons to cancel them. They refuse to allow tipis because they say that the inmate might run up the pole and leap over the fence and escape. I suggested they place the tipi far from the fence but this fell on deaf ears.
6. The administration's attitude has always been one of "Wait, don't move to fast, let the employees get used to the Indian ways."etc.
7. When I continued to be persistent in helping the inmate and not knuckling under to the Administration, they started what I call a 'discredit Peggy' campaign against me. I was accused of having affairs with inmates, of not being willing to adjust (another way of saying assimilate as far as I am concerned). They simply eased me out of the Penitentiaries as an Elder giving individual service to the inmate although I still give the occasional healing session. Please note that the inmates continue to contact me by phone.
I am enclosing a summary of my typed copy of the Policy Objectives of the Commissioner's Directive for Aboriginal Programming, Number 702, dated, 1995-09-06
POLICY OBJECTIVES
1. To ensure that aboriginal offenders are provided with an equitable opportunity to practice their culture and traditions without discrimination and with an opportunity to implement traditional aboriginal healing practices.
2. To recognize and respect that Aboriginal cultures and traditional practices contribute to the holistic healing of the Aboriginal Offender and his/her eventual reintegration into society.
3. To recognize that Aboriginal Offenders have the collective and individual right to maintain and develop their distinct identities and characteristics including the right to identify themselves as Aboriginal.
4. To ensure and recognize that Aboriginal Offenders have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs including the preservation, protection and access to cultural sites, ceremonial objects and traditional medicines.
5. To ensure that the needs of all Aboriginal offenders are identified and that programs and services are developed and maintained to meet those needs.
I would suggest to those interested in establishing something for the Native inmate, to contact Correctional Services of Canada and get a copy of:
The Commissioner's Directives:
However, I would not suggest you mentioning the purpose of your request.
I am also enclosing a brief description of the healing session that has been given to our boys.
INTRODUCTION:
Flying On Your Own Holistic Healing & Self-Awareness Program is an experiential program that is a Native founded and Native managed, non-profit organization. It was developed as a result of some Native people seeking a dream to help their people regain strength in themselves and their communities. In our quest for guidance, we were shown that once people of all races recognize their individual importance to the circle of life and accept the qualities and gifts that they were born with and once they can forgive themselves and others for past negative activities, they can build themselves up as strong individuals. This, of course, results in completing the circle and they will build strong communities to give the children, yet unborn, a loving and caring environment. The change of attitude and spiritual values experienced as a result of this program also helps in political issues such as racism and prejudice. We have had the joyous opportunity of having one program session with the participants being 60% Native population, 40% White population and being served by a team of an Elder of 74 years old, 1 Native healer, 1 Native teenager, 1 white teenager and the rest of the team consisted of soldiers who had been involved with the OKA crisis in Quebec Province (Native people vs. Quebec - re: land claims.) We proved beyond a doubt that unconditional love and gentleness has wonderful results.
During the last few years, we have served many Native communities including the northern reserves - the Naskapi people as well as the Cree, Montagnais and Micmac people ranging from Davis Inlet - Schefferville, Maliotenam, Uashat, Davis Inlet, Lab. as well as doing 5 day sessions in Port Cartier, Donnacona, LaMacaza & Drummondville and Ste-Anne des Plaines Penitentiaries.
THE PURPOSE
The purpose of this program is to assist people to form a positive attitude towards all aspects of their lives. We guide and support the participant as they become aware of and deal with emotional blocks and false images and as they learn to acknowledge, accept and resolve past ugly experiences generated through alcoholism, drug abuse or emotional physical neglect as well as sexual abuse - either as victim or abuser.
We focus on changing the negative feelings, beliefs and attitudes to positive and life serving objectives. We share how to move rapidly from problems to solutions by learning how to heal ourselves before letting go of the past and then looking toward a healthy future. We support the participant as they answer the question 'Who Am I' and we celebrate their joy when they experience their own positive personal power and discover the unique and special gifts that everyone has within. When we begin to love ourselves our families and all people, unconditionally, we can then move toward the future with confidence, creating a peaceful and harmonious world.
WHAT ARE WE:
We are a personal development program that helps people of all ages recognize and deal with past negative experiences generated through alcohol &/or drug abuse; physical, emotional and sexual abuse as well as issues of racism, loss of Culture, etc.
WHAT DO WE DO
The Program incorporates lectures with dual and small group sharing, role playing, dramatization. The participants are supported and guided as they journey through their experiences - admitting, accepting and letting go of the negative experiences resulting in the realization of the positive aspects of their lives and the awareness of the gifts that each individual has within themselves.
WE DO THIS BY:
Addressing the whole person in terms of spiritual, mental, emotional and physical functioning. It is important to remember that our program is simply the beginning of an ongoing process of healing that ultimately hinges on the human experience of caring sharing and help.
CORE COMPONENTS
Unconditional love & gentleness
Education
Skills awareness
Native culture