EXPLORING LOSS OF CREE CULTURE AS A CRIMINOGENIC NEED IN THE CONTEXT OF COLONIZATION AND INDIGENOUS OVERREPRESENTATION, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS OF RISK AND CULTURE-SPECIFIC PROTECTIVE FACTORS THAT BUFFER AGAINST RISK
Date
2022-09-22
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-1881-7292
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
Objective: The current study explores the relationship between loss of Indigenous culture and offending and identifies some culture-specific risk/need and protective factors in this context. Method: This research takes place in Treaty 6 territory with eleven participants who identity as Cree. It occurs in ethical space using a culturally relevant social constructivist lens that highlights participants’ understanding of the structural determinants of cultural loss and collective well-being. This is a qualitative, anti-oppressive, and interpretive case study that engages interviews, community eco-mapping, and critical thematic analyses of participants’ experiences and opinions relating to 1) Cree culture as a foundation of collective well-being; 2) the means of transmission of Cree culture; and 3) the outcomes of deculturation and cultural loss. Findings: Participants identified several structurally determined and culture-specific risk/need factors stemming from cultural loss as described in shared experiences with residential school, foster care, child apprehension, socioeconomic disparity, and institutional racism. Participants identified elements of Cree culture that protect them against negative environmental factors including a strong sense of Cree cultural identity, connection to the land, Cree family structures, and community, and engagement with cultural practices including ceremonies. Discussion: A relationship exists between loss of culture and offending which underlines the need for culture-specific criminogenic risk/need interventions. Cree cultural practices among this group are the primary sources of their well-being and desistance which must be considered in efforts to reduce overrepresentation.
Description
Keywords
Indigenous overrepresentation, structural factors of risk, criminogenic needs, culture-specific, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6, restorative justice, correctional intervention, Cree culture, collective well-being, protective factors
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Interdisciplinary Centre for Culture and Creativity
Program
Interdisciplinary Studies