A conference at the University of Regina is examining the Harper Government’s new “tough on crime” bill and the impact it will have on the Aboriginal community.
Among those taking part is David MacDonald. MacDonald is an addictions counsellor from La Ronge. He is also a former criminal with a record that includes manslaughter.
MacDonald spent 23 years in jail. He says there was not much help for him when he got out, so most times he just ended up going back:
“It made me into a better criminal. Harder, tougher, more uncaring, more unfeeling, and very resistant to any sort of guidance, mentorship — anything.”
Speakers at the conference include First Nations politicians, justice officials and reformed criminals.
The keynote address will be delivered tonight by Chief Wilton Littlechild, a commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The one-day conference is being hosted by the Saskatchewan Justice Institute.