Indigenous culture as a strategy to defer Mushkegowuk youth from criminal behaviour in Moose Cree First Nation.

Abstract

The over-representation of Indigenous Peoples within correctional facilities is a growing concern in Canada. This research study aims to determine if the community members of Moose Cree First Nation find it feasible to initiate traditional culture as a course to deter Indigenous youth from criminal behaviour. The study consisted of interviews with eight First Nation individuals by way of purposive and snowball sampling to recruit participants. Three major themes were discovered in the semi-structured interviews: Mushkegowuk Culture as described by the community members residing in Moose Factory, Intergenerational Impacts on fragmented Culture as experienced in the recent past and/or today in Moose Factory, and, Protective Measures to ensure safety of youth residing in the community. Themes expressed were built upon by a grounded theory providing direct knowledge based on the experience of the residents in Moose Factory. Overall it was discovered that introducing more culturally relevant programming and education could cease undesirable behaviours and assist with healthy life choices for future generations.