Regions: North Slave Region
Tags: social sciences, traditional knowledge, cultural relevance, justice, rehabilitation
Principal Investigator: | Prosyk, Liisa K (1) |
Licence Number: | 14566 |
Organization: | Independent/Carleton University Student |
Licensed Year(s): |
2009
|
Issued: | Jul 13, 2009 |
Objective(s): The objective of this research is to explore the question: Is there any one program that could be considered culturally appropriate to the offender populations within the NWT? In order to administer an offender program that is “culturally appropriate”, there is need to gain better insight into the definition of “culture”. CONDITION TO THIS LICENCE: Ethics Approval Certificate from Carleton University must be forwarded to the Aurora Research Institute before fieldwork is initiated.
Project Description: The objective of this research is to explore the question: Is there any one program that could be considered culturally appropriate to the offender populations within the NWT? In order to administer an offender program that is “culturally appropriate”, there is need to gain better insight into the definition of “culture”. The study will consist of the 4 following components: 1. Literature review and reviews of current abuser programming with particular focus on cultural relevance (or lack thereof). In addition to an independent literature review of various offender programs, the researcher will also conduct a follow-up review of the programs already being investigated by NWT Justice. 2. Cultural outreach – Qualitative, informal information gathering. Spending time with corrections as well as individuals and groups of various aboriginal backgrounds (self-identification will be key), observing and interviewing members in the community (including youth, elders, individuals of high political status, the homeless, etc.,) in effort to determine what “cultural relevance” means to them. 3. After completion of numbers 1 & 2, the researcher will devise a workshop that will incorporate culturally relevant strategies, as per her findings. No less than 2 scripted and practiced workshops will be administered, however, as many as 4 scripted and practiced workshops* could be administered. *Note: Ideally, scripted workshops administered by both genders in cross-culture of youth, middle-aged and elder would be ideal; however, this is beyond the scope of resources and time for this project. 4. Quantitative analysis – Does a program become more culturally relevant to its clients when administered by someone of the same culture? If so, to what degree? Is there a difference in response and learning when the culturally specific strategies are employed as opposed to other conventional methods? Self–report questionnaires (with rating scales) and a short test of knowledge will be administered. Factorial designs will be conducted, [IV = race of facilitator; DV = age group scores of youth, middle-aged, and elder participants]. Further statistical control may be needed if the number of participants vary and/or are unmatched between groups. Final consideration and discussion of what components might contribute to a successful “culturally relevant” abuser program in the NWT will be conducted. Brief consideration will be given to possible culturally sensitive risk/needs assessment adjustments. Communication of study results will be done by phone and in person. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 13 to August 31, 2009, in Dettah and N'Dilo. CONDITION TO THIS LICENCE: Ethics Approval Certificate from Carleton University must be forwarded to the Aurora Research Institute before fieldwork is initiated.