Native inmates need to have their culture and heritage respected, a leading sociologist told the Montana Department of Corrections Advisory Council.

Luana Ross, a Salish from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is widely known for her work on Native Americans in the prison system. She said Native inmates are often degraded and mistreated based on their heritage and religious beliefs.

Ross brought her niece, Lucy Leptich Cruz, 32, to share a first-hand account. Cruz is a former methamphetamine addict who has been in and out of the prison system

�I spent my whole life being proud of being Native. But it didn't take very long (for corrections officials) to reverse that pride,� Cruz said, The Missoulian reported.

Cruz is now clean and sober. Ross said a critical component of her niece's rehabilitation was receiving treatment for drug addiction.

Get the Story:
Sociologist: Indian women in prison need respect (The Missoulian 6/28)
Talking about American Indians behind bars (KTVQ-TV 6/28)

Relevant Links:
Montana Department of Corrections - http://www.cor.state.mt.us

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