The Canadian Criminal Justice Association is proud to release this paper which, it hopes, will promote the development of an ever-growing number of culturally-sensitive justice and correctional programs for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
 
It is noteworthy that the impressive amount of work that was required over a two-year period to develop this document was performed completely by dedicated volunteers of the Association, a sub-committee of the Policy Review Committee, chaired by Robert Paiement, was comprised of Geoffrey Burrows, Geoffrey Reid, and Neil Richardson, aided by three students: Bonnie Lidstone, Kelly-Ann Smith, and Andrea Tapp.
 
This sub-committee also relied on an Advisory Committee made up of several senior officials responsible for Aboriginal justice matters at the federal level and certain provincial jurisdictions. The paper underwent several reviews, including a number by Aboriginal people. Every effort was made to collect objective data. We realize that certain data could be more current, but, given our limited resources, where an update would not change the situation or alter the substance of the reasoning, we opted to use those that were more readily available.
 
Finally, we are grateful for the fine work of editing performed by Romola Trebilcock of the Correctional Service of Canada and for the support provided for translation and publication by Gina Wilson, Director General, Aboriginal Issues, Correctional Service of Canada.
 
May this endeavour lead us all to better understanding the issues and identifying lasting solutions.
 

Gaston St-Jean, Executive Director.