This session will focus on the overrepresentation of Indigenous people within the carceral system and the impacts that has on individual and communal wellbeing. We will explore the health disparities for incarcerated Indigenous Peoples in Canada and highlight the importance of cultural programming for healing and creating support networks amongst incarcerated people. Dr. Tetrault will focus on Indigenous-led programming highlighting both the benefits and challenges, acknowledging the tension around healing in a colonial institution.
Thank you for your interest and participation!
This session’s video is now available for viewing.
Date: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 (PST)
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 am
About the Presenters:
Justin Tetrault
Justin Tetrault is an assistant professor in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University. He received his PhD in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Alberta.
His research interests include various topics, especially political movements and extremism, Indigenous justice, and the experiences of prisoners and their reintegration into society. Tetrault’s research can be divided into two main areas. The first involves his work on the University of Alberta Prison Project, where the research team interviews incarcerated individuals and staff to gain insight into their experiences within the prison system. He has published papers on topics such as racism and prison gangs, Indigenous people’s experiences with cultural programming, and he is currently studying re-entry experiences and healing lodges.
The second area of his research examines populism, extremism, and right-wing nationalist movements. He collaborates with Dr. Sandra Bucerius on a study of German populism, involving interviews with AfD and BSW party supporters. In this context, he has published on “mainstreaming” of the far-right, the sociology of hate, the problems with counterterrorism research, and unhoused Indigenous people’s experiences with hate crime.
As a Red River Métis person, Tetrault is dedicated to working alongside community members and practitioners to improve cultural supports for justice-involved Indigenous people
Resources
- Spirit Matters – Website
- Justin is reachable at: justin_tetrault@sfu.ca
The topics we cover can often be sensitive or emotionally triggering. Please make sure that you are looking after yourself. If at any point you feel that you need to talk to a friend, Elder, counselor, or family member: don’t hesitate to do so. Check out our Counseling Support Page.
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