IndIgenous CommunItIes and HIV and HCV in Federal Prisons

A history of cultural oppression, the damaging legacy of abuse in residential schools, and ongoing racism and colonialism have contributed to high rates of imprisonment for Indigenous people.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people represent over 25% of people in federal prison, despite comprising just 4.3% of Canada’s population.And Indigenous women are the fastest growing population among prisoners in federal custody.¹ Rates of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) are also much higher in prison than they are outside, especially among Indigenous prisoners.

This “Question and Answer” booklet is for prisoners who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and who are imprisoned in a federal prison or healing lodge run by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).

This resource was created in partnership with the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. They can be contacted ator 416-595-1666.

¹ Office of the Correctional Investigator, Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator 2015- 2016, June 30, 2016.