Intersecting Justice: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Alaska Native Experiences with the Criminal Legal System

Background: Alaska’s incarceration rate is the highest in the country. Alaska Native people comprise about 16% of the state population and over 40% of incarcerated individuals. Alaska's average rate of legal recidivism is 63% suggests that reentry and desistance interventions are not effectively preventing reincarceration or mitigating collateral consequences of incarceration. Despite disproportionality in criminal legal systems (CLS), little is known about structural, systemic, and individual factors that contribute to over-incarceration and the unique needs of CLS-involved Alaska Native individuals in the state.

Goals: This research aims to describe CLS involvement among Alaska Natives living in an urban center in Alaska. We will identify factors that contribute to over-representation as well as cultural and community resources that may be utilized in efforts to reduce CLS involvement.

Methods: Data are from a concurrent mixed methods study of Alaska Native and American Indian individuals with CLS involvement. This community-based research includes data on trauma history, substance use, cultural beliefs and practices, and justice involvement from surveys (N = 100) and interviews (n = 71).

Results: Quantitative data suggest early CLS involvement; 63% reported initial engagement occurring between the ages of 12-18. High rates of substance use, interpersonal violence, and mental health disorders were also reported. The importance of Native culture was also evident. Participants reported Native culture having many strengths (100%); participation in cultural gatherings (89%); and looking to culture or community for help when ill (43%) or overwhelmed by emotions (45%). Qualitative data included descriptions of racial discrimination in criminal legal systems, connecting experiences in these systems to historical trauma.

Conclusion: This study offers data on disproportionality among Alaska Natives at the intersection of health and criminal legal systems. It suggests the need for Alaska Native cultural supports within CLS and capacity building for this work in Alaska.

By the end of this presentation, participants will:

1. Understand the lived experiences, particularly around trauma and substance use, of Alaska Native individuals who have been involved in CLS in the state of Alaska.
2. Consider the integration of cultural beliefs and practices in adapting desistance models for Alaska Natives.
3. Outline three implications related to responding to programming and policy for Alaska Native and American Indian individuals in carceral and community settings.