• How is the National Parole Board (NPB) responding to the needs of Aboriginal offenders in our hearing process?
• What is the purpose of Assisted hearings?
• Is the Elder an active participant at the hearing?
• What are community-assisted hearings?
• Who do I contact for more information?

How is the National Parole Board (NPB) responding to the needs of Aboriginal offenders in our hearing process?

The NPB recognizes that the presence of someone from the same culture as the offender plays a key role in assisting Aboriginal offenders at conditional release hearings. In keeping with this view; the NPB has:

• First introduced Elder-assisted hearings in the Prairies region in 1992 to ensure that hearings are sensitive to the cultural values and traditions of Aboriginal offenders (First Nations, Inuit and Métis). Since their inception various forms of assisted hearings have been implemented across Canada as a result of regional consultations with Aboriginal communities to assist in the development of appropriate models for their assisted hearings
• The NPB is providing Board members and staff with workshops and training on Aboriginal culture, historical factors and current issues to improve the Board members' ability to make quality decisions at hearings for Aboriginal offenders
• The NPB promotes the recruitment, selection and appointment of qualified Aboriginal Board members and staff

What is the purpose of Assisted hearings?

Assisted hearings provide an environment that facilitates a culturally sensitive hearing process for Aboriginal offenders. Elders provide Board members with information about Aboriginal cultures, experiences and traditions, and, when possible, the specific cultures and traditions of the Aboriginal population to which the offender belongs, or may return to. The Elder also often offers wisdom and guidance to the offender.

Is the Elder an active participant at the hearing?

Yes. The Elder is an active participant in the hearing and may ask about the offender's understanding of Aboriginal traditions and spirituality, progress towards healing and rehabilitation, and the readiness of the community to receive the offender if return to the community is part of the release plan. The Elder may speak with the offender in an Aboriginal language to gain a better understanding of the offender, and to assist the Board members in gaining further information helpful to achieving a quality decision. The Elder provides a summary of such an exchange to the Board members and other participants, including the offender, before the decision is made.

What are community-assisted hearings?

A community-assisted hearing is a NPB hearing which is held in an Aboriginal community rather than in the holding institution. Community-assisted hearings are sometimes referred to as "releasing circles". The "circle" provides an opportunity for all parties, including the victim, to participate in the hearing process.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information, contact the NPB regional office nearest you.