Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is with the Department of Justice.
Mr. Speaker, traditional camps are a good way to help heal people; people who will be returning back to their communities after serving time for their offences. I’m speaking about on-the-land programs to help restore Aboriginal offenders to their roots, refreshing both their skills and their spirits.
Camps like this have been run near Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake in the past, but there is currently only one six-week camp per year in the Sahtu region, Mr. Speaker. I would like this to be a year-round, permanent bush camp.
This government spends about $35 million on corrections and community justice programs alone. But as I said in the House before, the justice system is failing our people. Restorative justice is needed. Healing is needed. Bush camp programs fit this bill, Mr. Speaker, but this government is not very interested in them and it seems there are barriers to prevent more inmates from participating in them.
My opinion is these camps are underused in our correction system. Camps like this should be a high priority option for our youth and people convicted of less serious crimes. Our communities should be involved in the rehabilitation process and if they put more emphasis on corrections camps, elders can fulfill the traditional roles as teachers and who can help offenders to strengthen in their culture. Corrections camps can benefit our communities in many other ways too. They can create good jobs, especially for people with traditional skills. Even if they’re short term, it’s meaningful work and people can heal. In our small communities every job is important, Mr. Speaker.
I say to the Minister: put these corrections camps on the land, let the land take care of the people and let the natural healing happen. I say to the Minister: take that big facility, tear it down and let those guys out on the land so they probably can heal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
