The Indigenous youth over-incarceration paradigm: perspectives from Canada, Australia and New Zealand

The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in custody has been a relevant concern throughout Canada’s history. However, in recent decades, the paradigm has shifted to a younger subset of the population. The overincarceration of Indigenous youth is now prevailing across Anglo-settler colonized nations such as: Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The overincarceration of Indigenous youth in the Australian justice system is paralleled in Canada and far worse than the situation in New Zealand. The significant decrease in Māori youth incarceration in New Zealand warrants further review. This thesis comprehensively explores the progress made towards Australia’s Closing the Gap Outcome 11 as a parallel to Canada’s Call to Action 38 response. In doing so, this study limits to culturally responsive interventions administered through the government. In drawing parallels to New Zealand, recommendations are made in order to move toward an equitable justice system. This study utilizes a descriptive approach and provides an in-depth summary of the current state of the overincarceration paradigm prevalent in Canada and Australia with perspectives from New Zealand in order to recommend a path forward.