The $200 million 360-cell remand centre will be built in the Senkulmen Enterprise Park, an industrial area on OIB land, near Gallagher Lake – 7 kms north of the core of the Town of Oliver.
It’s the first time a jail has been built on native land in B.C., and Osoyoos Chief Clarence Louie says he intends to make the most of it.
“Of course, we hope to make an impact on the aboriginal offender, in reducing the aboriginal incarceration rates, and doing something different in this prison as opposed to the other ones across the country,” said Louie.
Notes from CBC and map from Google
Perhaps “going to do something different” means addressing the poisonous prevalence of ‘cultural shame’ that many FNP from many areas struggle with. Or perhaps there will be in place, as staff and/or advisors, Elders who can help by offering a different reality, and show by example a different way to those who might not have had these people in their past. Might there be offered at this facility a chance of following a Spiritual path back to Wellness, and perhaps the ability to use Sentencing Circles for some. Just a few ideas that I would hope for. Congrats Osoyoos Chief Clarence Louie
If the OIC have all jurisdiction over this prison,hopefully they will ban ”drugs” from being transported into this facility .Plus they just may have treatment therapy in place along with anger management courses,counselling,etc..Believe me,this will be way different from other prisons across this beautiful country ! I doubt if a golf course will come first ! Congratulations Chief Louie !
I think that the prison looks to the local community for ideas and support for programs for the inmates. It makes sense that the local band would want to assist natives who are at the prison.
How about getting some solar panels on this building, and some beautiful First Nations art work, so these prisoners can be shown some positive alternatives to their previous lives.
With Kari on the confusion thing??
I am very on board with the whole idea.. but when he says “We’re going to do something different”…. I am confused. The OIC isn’t *running* the prison, are they? Are they not just allowing it to be built on their land?