Journal of Correctional Health Care - April 2023 - 135

Journal of Correctional Health Care
Volume 29, Number 2, 2023
ª The Author(s) 2023
DOI: 10.1089/jchc.21.09.0101
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''These Issues Aren't Separate'':
The Relationship Among Being Indigenous, Motherhood,
and the Criminal Justice System
Sharon W.Y. Tan, MPH,1* Angela Mashford-Pringle, PhD,1,2 Tenzin Butsang, MPH,1,2 Bryanna Scott, PhD,1,3
Gabriel B. Tjong, HBSc,1 Jerry Flores, PhD,4 Flora I. Matheson, PhD,5 and Karen Lawford, PhD, RM, AM6
Abstract
In using an approach encompassing intersectionality and interconnectedness, we highlight how the
experiences of Indigenous mothers and mother figures in contact with the law are a result of various historical
and contemporary events. We highlight a need for a wholistic approach to eliminate the overrepresentation
of Indigenous Peoples, including parents, in the criminal justice system. There is a lack of research
and discussion on Indigenous women and their experience with the justice system and by using an Indigenous
lens, we can explore the establishment of culturally safe resources and care wherein gender inclusivity
is prioritized. Our team of researchers and advocates intends for this article to contribute and
spark dialogue on Indigenous Peoples, particularly mothers and mother figures and their interactions
with the justice system. Although this article mainly focuses on federal programs and policies in Canada,
insights on the barriers to care can be applied into policy and practice across multiple settler states.
Keywords: Indigenous Peoples, maternal health, gender, criminal justice, Canada
Introduction
In recent years, there has been an increase in conversations
about systemic racism in Canadian criminal
justice systems. Systemic racism is understood as the
''. disproportionate access to power and resources in
society, leading to avoidable and unfair inequalities
between . groups'' (Leyland et al., 2016, p. 2). The
Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba defines systemic
discrimination as ''. the application of a standard
or criterion, or the use of a 'standard practice,'
[that] creates an adverse impact upon an identifiable
group that is not consciously intended'' (Clark, 2019,
p. 17).
A strong indicator of systemic racism is the overrepresentation
of Indigenous Peoples (i.e., First Nations,
Inuit, and Me´tis Peoples) throughout the criminal justice
system, from policing to incarceration (Clark,
2019). The Office of the Correctional Investigator in Canada
states that as of January 2020, Indigenous women
account for nearly 50% of federally sentenced women
1Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
2Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
3Faculty of Education, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada.
4Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
5MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
6Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.
*Address correspondence to: Sharon W.Y. Tan, MPH, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University ofToronto 155 College Street,
Toronto, Ontario M5T3M7, Canada, Email: tan.sharonwy@gmail.com
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Journal of Correctional Health Care - April 2023

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