Together Towards Tomorrow: Fostering Justice and Safety in Indian Country

In the heart of our nation, where Tribal Nation communities have thrived for centuries, there lies an opportunity for transformation. The path to safer communities is paved with justice-focused reforms and strengthened by positive partnerships with law enforcement. As we navigate this path, we confront a significant challenge: recidivism. This complex issue, characterized by the tendency of a convicted individual to re-offend, calls for our collective empathy, understanding, and action. We can build safer, more resilient communities by addressing recidivism through comprehensive, justice-centered strategies and fostering constructive relationships with law enforcement. The journey may be challenging, but together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for Native American communities.

The Challenge of Recidivism 

The Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals that Native Americans experience a higher recidivism rate than the national average, highlighting the critical need for collective action.

Understanding the Landscape: Incarceration and Crime Rates 

To better understand the landscape, let’s delve into recent statistics on Native American incarceration, crime, and recidivism. Native Americans are incarcerated in state and federal prisons at a rate of 763 per 100,000 people, which is double the national rate (350 per 100,000) and over four times higher than the rate for white individuals (181 per 100,000). In local jails, Native Americans are detained at a rate of 316 per 100,000, compared to a national rate of 192 per 100,000 and 157 per 100,000 for white individuals.

Recidivism Rates: A Closer Look 

As of 2017, American Indians and Alaska Natives face the highest levels of recidivism at 79% but are 1% of the total prison population. 2.4% of all offenders and 3.7% of U.S. citizen offenders were Native American. These statistics, while insightful, do not fully encapsulate the intricate nature of the issue. Factors such as geographical variation, the nature of crimes committed, and systemic issues within the criminal justice system also significantly contribute.

Fatal Encounters and Underreporting 

In 2022, police fatally encountered 17 Native Americans. A special investigation revealed that of the 29 Native people killed by police between May 2014 and October 2015, only one case received sustained coverage in any of the nation’s top 10 newspapers, and brief mentions of a second shooting misidentified the victim. None of the other 27 deaths received any coverage​​. Regrettably, these instances of violence often remain underreported in mainstream U.S. media.

The First Step Act: A Ray of Hope 

In 2018, a ray of hope emerged with the First Step Act. This transformative legislation aims to reduce recidivism by improving prison conditions, promoting inmate rehabilitation, and reforming sentencing laws. For Native American communities, the Act offers the potential to address unique challenges, including provisions for culturally appropriate programming and services.

Key Areas of Focus 

To fully harness the potential of justice reform and address recidivism in Indian Country, we must concentrate on several key areas:

• Adequately Fund Law Enforcement: This includes resources for training, equipment, and community outreach programs, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
• Solve and Prevent Crime: A comprehensive approach involving proactive policing, effective use of data and technology, and collaboration with community leaders and organizations.
• Focus on Deterrence: This consists in addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse, in addition to punitive measures.
• Collaborate with Local Leadership: Law enforcement should work closely with tribal leaders and community organizations to understand their communities’ unique needs and challenges.
• Be Smart on Crime: This involves focusing on proven strategies based on data and research. This includes targeted interventions for high-risk individuals and programs that help offenders reintegrate into society.
• Prioritize Public Safety: All efforts should be guided by a commitment to public safety, which includes preventing crime and ensuring that victims and communities receive the support they need.

Preventing Recidivism Within

These programs can help American Indian/Alaska Native inmates reconnect with our culture, learn new skills, and prepare for their release.

• Culturally specific substance abuse treatment programs: These programs incorporate cultural values and practices into the treatment process, such as traditional healing methods, sweat lodge ceremonies, and talking circles.
• Parenting classes: These classes teach parents about effective parenting skills, while also incorporating cultural values such as respect for elders and community.
• Life skills classes: These classes teach inmates about topics such as anger management, financial literacy, and job search skills.
• Cultural arts programs: These programs provide incarcerated individuals with opportunities to express themselves through traditional arts such as drumming, dancing, and beadwork.
• Reentry planning programs: These programs help incarcerated individuals prepare for their release back into the community, by providing them with information about housing, training, workforce development, career pathways, employment, and substance abuse treatment.

Current Examples

• Gila River Department of Rehabilitation and Supervision (Arizona): Serving as the primary jail facility for tribal lands, they provide a range of employment and training services, including soft skills training, career certifications, occupational/vocational training, and apprenticeships through the Gila River Indian Community Employment and Training Department.
• Oakland County Jail (Michigan): The jail offers a Native American Cultural Awareness Program that provides inmates with information about Native American culture, history, and traditions.
• Salt River Department of Corrections (Arizona): Offers comprehensive educational services, including GED preparation and testing, academic coaching, correspondence college courses through Rio Salado College, and career development assistance.
• South Dakota Department of Corrections: The Department offers culturally sensitive programs for Native American inmates, including substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and life skills classes.

Our Collective Call to Action 

Addressing recidivism in Indian Country requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach that includes law enforcement, social services, community organizations, and tribal leadership. We can foster safer communities and a more equitable society for Our People. This is our collective call to action. Let’s unite and strive towards justice reform and safer communities in Indian Country.

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*Recidivism is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have experienced negative consequences of that behavior. It is also used to refer to the percentage of former prisoners who are rearrested for a similar offense.