The Montana Department of Corrections 2013 Biennial Report points out the agency has conducted 10 American Indian cultural awareness training courses for Corrections staffs in state and contracted facilities.
Also, despite the end of a federal grant, it maintained specialized probation and parole officers focusing on Native American offenders and those with co-occurring mental health and addiction problems. The report says that's reducing violations among those populations.
But a group called Indian People's Action says the Corrections Department needs to do more, particularly in its hiring practices.
I.P.A board member, Lita Pepion explains in this evening's feature interview with Edward O'Brien.
First, more on the mission of Indian People's Action:
