Four in Ten Inmates in NL Adult Correctional Facilities Are Indigenous, Study Reveals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. John’s, NL – A new report released today by First Light reveals that the rate of Indigenous incarceration in adult correctional facilities across Newfoundland and Labrador is significantly greater than previously thought. It also confirms that nearly all incarcerated Indigenous people have insufficient access to culturally appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration services.
The new report, Overrepresented and Undercounted: A Snapshot of Indigenous Adult Incarceration in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2025, describes the findings of the first comprehensive study of Indigenous incarceration since 1996. To gather more recent data, First Light conducted a demographic snapshot of all five adult correctional facilities in the province over the course of a single week in November 2025. The study used a structured questionnaire based on Canadian national standards administered through private interviews with inmates.
The study found that Indigenous individuals comprised 43% of all participants. Drawing on Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census data, First Light estimates the rate of Indigenous incarceration to be more than 8 times the rate of non-Indigenous people in Newfoundland and Labrador. It also found that 96% of all Indigenous participants would access cultural programming and supports, which are known to improve reintegration and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
In addition, Indigenous participants showed a low awareness and use of Gladue reports – which they have a right to access under the Criminal Code and relevant Supreme Court of Canada decisions – and a higher rate of housing insecurity compared to non-Indigenous inmates as they approach release. These findings raise important policy implications in light of current obligations under provincial, Canadian, and international law – all of which require correctional practices to respond to the specific needs and circumstances of Indigenous offenders.
First Light shared an advance copy of the report with Minister of Justice and Public Safety Helen Conway Ottenheimer on March 16, 2026. On March 26, the Minister and senior officials joined First Light in circle with staff, Elders, and people with lived and living experience of the criminal justice system. Representatives from First Light and the Department of Justice and Public Safety agreed to begin working together immediately and to provide an update in six weeks outlining next steps.
“Behind every number in this report is a human being who deserves to be treated with dignity. Incarceration should never mean forced separation from culture, community, and identity. Improving access to appropriate programming for Indigenous people in custody is one of the first areas where we can, and must, work together to make change.”
Michael Johnson, Coordinator of Justice Supports at First Light
“The status quo is unacceptable. We take the responsibility of providing for inmates in our care very seriously. We recognize the importance of programming and supports for inmates to aid in their rehabilitation. This includes providing culturally appropriate programs and services to meet the needs of Indigenous people in custody. Change has to occur, but this can only be accomplished by listening and working together with all partners.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minster of Justice and Public Safety
The full report and accompanying information video are now available online.
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