A.R.T. & Justice: An Arts-Based and Indigenous-Led Intervention for Strengthening Mental Health & Wellbeing for People Affected by the Canadian Carceral System

In this project, we will strengthen and test an Indigenous-informed, arts-based intervention for people in prison. Building on decades of Indigenous community-driven research, a partnership with Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) since 2014, and ongoing participatory studies with currently and formerly incarcerated people and Indigenous Elders, we draw from pilot study findings initiated during COVID-19 to strengthen benefit and study impacts of art and writing kits in prisons. The pilot included distribution of kits containing visual art and creative writing materials, art and poetry prompts, Indigenous plant medicines, and messages of support/guidance from Elders. Pilot findings indicate that future tailoring of art kits content and ongoing guidance from Peers and Elders is crucial for maximum benefit, and that art-making workshops can enhance culturally safe creativity. We anticipate that the intervention can expand to support long-term social connections, mental health and wellbeing. We will study intervention impacts across eight federal prisons in BC by conducting surveys measuring different aspects of mental health; interviewing participants in prison and prison staff, observing the intervention in prison, tracking engagement in art-making, and integrating CSC mental health case reports and administrative data. We will support CSC policy action and prison health services to improve mental health outcomes. All activities will be guided by Indigenous Elders and Peer Leaders. Future funding will be sought to tailor and evaluate the intervention across Canada, as well as to expand the intervention for people leaving prison. Findings will be used to advocate for the mental health, wellbeing, and dignity of people in prison. Indigenous community Knowledge Translation Partners who support people leaving prison and team leadership from formerly incarcerated people will help us translate findings to focus on people leaving prison across BC.