Jail Boss Refutes Complaints from Native Inmates

Friday, July 09, 2004 at 13:21

 

 

The acting director of the Prince Albert Correctional Centre says he disagrees with an inmate who criticized the institution over an alleged lack of spiritual programming for First Nations offenders.

 

Julian Houlet says Aboriginal spirituality is practised regularly in the facility, and two elders are provided to the prison population on a daily basis.

 

As well, he points out the facility has contracted the Prince Albert Grand Council to provide services to the inmates.

 

Houlet says any member of the prison population with concerns over programming is always welcome to talk to him or his staff, who he says are in constant contact with on-site elders.

 

Houlet does admit that his centre has received some criticism from Dene prisoners who have complained about language barriers between themselves and certain officials.