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TRIPARTITE FORUM
October 21, 2003
Drumming Culture into the Youth Correctional Centre
Within the Waterville Youth Correctional Centre courtyard a tent-like hut is set up and a small fire burns near it. No, it’s not a campsite. And although it’s a cold day a few youth crawl out from the tent-like hut flustered and wearing light clothing. They were taking part in a traditional Mi’kmaq sweat lodge ceremony. This is one of several events the youth, government officials, Mi’kmaq and youth centre staff would take part in at a cultural gathering during Mi’kmaq history month.
“It’s hotter than a sauna,” says one youth about the sweat lodge. The events continue in the courtyard where the youth and visitors surround the Eastern Eagle drum group. The youth listen to the stories and music, which echoes on the walls of the enclosed courtyard.
Encouraged to dance in a traditional two-step the youth
surprisingly seem more enticed to try it than some of the grown men
visiting the centre.
A traditional feast with deer and moose meat is provided for lunch.
The afternoon involves more cultural learning with stories and music.
Many of the youth even sway during the drumming.
“Every time I’m able to share my culture it makes me very happy,” says Donna Augustine, a Mi’kmaw traditionalist, to the youth. “It’s a way of giving back for all that the Creator has given me.”
The Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network, an organization proving justice support services to Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, organized the event sponsored by the Tripartite Forum justice working committee.
“It’s important to ensure that the Mi’kmaw culture and tradition is retained and kept alive while the youth are incarcerated,” says, Viola Robinson, Mi’kmaw co-chair on the Tripartite Forum justice working committee. “As well, there is the value in the cross cultural training these visits provide to others within an institution.”
The committee strives to ensure fair treatment and access to the Mi’kmaw culture for Mi’kmaq in the justice system. This reflects the recommendations of the Donald Marshall Royal Commission report.
Fred Honsberger, executive director of Nova Scotia Correctional Facilities feels this “is an excellent example of the benefits of the Tripartite partnership and the application of that partnership to front line services that benefit native and non-native youth in Nova Scotia.”
Among the committee members at the centre were Donald
Julien, executive director of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, Ted
Tax, senior regional director of Justice Canada and other Mi’kmaq
and government representatives.
The Tripartite Forum was formally established in 1997 as a partnership
between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, Province of Nova Scotia and Government
of Canada to strengthen relationships and resolve outstanding Mi’kmaw
issues of mutual concern. The Tripartite Forum is a vehicle to address
issues that affect the lives of all Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.