“Restorative Justice principles are based on the understanding of compassion, that no one is an island, and that everyone is an equal member of society and has a contribution to make to the greater good. Therefore, when a person becomes alienated or disconnected from that society, it is the responsibility of everyone in that society to bring the person back into a harmonious relationship with him/her “self”, as well as with the rest of the community. This may mean that the society itself needs to take a long hard look at its own practices and systems which may be “contributing factors” to the person’s alienation from it. The society may need to heal itself. ”
(Melanie Achtenberg)
Despite no trial, no conviction and no sentencing, Adam Capay was held in solitary confinement in a Thunder Bay jail for four years. The UN says any longer than fifteen days is considered torture. “The system not only failed Adam Capay. It buried him alive”
— CBC, Michael’s essay
Jails | The proportionate overrepresentation of Indigenous People in the Canadian prison system points to a multitude of problems, such as the criminalization of addiction, police brutality against Indigenous women, the poor treatment of Indigenous people in prisons (leaving inmates in solitary confinement for periods lasting several years) and a lack of accessible alternatives that are more related to Indigenous cultural customs such as centers for restorative justice and healing lodges.
We present aspects of these issues, whether that be through an Indigenous or Canadian perspective, in order to highlight how the Canadian penitentiary system is one which continues systematic oppression against Indigenous people. As a result of this we are forced to look at jails as one form of Indigenous dwellings.
Susan Attufuah-Callender, Sebastien Burke, Giorgio Picone, Olivia Siino, Spiro Xiradakis
The team of student performers and creators courageously addressed some of the most difficult and seemingly hopeless aspects of Indigenous – colonial relationships of their time, racial profiling, police brutality and sexual abuse specifically of Indigenous women, extended solitary confinement, and the lack of systems of restorative justice. Fresh on their minds were the stories of Adam Capay and of the women in Val d’Or.
CREDITS
Performer/Creators: Sebastien Burke, S.E. Callender, Giorgio Picone, Ollie Siino, Spiro Xiradakis
Graduate Student Coach: Sarah Manya
