"Preserving Cultural Identity: The Role of Technology in Upholding Religious and Cultural Freedoms for Indigenous Peoples in Prison" examines the challenges Indigenous peoples face in prison who seek to maintain their cultural identity and religious beliefs. Despite numerous efforts to address this issue, Indigenous people remain over-represented in the prison system, making it difficult to access resources and support that align with their cultural and spiritual beliefs.

There is a long history of mistreatment towards Indigenous people, including the forced assimilation of their culture. One of the many ways this has manifested is in the prison system. Indigenous people comprise a disproportionately high percentage of the prison population and often face significant barriers to accessing culturally appropriate resources and support. In Canada, since at least 1984, a series of federal task forces have grappled with the problem of how to address these issues. This paper will explore how digital services could be a powerful tool for exercising Indigenous cultural freedoms and reducing over-representation.

The presentation will show how digital services, such as video conferencing and online educational resources, could be a powerful tool for promoting cultural freedoms in prisons. These technologies can connect Indigenous prisoners with elders, community leaders, and cultural resources that are otherwise difficult to access.
It highlights the importance of preserving cultural identity and technology’s role in promoting religious and cultural freedoms for Indigenous peoples in prison. By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by Indigenous prisoners, digital services have the potential to facilitate positive change.

Preserving Identity: The Role of Technology in Upholding Religious and Cultural Freedoms for Indigenous Peoples in Prison (PID002)

Speakers

Patricia O’Hagan MBE