News Coverage of New American Indian Prisoners’ Religious Rights Policy in Washington State

Here.

We posted on the new regulations on Indian prisoners’ religious rights here.

Wash. Dept. of Corrections Issues New Regs on American Indian Religious Freedom

Here:

DOC 560200 Posted.

And here is news coverage. An excerpt:

The state of Washington’s Department of Corrections and United Indians of All Tribes Foundation have partnered to provide incarcerated offenders with religious support and resources.

Under an agreement signed last month, Seattle-based United Indians will provide religious services in the state’s 12 prisons, which, as of Dec. 2010, hold 1,620 American Indian/Alaska Native-affiliated inmates (though the actual population could be much more because many inmates don’t identify themselves as Native). The goal of the effort is to not only help offenders gain a greater sense of who they are but also to assist them transition more seamlessly into their respective communities.

“It’s extremely important for Indian Country to work collaboratively with the DOC to ensure Native inmates can freely exercise tribal religion, particularly as a means of rehabilitation and preparing them for their return to tribal communities and mainstream society,” said United Indians Vice Chairman Gabriel Galanda.

More on the Frybread Debacle at Washington DOC

Here is the state’s response to this complaint: Secetary Vail Letter to Chairman Cladoosby September 20.