The Saskatoon Tribal Council has signed an agreement with the province to help support First Nation inmates as they transition back into the community.
STC Chief Mark Arcand, along with the other STC chiefs, and Saskatchewan’s public safety Minister Christine Tell signed the Memorandum of understanding in Saskatoon Friday morning.
“This agreement is a step toward reducing the number of First Nations individuals that are incarcerated in our province,” said Public Safety Minister Christine Tell. “This will also allow us to further address the root causes of reoffending and create stronger communities by ensuring necessary supports and opportunities are available to those transitioning out of the criminal justice system.”
The agreement, known as the Offender Reintegration Partnership Agreement, outlines measures to advance long-term reconciliation for incarcerated individuals.
These measures include employment programming, education and training, cultural services, and individualized reintegration programs.
“Indigenous people continue to be overrepresented in our provincial correctional systems,” said Chief Arcand. “The province and STC acknowledge that the work required to support rehabilitation and reintegration must be based on a shared response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”
A committee will also be formed to ensure the goals of the agreement are being achieved moving forward.
(PHOTO: Chiefs under the Saskatoon Tribal Council sign the Offender Reintegration Partnership Agreement with Minister Christine Tell. Photo by Joel Willick)