Native American

Native Americans are over-represented in Montana’s prison population. In 2005, Montana’s governor encouraged the Department of Corrections (DOC) and other state officials to look at models developed in Canada that create alternatives to incarcerating Native people. 

This summer a Montana pilot program, modeled after one in Lethbridge, Alberta, will hire two court advocates to work with Native Americans held in pre-trial detention in Montana’s jails.

5:00 am I get up. I’m in pain cause I skipped my nighttime dose of medication for a chronic back condition. Trying to cut down cuz one of the side effects is a risk of a heart attack. I say my morning prayer and prepare for the challenges of today (doing time). The bell rings, the door opens.

A day in 2003 as written by MW, in prison in Washington state. 

In 2003, I was doing time at the Washington State Reformatory. When I first arrived there, I met a new friend named J--. Like me, he was a Native American.

J-- was cool-minded and laid back. He was in his late 30’s, early 40’s and very sick. I can’t discuss his condition but I knew he was dying.

Montana's Governor Brian Schweitzer sent Department of Corrections personnel to Canada to meet with representatives of the Blackfoot Nation. In Canada, the Blackfoot Nation has created a system that sends some people to healing circles composed of tribal elders rather than to the Canadian court system.

Investigators and auditors from the Interior Department told a Senate panel in June that potentially life-threatening conditions at many of the 74 detention centers on Indian reservations pose dangers to prisoners and guards alike.