Thank you to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation for granting $50,000 to our No One Leaves Alone (NOLA) community reintegration program. This generous contribution helps bring mentoring opportunities and practical support to people affected by incarceration, including those who face additional obstacles due to racism and discrimination. Of 76 current NOLA participants, 28 are Indigenous Canadians.
According to Statistics Canada, over the last two years, one in six adults admitted into custody belonged to a visible minority group. Indigenous Canadians are also overrepresented in Canada’s justice system. In 2020/2021, 33 percent of adults taken into custody were Indigenous people, a group that makes up only 5 percent of Canada’s population.
This overrepresentation also applies to community reintegration. According to a 2019 study by Correctional Service Canada, 23% of people leaving prison were reconvicted after two years. After five years that number jumps to 38% and 60% for Indigenous men.
NOLA is actively working to lower recidivism rates. M2W2 staff and volunteers help NOLA participants access the resources and relationships they need to live independent, crime-free lives. With guidance from our NOLA team, participants set goals in the following areas: housing, health, employment, education, and relationships. As they work to achieve these goals, our staff and volunteers share encouragement, insight, and wisdom, and help participants make a successful transition from prison to the community.
From all of us at M2W2, we thank the Canadian Race Relations Foundation for its belief in NOLA and its commitment to combatting racism in Canada. We are honoured to have your support.