CELL COUNT

pasan.org FREE - FOR PRISONERS, EX-PRISONERS & THEIR FAMILIES SPRING 2017 - ISSUE #80

Mosaic project takes over PASAN

forces came up a lot as well. The

By Shelby Kennedy material (usually stone, tile and glass) to prisoner justice, HIV programming, Aside from the imagery, other con-
Crows, to some, represent honoured
It’s been an exci ng few months form one complete image/pattern. and community engagement. siderations were taken while designing
ancestors – prisoners, and ex-prisoners
at PASAN! A er 25 years of history as Towards the end of 2016, clients & Following these sessions, Anna the piece. Accessibility was frequently
who have passed. The Phoenix – not
the only community-based organiza- staff of PASAN, along with a team of Camilleri, the lead artist and designer discussed. Could folks easily see the
only represents the element of fire, but
on in Canada exclusively providing extremely talented community artists, for the project, compiled the different piece? Was there texture? How does it
also the themes of beginning again and
HIV and HCV preven on, educa on began working on the project. Being ideas, feelings and thoughts of folks feel? The mosaic is intended to bring
metamorphosis. The quotes “No one
and support services to prisoners, such an elaborate and large piece of into one cohesive design. Each drawing life into the space, for example by gen-
is left behind” and “Nobody fails here”
ex-prisoners and their families, PASAN art, a lot of time and work went into was different in its own way, but there erating conversation, evoking emotion,
are direct quotes taken from client’s
wished to commemorate those the design and construction of it. For were many similarities among them. or even simply through observation.
drawings, discussing PASAN’s position
experiences through a collabora ve the project to be successful, it was The number 4, for example, was a hot Physically, the mosaic had to have
on never turning somebody away. And
art project. PASAN believes you, as important that the artwork behind the topic. The four elements (earth, fire, certain qualities too. Portability was
lastly, the Deer can represent a few
prisoners, deserve to be recognized, piece is meaningful to, and useful for, water, air), the four directions and the considered, in case PASAN ever has to
things such as renewal (shedding of
supported, upli ed and wri en into folks within the community. To do this, medicine wheel were found in many of move, the piece can come with us. Just
antlers), balance & centering (position
history where you’ve been, and con- PASAN invited community members the drawings. Frustrations over fighting as the artwork says – “No one is left
of antlers in the piece) and the antlers
nue to be, erased, and so was born to participate in workshops where folks for resources, survival, freedom, and behind.” Mosaics tend to be very heavy
shredding the fence could represent
the mosaic project. Mosaic is a form had the opportunity to draw and dis- trust, along with resistance to these since they are mostly made of wood,
breaking down barriers to some.
of art that uses many small pieces of cuss their thoughts/feelings on PASAN, glass, and stone.
So, if a mosaic
is installed
somewhere to
stay forever,
it is built in
sections to
make it easier
to manage. In
this case, to be
portable, the
mosaic had to
be one solid
piece. Lots of
measuring went
into making
sure the piece
could find a
way out of the
building if nec-
essary. Thanks
to all this work,
PASAN will be
able to take the
Folks gathered for the big reveal of the design. January 25th, PASAN, Toronto Working Hands. February 9th, 2017, PASAN, Toronto: we took a look at the piece that Anna designed. piece anywhere,
cont'd on page 6

INSIDE THE SPRING ISSUE

2 3 4-5 6 7 8
Health &
Bulletin From News on Resources &
Art Harm
Board Inside the Block About PASAN
Reduction
2 // bulletin board
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
increase in workload, clients may not • Communication with community! Institu-
be able to spend as much time on the tional health care providers for access
telephone with staff as we would like. • To clarify or communicate health infor-
The staff and volunteers are dedicat- mation and to advocate for health service
If you want to see a worker or attend a program put in a request to the Volunteer Coordinator or the Social ed and committed and will continue provisions
Work Dept, or call us toll free at 1-866-224-9978 to provide the best care possible. • Communicating findings and follow up plans
Thanks for your patience and under- and accountabilities with PHAs and PASAN
standing! primary workers (or delegates)
Provincial (ON) Men - CECC Groups/1on1: Sign up sheet; Request to Volunteer Coordinator; Call Please sign up at front desk
C ,
PASAN ( , - , ID C
CNCC Groups/1on1: Sign up sheet; Request to Volunteer Coordinator; Call , ), ,
PASAN , , - The Partners for Access and Identification
( ), (PAID) project opens doors and breaks down
HWDC Groups/1on1: monthly; Call PASAN barriers for individuals who do not have a fixed
:
MAPLEHURST Groups/1on1: Run twice a month; Call PASAN or permanent address.
TEDC Groups/1on1: Run twice a month; Call for a program on your unit We want your submissions! We get The ID Clinics are held at PASAN on the 1st &
lots of letters from our readers telling 3rd Thursday of each month, 1:00-2:00pm
or a 1on1 educational us how much they love seeing all your The project operates at various sites across the
TSDC Put a request in with the Volunteer Coordinator or call for a work and they’re hungry for more. city of Toronto. The PAID project also con-
program on your unit or a 1on1 educational Send us your stuff and get published nects individuals and families to other services,
Provincial (ON) Women - CECC Call PASAN (no regular programming) in Cell Count. When you send stuff such as:
in, please make sure you write a line - Primary health care facilities
CNCC Call PASAN (no regular programming) in that gives us permission to publish - Sources for housing
VCW 1st and 3rd Wed – 1on1 Request to Social Work or Healthcare and your work. Also, let us know if you - Sources for food
call PASAN would like your work returned to you - Legal Aid
Federal (ON) Men - We try to visit each prison at least 3 times a year. We visit: Bath, Beavercreek or sent on to someone else! We also provide guidance and awareness regard-
Writers: We get a lot of great work ing other programs that are available, including
Min/Med, Collins Bay, Joyceville Min/Med, Millhaven, Pittsburgh and Warkworth. sent in that we are unable to use
We see people individually or in group settings and talk about HIV/AIDS, Hep C, community-based support services.
because of very limited space. Apol- For more information, please call: Neighbour-
Harm Reduction and Health Promotion. If you wish to know more or have HIV ogies. Please consider the column hood Link Support Services at 416-691-7407.
please contact us to find out when we will be at your institution. width & keep articles/poems tight & Also at the Toronto South D.C. Put in a request
Federal (ON) Women - GVI once a month; request to health care and call PASAN to the point. Honestly, the first items to see them.
to go in are the ones that fit nicely
and leave space for others – quality P R
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS CALL PASAN TOLL FREE AT: 1-866-224-9978 and quantity! Also, let us know in
writing if it’s ok to edit your work for KINGSTON AREA - CFRC Prison Radio airs
every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm on 101.9
HIV+ C S come with a cost. We cannot personally vouch grammar, spelling and so we can fit it in.
FM. CFRC is the Queen's University commu-
for these options, so please use at your own We're especially looking for submissions
In order to be a client & access these services discretion: from women-identified folks! Women are the nity radio station and every last Wednesday of
you need to have confirmed HIV+ status and Canadian Inmates Connect: Currently, there fastest-growing prisoner population in Canada, the month, they read messages and do song
be a prisoner or ex-prisoner (all times Eastern is a $35/year subscription. Your ad will be but often their experiences are marginalized in requests from or to prisoners and their friends
Standard time) placed on a website, and people with inter- conversations about the prison system. We want and family. CFRC can be heard from Millhaven
 Phone Hours: Mon – Fri from 9-5, except net access browse through to decide who to to hear your take on prison, life, family, or any- Institution, Collins Bay Institution, Joycev-
Tuesday mornings and lunch from 12pm- connect with. A point of caution: you are asked thing else you're interested in writing about. We ille Institution, Bath Institution, Frontenac
1pm to say what you have been convicted for, and can guarantee confidentiality, and can publish Institution, Pittsburgh Institution, and Quinte
 Drop-in – Mondays 1:30-3:30 (except your full name will be published online. Melissa your pieces under a pseudonym if you want! Detention Centre.
holidays) Good food & 2 TTC tokens (for is the person to contact for more information. Please submit your articles, poetry, art, or letters MONTREAL AREA – CKUT Prison Radio
PASAN members only) Write or call her at: Canadian Inmates Connect to the editor to PASAN at 526 Richmond St airs on 90.3 FM on the second Thursday of
every month between 5-6 pm as part of the
 Nurse – 1st & last Monday 1:30-3:30 every Inc. 3007 Kingston Rd, Suite 267, Toronto, E, Toronto, ON M5A 1R3 - in the meantime,
Off the Hour show and on the fourth Friday of
month Ontario, M1M 1P1 - (647) 344-3404 check out Concrete Blossoms on pages 3 and 5.
every month between 11am and 12pm. It can
 ID Clinic – 1st & 3rd Thursday 1:00-2:00 every Black and Pink: Specifically for queer and D - be heard from Bordeaux, Rivière-des-Prairies,
month - for everyone. trans prisoners. They are based in the United
States, and it does not cost anything to be part Centre de formation fédéral, Leclerc, Montée
 Release Funds - $50 (twice a year max) PASAN Clients St-Francois, Centre de détention pour les immi-
of the list, and you don't have to tell them your Mondays 1:30-3:30pm
 TTC Tokens – 2 per week Mon during drop- conviction. Here is out to reach them: Black grants, Archambault, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines,
See you then! and Cowansville institutions.
in 1:30-3:30pm. and Pink National Office, 614 Columbia Rd,
 Harm Reduction Materials – Mon – Fri from Dorchester, MA 02125 F V VANCOUVER AREA – Stark Raven Col-
9-5 (12-1pm we are closed), except Tuesday 617.519.4387 lective runs the CFRO Prison Radio show on
F.E.A.T. for Children of Incarcerated Parents 100.5 FM as part of Vancouver Co-operative
AM (Safer-Crack-Use-Kits, Safer-Needle- Prison Fellowship Canada: This is a faith- was founded in 2011 to support the needs of
Use-Kits, Piercing Needles, Condoms, etc.) based, Christian organization that connects Radio. It broadcasts on the first Monday of
the over 15,000 children in the Greater Toronto each month from 7-8 pm Pacific Time
- for everyone. prisoners with volunteers of either the same Area that have a parent in the criminal justice
gender, or where there is a 15-20 year age dif- HALIFAX AREA - Dalhousie University's
Sometimes we and the phones are very busy so system. CKDU at 88.1 FM. Listen or call in for poetry
please keep trying! ference. The point is for you to have an outlet The Family Visitation Program
to express yourself to someone who will listen. and rap on the Black Power Hour, which airs
Would you like to visit a family member in
A C C If you are of the Christian faith, this may be prison? F.E.A.T.’s Family Visitation Program
Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30pm , and is co-host-
a great option for you. You can reach them ed by former Halifax poet laureate El Jones.
PASAN publishes ‘Cell Count’, a minimum of provides transportation on weekends for you The show focuses on social and cultural issues
4 issues per year. It is sent out for FREE to for more info at: Prison Fellowship Canada - and an adult to correctional facilities in South-
National Office, 5945 Airport Road, Suite 144, relevant to Black communities, but is open all
Clients & Prisoners in Canada. If you are on ern Ontario. During the trip, you will be able listeners.
the outside or part of an organization, please Mississauga, ON L4V 1R9 to talk to friends and mentors, play games and
consider a donation @ $20 per year. Issue #79 905.673.5867 watch movies. Youth under 18 can visit their S G
is our first issue after a year because we didn’t Prisoner Correspondence Project: "..a family member for free! If you are interested
solidarity project for gay, lesbian, transsexual, By Mooky
have the funds to run it until now. But we’re in participating in the program, please call or Cherian
back with a whole new look and editor! See transgender, gendervariant, two-spirit, intersex, email F.E.A.T. to register today! I’ve had
the PASAN page about who contributed to this bisexual and queer prisoners in Canada and the For more information or registration please con- the privilege
issue. United States, linking them with people who are tact Jessica or Derrick Reid at: info@featforchil- of working for
Publisher: PASAN part of these same communities outside of pris- dren.org or 416-505-5333 PASAN since
526 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1R3 on." - From their website. Write to them here: 2002, first as
QPIRG Concordia c/o Concordia University C N a frontline
Circulation: 1700+ - Recirculation: ??? worker in the
1455 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC If you are in any Federal/Provincial Inst or
All original artwork, poems and writings are the H3G 1M8 provincial
sole/soul property of the artist and author. Detention call us only with this #: Toll-free system and
If you have had success using a pen pal service (other 1-866-224-9978 then, over the
Fair Dealing in the Canadian Copyright Act: than ours) and would like to share it with other Cell last 5+ years, as
Sections 29, 29.1, 29.2: “Fair dealing for the Count subscribers, please write to us or call. We can N the Program Manager. My time has come to move
purpose of research, private study, education, list it in a future issue. A Nurse for PASAN members! on to the next part of my life journey so I wanted
parody, satire, criticism, review, and news re- to take a moment to say good-bye to those of you
M ? On the 1st & last Monday of every month, 1:30 who I have connected with over the years. Some
porting does not infringe copyright.” – 3:30 of my best memories from the last 15 years have
We were getting about 75 Cell Counts sent back • Information and schedules regarding: been the connections that I’ve made with people
AN P P : to us each mail-out labelled, ‘Not Here’. Please
o Medications inside. I’ve always said that prisoners have been my
help us reduce our mailing expenses by letting greatest teachers in this work. Some of you have
I know we promised to bring Pen Pal's back us know of any address change, ASAP! Thank o Nutrition
touched me in ways that you will never fully know.
for this issue, but, due to a lack of time and you for the consideration. o Community Health Resources Moving forward, I will remain committed to pris-
funding, we are sad to say, that we are putting o HIV understanding oners’ justice, upholding the rights of people who
it on hold indefinitely. We are still brainstorm- W o Complications to HIV (eg Opportunistic use drugs and access to appropriate healthcare to
ing ways that we can possibly start it back up PASAN has been around for 25 years now Infections) all people who experience barriers when trying to
again, and we will keep you posted if anything • Assessments of emerging health issues maintain their health, especially prisoners. My last
and over the years our client population has day here is May 31st, feel free to write or call me if
changes. Here is a list of alternative places you increased dramatically. As a result of this • Management of existing medical conditions
can send your ads and photos, although some you’d like.
or follow up(s)
3 // from inside
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
T S itself. My breath, my heartbeat, my memory Is just wait for the night.
From Bastards of the Reagan Era (c) Locked in this cell, I could look you in the face
3 am. My love and I 2015 by Reginald Dwayne Betts But I AM FREE Such a beautiful sight.
in our flannel pj' s on a blanket Justin Daniels Just not knowing what the lord has in
of silver-lined silk. I ME store,
Beneath us cool desert sand. I wish I was there, together with you. T S Makes me so excited and makes me want
Above us a blue moon I wish I could laugh & smile with you Born wet, round, and smooth, by a gla- you more.
in a blue-black sky glittered too. ciers slow move. What if it all goes wrong,
with blue-white stars twinkling I may be imperfect, but I see perfectly. Then tubles along to an icy rivers song. Or maybe even right?
like her blue-green eyes. I may be trapped, but in my mind I’m Patient yet with purpose it makes its Will we fall in love,
A silver penny floats in still Free. weary way. Or always want to fight?
on a cool breeze and lands I have done wrong, and that’s easy to see. Like the heat from the east at suns first But one thing is for sure,
in the warm palm I have done right, my initials are ME Rays. I will love you everyday.
of her open hand. Moustafa El Kaaki It gets where its going, in its own time. Till death do us part,
It dissolves How it does this, is how it'll be defined. Is something I want to say.
into glitter and drifts C H Sean Paul Johnston A column for self-identified women, gender-
Whether smooth or sharp at Journeys
into eternity. Couldn't get bail oh well end, queer and non-binary folks.
What did you wish for? I ask. B
It's back to the crowbar hotel I'm sure its Will, So never bend! C
A world without nouns, she says, Where everybody knows but we don't tell Justin Daniels Up in this cell, the Bucket from hell
without war and suffering, C ’ -
Cause the g-code says don't tell I'll finish my time, and I'll be just fine ,
without prison. The minds become accustomed to the S Fuck the phone call, don't need fuck all
But what about peace? I ask. local I dreamt a dream Fuck the letter, I'll make myself better
What about love and community? And home has become a cold cell So intoxicatingly Real In my cell alone, every day just one The past few years have been
Relations and connections, she says Day after day in the same old hell Vibrant as Fallingstars Me, myself, and I, is all I need to get by eventful for policy-making for trans-
hence prepositions They say it's the system that we owe now Serene like Waterfalls Man-up, buck-up, solid and straight up gender prisoners in Canada. In 2015,
in my world - It's the price that we pay when we go A rose's scent erupted I'll do my own shit, and finish this bit. Ontario became the first province
and conjunctions too, she adds, down As doves cooed above Then when I walk, people gonna talk
unless they subordinate. to allow inmates to serve sentences
A cell block has become out home town The clock strikes Midnight But I got my bros and everyone knows in institutions based on their gender
A bronze turtle tiptoes over P.K.'s are the currency that goes around With visions of love Its all good, just as it should
and offers my love and me Life goes on, the same old song. identity, rather than the sex assigned
Chine white, or the gold brown Soft as pillow tops
each a cup of silvery tea. On the streets we've sold down Sean Paul Johnston to them at birth. The change came
Pure with Heaven bliss about after the province faced two
We drink... dissolve... drift... Toe to toe we'll thrown down Suddenly she appeared
My love and I. 3 am. M C ... R !! lawsuits from transgender prisoners,
Knuckle up and go rounds Posed the supermodel
Nick Paccione Never seen a thing, or heard no sounds Puckering for another kiss Cold, lonely, heartache, slow, monot- one involving a trans man who was
C ' R So it's carbon fiber for you slow clowns To linger in seducement onous, trapped, lost, forgotton, sad, placed in a women’s prison against
We're riding for our home town Laying through the Night hurt, sorrow, beaten, Failure. Scents of his will, forcefully stripped, and put
2 days just a byway, This brotherhood is home now Senses pricked enhacement bleach, "softy", institutional laundry, and in women’s clothing. The Ontario
2 morrows and endless highway The cell block is our home ground Warming to the Fire "Odour Be Gone". Bunked beds, small government found themselves left
Tho the sun may shine or rain & snow, They say that we're hell bound Deep inside a Fantasy TVs, little 2x3 windows to tease us with with two options, change their policy,
For all I’ve had I have nothing left 2 But you know we can't be held down An intricate desire freedom, concrete walls painted a yellow or wait for the Ontario Human Rights
show. We may be living in a cell now Birds sang from trees to eggshell white. Speckle stone flooring, Tribunal to force them to. The new
Thought my heart is cold n frosted, Writing gangster poems for cell count Claiming to know how plastic laminate covered shelving and a
And the whole night through I’ve wasted. policy also involves requiring prison
Our spirits can't be held down Swam with tipsy dolphins desk. Aluminum latrine and sink basin, staff to undergo sensitivity training.
Don’t you kno that I’ll be leaving, Can you hear that sound? Soaking rays on the beach steel door with small glass viewer built
Because I have nothing left 2 believe in That's time ticking down inside. Hope to leave here sooner than Previously, the Ontario government
Stars glow upon darkness
Yes! I’ve felt the pain -n- sorrow, The clock is ticking now Knowing dreams in reach later. Hope for optimistic news from my dealt with the assignment of trans-
Like the lonesome English sparrow. So when freedom come around Morning arrives too quickly lawyer. All the while trying hard to keep gender prisoners on a case-by-case
I’ve felt the fire, like the rainbow, We'll shout it loud Alas the days reveal busy so the day goes by faster. Bedtime basis, following the lead of Correc-
And the embers as they glow. With our head held proud Life is truly splendid soon, medtime soon, one more day gone. tional Service Canada (CSC). Shortly
But if just one time, you had seen me, Knowing from birth until now Reminding Us to Feel. One more day closer to freedom. Sunny after Ontario made the transition,
Cry out into the deep dark night From now, until we're in the ground L. Cardinal days are very hard and difficult to accept British Columbia followed suite,
I guess people will only see All our lives we've held it down where I am. I miss my life, my family, employing similar policy changes. On
What they’ll wanna see, but for a man, Anthony George M L S my friends. Rainy days, cloudy days, top of placing prisoners in institu-
“Crying just ain’t right!” All the days living in my lonely silence bring contentment and ease of anxiety. tions that correspond to their gender
Eric Charlie aka Lonewolf W F Bad weather helps with understanding
Brought up with anger, hatred and rather than what’s written on their
F C N B Freedom has become just a memory violence the process. Help me get over the wait, birth certificates, BC prisons must
M I've been imprisoned by the enemy Dealt with my pain, hurt and fear, with a I must endure the time. The time until also integrate transgender prisoners
Waiting for them to turn the key bottle of booze I can live once again, out the window.
A woman tattoos Malik's name above I'm only allowed the tops of tall trees in into the general prison population,
Slowly waiting for eternity Lost everything, what more do I have to
her breast & talks about the conspiracy In my mind it never occured to me the far distance. No grass, no shrubs, no unless there are “overriding health
lose?
to destroy blacks. This is all a fancy way That I'd be labeled maximum security In my life I've been beaten and sexually greenery, only concrete. Steel and hard and/or safety concerns that cannot
to say that someone kirked out, emptied Facing life inside the penitentiary abused plaster as I only get hard time, one day be resolved.”
five or six or seven shots into a warm For fist fights and felonies Taken advantage of misled and misused at a time! This last point is a particularly
body. Someone tell me please Why did this have to happen to me? Malicious Mike Cluney -at- Thugz important one. Prisons in North
No indictment follows Malik's death, Tell me when did hell freeze Why couldn't people leave me alone and Mansion America have frequently used trans-
follows smoke running from a fired What happened to reality let me be gender prisoners’ “health and safety”
pistol. D
When did freedom become a fatality Hurt, anger, sadness and pain as an excuse to lock transgender
An old quarrel: crimson against concrete When did we lose our commonality Dwell deep in my heart once again prisoners, particularly transgender
& the officer's gun still smoking. Getting caught up in the animosity Betrayed by uncles and a loser brother women, in solitary confinement “for
Someone says the people need to stand I never thought what the cost would be Always thought they were to look out for their own protection.” The United
up, that the system's a glass house falling But now freedom's what it's costed me one another
on only Nations Special Rapporteur has
I'm creating harmonies and melodies I'm all alone to deal with heartache, pain identified the practice of doing this to
a few heads. This & the stop snitching Our of memories of felonies and fears
ads Of chopping O.Z.'s and selling g's trans prisoners as a form of torture.
Everyday I'm fighting to hold back the
are the conundrum and damn all that Now the laws telling me tears Watchdogs must take care to ensure
blood. A life sentence is the fee All I can do is ask for forgiveness and say that even with these new policies
All those closed eyes imagining Malik's For what they're selling me I'm sorry in place, prisons don’t continue to
killer forever coffled to a series of cells, But I'm not buying what they're telling This is my poem violate transgender prisoners’ human
& you almost believe them, you do, me My life story Darkness doesn't rights.
except I'm like we'll see #21 Hide In early 2017, CSC issued a policy
the cognac in your hand is an old habit, What it will be Alfred Charlie It reveals directive reinforcing their commit-
a toast to friends buried before the I'm true to the game even if it kills me It leads us through ment to their discriminatory policy
daybreak This is for my real g's T L The unknown regarding the assignment of transgen-
of their old age. You know the truth Hollar not guilty Just being with you And awakens our senses
of the talking, of the quarrels & how der prisoners in federal institutions,
Cause what it is, is what it will be Has really helped me grow. To all we cannot see with a few minor changes. While they
history lets the blamed go blameless for Anthony George What you mean to me From darkness comes light
the blood that flows black in the street; R.R. Jamieson planned to continue placing prisoners
P N Is something you'll never know. in prisons based on their genitalia
you imagine there is a riot going on, To lose a feeling like this
& someone is tossing a trash can through S W 'F I ' and not their gender identity, the new
Close your eyes Is really hard to shake
Sal's window calling that revolution, Hear that sound? I care even more There are so many emotional, intellectu- directive did amend the procedures
while behind us cell doors keep clanking Stillness of silence, With every breath I take. al, psychological, and therapeutic benefits for eligibility for sex reassignment
closed, The presence of Now. I want your love to writing poetry. Just try jotting down surgery. Under the new order, prison-
& Malik's casket door clanks closed, In this moment I find peace, And will fight to have it all. whatever words come to you on paper ers can apply for the procedure after
& the bodies that roll off the block I do my time with such ease. I would give you mind and see what comes out. You might having lived openly in their gender
& into the prisons and into the ground, Some are broken by the monotony And never let you fall. surprise yourself. And then submit your identity for 12 consecutive months.
keep rolling, & no one will admit I close my eyes, I just be. All I got to do now masterpiece to us for printing in a future
that this is the way America strangles Cont'd on page 5
issue of Cell Count!
4 // news on the block
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
Sixties Scoop Class Action Lawsuits in Canada: Are you Eligible for Compensation?
out are significantly more likely to that everyone affected should contact phone calls, and instead to send a
experience conflict with the law the lawyers as soon as possible. letter to the Ontario Sixties Scoop
and incarceration, to have mental The Ontario decision has set a Steering Committee and request a
and physical health struggles and promising precedent for class action registration form. They will send
to develop issues with substance cases across Canada seeking compensa- you a form and a pre-paid envelope
use. This is by no means a sign of tion for those who have been harmed to return it in.
individual deficiency but rather by Canada’s ongoing colonial policies. Ontario Sixties Scoop Steering
that the trauma of being removed In March 2017, another class action Committee
from one’s culture and family is lawsuit was filed on similar grounds, but 137 Church St.
something which must be taken as a federal Supreme Court challenge. Toronto, ON
seriously. It will therefore include all Indigenous M5B 1Y4
An important aspect of tran- adoptees who were put in foster care This is the only Sixties Scoop law-
sracial adoption of Indigenous with a non-Indigenous family across suit at the settlement stage in Cana-
children which is often ignored is Canada. Indigenous Affairs Minister da at this time and there is currently
the large sums of money involved. Carolyn Bennett has vaguely stated that no deadline for registration.
Child welfare organizations were the federal government is considering Other pending Sixties Scoop class
paid a substantial sum from the settlement options which would include action lawsuits:
federal government per child that all Sixties Scoop survivors in Canada, Canada-wide: all Indigenous people
they removed. The very nature but declined to comment regarding the who were removed from their families
Sixties Scoop Rally & March at Allen Gardens, Toronto, Fall, 2011. Crystal Luxmore | Flikr of this situation ensures that pending federal lawsuit or anything re- and placed in the care of non-Indige-
the abduction of children from garding the procedures through which nous foster or adoptive parents who did
By Simona Babiak inadequate to address the immense Indigenous families was profitable
An Ontario Supreme Court judge harm which child welfare policies have this could be implemented. There is an- not raise them in accordance with that
and therefore desirable to the agencies other existing Federal Court class action individual’s Aboriginal practices and tra-
has made a historic ruling in a case that caused to Indigenous communities. receiving direct financial benefits. Many
will greatly impact Indigenous people Colleen Cardinal, a Scoop survivor and lawsuit for all Indigenous Sixties Scoop ditions, EXCLUDING all Indigenous
children were taken from their families survivors which was filed in 2015. people who are part of the class which
in Ontario who were removed from prominent Indigenous rights advocate, and sold off to families in the United
their families in what has been termed stated in an interview with APTN that However, that lawsuit is being managed the Ontario class action lawsuit applies
States or as far as Europe. The CBC re- by Merchant Law Group, the firm to. For more information, contact
the “Sixties Scoop”. The decision stat- “...we’re talking about a lifetime of ported on several cases of international
ed that the federal government failed loss, right, of loss and denial. Like I’m which has faced great controversy after Hannah at Koskie Minsky law firm at
adoptions of Canadian Indigenous representing survivors of residential 416-595-6290 (will accept collect calls).
to ensure that these children did not 44 years old right…how do you put a children in which adopting families
suffer as a result of their removal from number to loss and grief ?...The whole schools in a past successful class action. British Columbia: all Status Indians
paid from $6,400 to $30,000 for the Merchant Law Group made $25 million born in B.C. who were placed into
their communities and had therefore process of what happened to survivors children. The now-adult adoptees recall
failed in their duty of care. Over 16,000 really devastated communities. So we’re from the federal government after non-Indigenous foster or adoptive care
being told that they had been ‘bought’ winning their case, in addition to fees in which both adoptive parents are
Indigenous adoptees in Ontario who not wanting to see that again, right. and were now ‘owned’ by their adoptive
were placed in foster care from the mid We’re not wanting for adoptees to get a from each successful claimant. Claim- non-Aboriginal, between 1958 to 1996
families. One woman remembers her ants only received $10,000 for their first are eligible.
1960s- mid 1980s have the potential to lump sum of money and a meaningless adoptive mother telling her that she
be included in this class action lawsuit apology.” year in residential school and $3,000 Contact Deborah Wong at Klein
should be grateful that they had paid for every year after, and then had to Lawyers at 604-874-7171 for more
and to be entitled to compensation. In 1951, the Indian Act was amend- anything at all for her. Canadian child
The ruling was delivered on Febru- ed to allow provincial and territorial give a substantial amount to the law information.
welfare services financially profited firm in fees. Merchant Law Group has Manitoba: all Status and non-status
ary 14, the day on which Indigenous child welfare organizations the legal from removing Indigenous children
activists and their supporters gather right to apprehend children on reser- been accused of falsifying records and Indians and/or Métis individuals born
and placing them in the foster system of taking advantage of claimants, and in Manitoba who were placed into
each year to grieve and demand justice vations. From the 1960s to the 1980s, within Canada. They profited even
for over 4,000 missing and murdered about 40% of all children in foster care have made enormous sums of money non-Indigenous foster or adoptive care
more from selling Indigenous children from the suffering of residential school after September 2, 1966 are eligible.
Indigenous women and girls across across Canada were Indigenous, even to foreign adoption agencies, which
Canada. The judge’s decision is re- though Indigenous people made up survivors. Morris Cooper, co-counsel Koskie Minsky LLP and Troniak Law
then also made money from selling in the Ontario class action, went on firms are representing the class. For
garded as a flawed but still significant about 3-5% of the national population. them to families. Many child welfare
victory by many activists and communi- Despite the sustained advocacy and record with APTN stating that “[t] more information, contact Hannah at
and adoption workers have made he nature of class-action litigation is it Koskie Minsky law firm at 416-595-
ty members. This is the first legal ruling push back from Indigenous communi- careers out of displacing and harming
in Canada which establishes access ties and some positive changes to child has become more analogous to staking 6290 (will accept collect calls).
these children. The situation begins mining claims than to actual progress Alberta: all Status and non-Sta-
to traditional culture as a right for welfare policies, Indigenous families to sound more like human trafficking
Indigenous people which the federal are still preyed upon by child welfare of litigation. They are now coming in tus Indians and/or Métis individuals
than a benign process of child welfare as the government says ‘we’d like to born in Alberta who were placed into
government has a duty to protect. agencies across Canada. For example, intervention.
At the beginning of February 2017, Indigenous children now make up sit at the table to settle,’ purporting to non-Indigenous foster or adoptive care
While this ruling is indeed a victory represent people for their financial gain, after July 1, 1962 are eligible.
the government had filed for the case 70% of children in care in Saskatch- for the individuals who find themselves
to be dismissed, but this was turned ewan, a chilling increase which took not because they have some interest in Koskie Minsky and Ahlstrom Wright
included in the qualification param- protecting this disadvantaged group.” Oliver & Cooper law firms are repre-
down. This marked the 8th time they place long after the Sixties Scoop was eters, it also ignores the experiences
had filed for dismissal since the begin- supposedly over. Recent studies show It is important to maintain a critical senting the class. For more information,
of all those who will not qualify for perspective on these class action cases contact Hannah at Koskie Minsky
ning of the class action lawsuit eight that children growing up on reserves compensation as it is currently written.
years ago, on top of the 16 attempts receive 22% less funding per child in and to remember that this is not a sign law firm at 416-595-6290 (will accept
At this moment, the lawsuit technically that the issues of ongoing colonialism collect calls).
to have the case adjourned. Canadian basic support services than any other excludes: any Indigenous person born
taxpayers have been billed over $2 children in Canada, and end up being have been resolved. However, it is still If you are eligible for one or more
off-reserve, any non-status Indigenous an important step forward for Indige- of these lawsuits, it is recommended
million dollars to pay for the team of placed in care at a rate which is 6 to 8 person, and any Indigenous person
nine lawyers who have been fighting times that of other children. There are nous people across Canada in address- to contact the legal firm and speak to
who was removed from their family ing the historical violence perpetrated them further. A class action lawsuit
for the government to maintain their currently three times more Indigenous pre-1965 or post-1984. However, the
refusal of accountability to Indigenous children removed from their families against them and changing harmful doesn’t require you to engage with the
government is still in negotiation re- child welfare practices which continue court process, but you will receive com-
communities. The push to suspend than there were at the height of the garding settlement and there is a chance
judgment on the case came one week residential school period. It is clear to to this day. pensation if they win. The lawyers will
that those who are currently excluded If you are eligible to receive com- take a fee from all class members who
before the ruling was set to be released see that the issues are far from over. will also benefit from the case. Chief
and was a deeply insulting display of Even for Ontario’s Indigenous adoptees pensation in Ontario’s class action receive compensation if the lawsuit is
Marcia Martel, the original plaintiff in lawsuit, please call 416-956-5625 or successful but you won’t have to pay
arrogance and denial of responsibility who have aged out of care, the pain, this case, has vowed that she will refuse
by the federal government. Sixties trauma and isolation that many live 1-866-360-5952 (toll free). When we any fees if they lose.
to settle until all Indigenous Ontarians spoke to those coordinating the set- Are you a 60s Scoop survivor who would
Scoop survivors have voiced con- with every day will not end with this who were harmed during the Sixties
cern about the pending settlement as lawsuit. Those who have been adopted tlement process, they recommended like to get your story out? Write to us for
Scoop are included and has emphasized for prisoners to avoid the hassle of publication in a future issue of Cell Count.

PASAN's women's program updates and how to make positive affirmations

By Keisha Williams celebration at GVI – a month). We began If you are a woman in a prison/ ings; I love myself unconditionally (no
Your Women’s Community Program Lead at special mention to the spring with a jail other than VCW or GVI and you matter what)
PASAN | Image by silverchild24 - Flikr the women at GVI Women’s apprecia- would like to receive a note of inspi- HOW TO MAKE AN AFFIR-
We’ve been having a lot of fun for creating such a tion event where we ration, please send us your name or MATION: listen to your negative self
in the women’s program this winter. delicious and nutri- had yoga, a beauty call Keisha with your name. talk and or worries (things you say to
Despite the cold, we are finding ways tious Caribbean meal. bar and a catered Please get in contact with us (write yourself in your head that don’t make
to keep each other warm inspired and On the outside we lunch for women or call toll free) to let us know what you feel good) – it may take some time
smiling through difficult times and in attended the Women in the community, kinds of workshops you’d like us to to hear and identify them – be patient
the most unsuspecting places. We had a and HIV symposium some of our com- offer, questions you might have or and gentle with yourself! (Ex. I am not
blast at ‘Healthy Love’ at Grand Valley on Advancing HIV munity partners artwork you’d like to share! smart, I don’t deserve to be happy, I am
Institution (GVI) an extended work- positive women’s from Maggie’s and I’ll end with some words of Affir- not loved, etc.); Write down something
shop on sexual health put on in part- health and wellbeing. COUNTERfit mations (positive thoughts that help positive that specifically addresses the
nership with Black CAP and University We had an excellent harm reduction also create a new experience of life for you): worry or thought. (Ex. I am intelligent,
of Toronto. Women got a chance to International Women’s attended. Lastly, we I trust myself and when I believe and I deserve joy in my life, I love myself
be silly while learning A LOT! PASAN Day (IWD) cele- recently launched a trust in myself, so do others; I have the unconditionally, I see love where it is
was honored to attend this year’s Black bration as part of the Circle of Care small project called “word of encour- power to have my heart’s desire; I allow present in my life); Read regularly (espe-
history month (BHM) celebration at program. The Racialized Trans Group agement” where women (both in and healthy love to find me; I can always cially when negative thoughts come up)
Vanier (VCW) and to speak at the BHM is growing steadily (happening once a out) write inspiring notes. choice how to respond to my surround- – Balance out your thoughts!
5 // news on the block
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
Pressure mounts against Canada’s use of solitary confinement Trudeau makes promise to trans prisoners
By Victor Bruzzone Johnston & Lespérance, (514) 871-8385 Finally, after our last piece on
Since we last wrote about the use of poste 210). solitary confinement many readers con- Concrete blossoms cont'd from page 3
solitary confinement in prisons there While the use of solitary should clearly tacted our office mentioning their own This is an improvement on the old policy, which held that prisoners had to have
has been a growing consensus that be stopped, the logistics of actually experiences. In light of this, we would been living openly in their gender identity for 12 months prior to being incarcer-
Canada’s (and specifically Ontario’s) doing this could prove complicated. As like to encourage readers who have ated. Further, the CSC will be obligated to pay for prisoners’ sex reassignment
prison and jail system is at the edge of a Tamara Khandaker reported for Vice, had experiences in solitary con- surgery if it is deemed to be a medical necessity by a medical professional.
crisis. The emerging cases of mistreat- some corrections officers are speaking finement to write-in for printing in However, just a few days after the CSC released this directive, Prime Minister Jus-
ment related to solitary confinement, out about lack of resources in prisons5. our next issue. It’s one thing for us to tin Trudeau was questioned about the Liberal party’s policy on transgender pris-
like that of Adam Capay, continue to “Even when we’re just at capacity, it write about the use of solitary, but it’s oners during a town hall in Kingston, ON. A transgender woman and advocate
put pressure on the corrections system feels overcrowded”, said Tom Kenny, a quite another to hear stories about what urged Trudeau to change the CSC’s policy of placing prisoners in prisons based
in Canada to change. According to the corrections officer at Fort Francis Jail. it’s actually like to be in solitary confine-
The general agreement amongst cor- ment (when writing please let us know on their genitalia, calling it a form of torture. Trudeau admitted that this issue
United Nations Committee Against
Torture, when solitary confinement rections officers according to the Vice if you’d like to remain anonymous). We hadn’t been on his radar up until this point, and promised to look into it further.
(called ‘administrative segregation’ by story is that prisons desperately need think it is important for such stories to Shortly after this occurred, the CSC released an amendment to their policy. Trans
Canadian corrections bureaucracy) more support and staff. “When people be shared. prisoners in federal institutions will now be considered for placement in prisons
is used for more than 15 consecutive talk about the overuse of segregation, 1
United Nations News Service. (2011, based on their gender identity, regardless of whether they’ve undergone sex-reas-
days it is torture1. As mentioned in our absolutely, 100 percent. It’s overused October 18). Solitary confinement should signment surgery or not.
previous story, the use of solitary con- because they’re not giving us any other be banned in most cases, UN expert says. South of the border, Shiloh Heavenly Quine, a 57-year-old transwoman
tools… We need more staff,” explained Retrieved from http://www.un.org/apps/
finement in Canada has been increas- news/story.asp?NewsID=40097#.WM8Z- serving a life sentence in California, just became the United States’ first prisoner
ing in the last ten years. In response, Mike Lundy, a corrections officer at K3QrJE5 to receive state-funded sex-reassignment surgery. Quine expects that this will
there has been a vast chorus of voices Thunder Bay Jail. Paul Herbacz, an 2
White, P. (2016, December 11). Canada’s end a long-running cycle of depression that’s caused her to try to cut and hang
(including our own) demanding the officer at Kenora Jail reported that his prison agency argues segregation doesn’t herself in prison five times. She will be transferred to a women’s prison after the
practice of solitary confinement be facility is bursting at the seams housing affect inmates’ health. Retrieved from operation is complete.
ended. In response, Corrections Service 198 inmates while being designed for http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/
national/canadas-prison-agency-argues-seg- Quine’s case inspired a federal magistrate to provide trans women housed in
Canada recently released a statement only 115. This has led to a reduction in
basic inmate privileges. “Inmates don’t regation-doesnt-affect-inmates-health/ men’s facilities with items including nightgowns, scarves, necklaces, and other
arguing that its practice of adminis-
trative segregation causes none of the have a lot to look forward to while article33295097/ materials that can improve trans woman prisoners’ quality of life.
3
The Canadian Press. (2017, February 27). As s.e. smith notes in a recent piece in Rolling Stone magazine entitled “Fight
negative health effects associated with they’re in jail, so when you’re cancelling Family doctors call for Canadian prisons,
solitary confinement2. Experts consider their yard… it causes unrest”, explained jails to end solitary confinement. Retrieved For Trans Rights in Prison Can’t End with Chelsea Manning*,” many transgender
this statement to be ridiculous as it Herbacz. from http://www.citynews.ca/2017/02/27/ women in the United States, like in Canada, are confined in men’s institutions, de-
contradicts the overwhelming academic On an editorial note, Cell Count family-doctors-call-for-canadian-pris- spite the fact that this is in violation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Again,
research done on the subject. opposes any expansion of prisons and ons-jails-to-end-solitary-confinement/ like in Canada, these women are often put in solitary confinement, in a move that
Acknowledging the negative physical jails, as they currently exist. Therefore,
4
CBC Radio. (2017, January 3). Former corrections officials claim is, “for their own protection.” There are over 3000
and psychological effects of solitary we don’t agree that the solution should prison watchdog says it’s time to scale back
on segregation in Ontario. Retrieved from trans federal prisoners in the United States. In 2012, over 30% of this population
confinement as practiced in Canada, be to hire more prison and jail staff. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ had reported having been sexually assaulted.
the College of Family Physicians of Instead we would rather see policies howard-sapers-solitary-confinement-segrega- In light of this, it is noteworthy that the Canadian government does not keep a
Canada recently released a statement that lead to more people being released tion-1.3919199 record of the number of transgender prisoners it holds. Given the amount of vi-
calling for an end to the use of solitary from the system. 5
Woods, A. (2017, January 23). Quebec olence and discrimination this population endures, this lack of acknowledgement
confinement as a form of punishment
and a ban on its use on those with is glaring. Identifying the number of people in Canadian prisons who identify as
mental illness. The College also argued Mother-child prison programs can make transgender would help prisoner activists and their allies lobby for trans prisoners’
rights more effectively, if only by proving that trans prisoners exist. As it stands,
that using solitary confinement for the
health-related reasons can often makes a huge difference in mothers’ and chil- not keeping numbers on this minority demographic is a silencing act.
Have you experienced gender/identity-based discrimination at your institution? Please write
problems worse3.
Ontario’s new independent advisor dren’s lives. So why are so few women in and tell us your story!
on corrections, Howard Sapers recently
spoke to scaling back the use of solitary
saying, “I don’t expect that it’s entirely
prisoners able to access them? To those who kept me alive all
going to disappear, but it’s supposed to By Zina Mustafa
be exceptional, it’s supposed to be rare,
and particularly over the last decade it’s
Throughout the world, mother-child
prison programs have been a way to
munities, and the mother-child prison
program could play a small role in help- these years, thank you
been neither of those things”4. help reverse the damage that prison ing relieve some of these problems. By Chelsea E. Manning - originally printed February 13, 2017 in The Guardian
In the wake of all this momentum causes to family life. In Canada, these Provincially, British Columbia is leading To those who have kept me alive for the past six years: minutes after President
against the use of solitary, former programs were first federally instituted the way in incorporating mother-child Obama announced the commutation of my sentence, the prison quickly moved
prisoner Arlene Gallone of Quebec, in 1999. They received frequent use programs into their prisons. In Maple
alleging that her rights were violated me out of general population and into the restrictive housing unit where I am now
until 2008, when Correctional Service Ridge, the Allouette Correctional held. I know that we are now physically separated, but we will never be apart and
after spending nine months in solitary Canada (CSC) enacted new, restrictive Centre saw their program shut down
confinement at the Joliette Institution we are not alone. Recently, one of you asked me “Will you remember me?” I will
for Women, has brought a class-action policies excluding mothers involved in 2008. But in 2013, the BC Supreme remember you. How could I possibly forget? You taught me lessons I would have
lawsuit against Correction Services of in crimes of a serious nature from Court decided that the closure of the never learned otherwise.
Canada. The lawsuit seeks $10,000 in accessing the program, and reducing facility infringed on the rights of wom- When I was afraid, you taught me how to keep going. When I was lost, you
damages for each inmate held in admin- the age for part-time participation from en and their children. The program was showed me the way. When I was numb, you taught me how to feel. When I was
istrative segregation (not disciplinary 12 years old to 6 years old. This current originally closed because the warden did angry, you taught me how to chill out. When I was hateful, you taught me how to
segregation) for longer than 72-hours system greatly discourages many wom- not feel that paying the costs of child be compassionate. When I was distant, you taught me how to be close. When I was
since February 24th, 2013. en from participating in the program. care should fall under his institution’s selfish, you taught me how to share.
Lawyers estimate there could be The opportunity to retain custody responsibilities. Under the direction of Sometimes, it took me a while to learn many things. Other times, I would forget,
thousands of federal inmates across of children has a great deal of benefit the Court, the program was reopened and you would remind me.
Quebec eligible for compensation if for mothers in prison. It’s been shown in 2014. Since then, two women have We were friends in a way few will ever understand. There was no room to be
the lawsuit is successful1 (if you are to help reduce recidivism and drug used it. superficial. Instead, we bared it all. We could hide from our families and from the
a Quebec federal inmate and want to use. Being separated from children can Mother-child units often offer world outside, but we could never hide from each other.
learn more about Arlene Gallone v. Attor- often have serious effects on a mother’s women access to prenatal and parenting We argued, we bickered and we fought with each other. Sometimes, over abso-
ney General of Canada, you can contact lutely nothing. But, we were always a family. We were always united.
Arlene Gallone’s law firm at Trudel health and happiness. On top of this, skills programs and facilities to care for
keeping children with their mothers has infants while they serve their sentenc- When the prison tried to break one of us, we all stood up. We looked out for
numerous physiological and psycho- es. Women live with their children each other. When they tried to divide us, and systematically discriminated against
us, we embraced our diversity and pushed back. But, I also learned from all of you
Art by Ricky J.

logical benefits for the child. It helps in separate housing facilities. At the
reduce the risk of developing anxious, Fraser Valley Institution for Children, when to pick my battles. I grew up and grew connected because of the community
depressed, or withdrawn behaviour, and mothers and their children live either in you provided.
one of the bungalows located outside Those outside of prison may not believe that we act like human beings under
having the opportunity to breastfeed
these conditions. But of course we do. And we build our own networks of survival.
helps maintain the child’s health, and the perimeter fence, or in a two-story,
I never would have made it without you. Not only did you teach me these
allows them to develop the vital moth- minimum-security building just outside important lessons, but you made sure I felt cared for. You were the people who
er-child bond that encourages emotion- the perimeter. Other inmates may apply helped me to deal with the trauma of my regular haircuts. You were the people who
al development. to live with the mother and child, acting checked on me after I tried to end my life. You were the people that played fun
Only ten women are currently en- as babysitters or “aunties.” games with me. Who wished me a Happy Birthday. We shared the holidays together.
rolled in Canada’s federal program. The It’s clear that the accessibility of You were and will always be family.
lack of accessibility of this program is these programs needs to be improved. For many of you, you are already free and living outside of the prison walls.
problematic, especially since two-thirds Very few provincial mother-child Many of you will come home soon. Some of you still have many years to go.
of federal prisoners in women’s institu- programs are in place. The ones that The most important thing that you taught me was how to write and how to speak in
tions are mothers of children under the are rarely used due to their restrictive my own voice. I used to only know how to write memos. Now, I write like a human
age of 18. Women, especially those who application policies. being, with dreams, desires and connections. I could not have done it without you.
are Indigenous, are the fastest-growing Have you ever attempted to enrol in a From where I am now, I still think of all of you. When I leave this place in May,
prisoner population in the country. mother-child program at your institution? I will still think of all of you. And to anyone who finds themselves feeling alone
Incarceration is having increasingly Please write in and let us know about your behind bars, know that there is a network of us who are thinking of you. You will
devastating affects on Indigenous com- experiences! We’d love to hear about them. never be forgotten.
6 // art
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
A journey through the PASAN mosaic
cont'd from page 6 Words of Encouragement

"Stay Real and Stay True "Stay Beautiful

"Don't let your circum- Keep Smiling!!
stances overcome you. Don't let nothin' or no-
one break you." Don't you ever let anyone
"No one is left behind" "Nobody fails here" Freedom is a must." steal your Shine
Keep it Real"

"Positive Thoughts "Stop Signs Are Only An

Positive Actions
Positive Reaction Opinion!" - Trapeezy
Respond Don't React
The Fence Birds breaking the fence Stay Positive"

"Did you know?

Medicine Wheel
Zodiac Signs
Peace
"Freedom is a state of
mind. In solidarity" -

"One Day We'll all

be FREE"
The Sun
The hands tied

"Hey Gorgeous!!
Keep your head up!
Don't ever give up! "Love Yourself.
The Creator Loves I DO! miss you." - Sasha C.
Everyone. No Matter
"Stay Beautiful What you've been
Keep Smiling!! through! You are
Don't you ever let never too old to
The stag, river and mountains The Box anyone steal your conquer your hopes
Shine" & dreams. So Just
Remember YOU ARE
LOVED"
The women’s program at PASAN developed an
activity where incarcerated women in various
institutions can create artistic words of encour-
The finished piece, It was so big we had to photograph it in parts! agement for each other as a way to support,
inspire and stay connected to one another. We
but at 12 ft long and 4 ft wide, weighing in at about 200 lbs, we might need your help to move the damn invite you to take in these words of affirmation
thing! and encouragement. If you like you can also "There is nothing Bad about being a
Following the construction of the base, the design was transferred onto it and we were ready to rock! create your own to be featured in the next cell Good Girl!"
(no pun intended). Now that we have the design… What’s next? Well - It’s time to get dirty! Twice a week count!
(Mondays and Thursdays) PASAN invites clients, community members, and friends to come join in and
Art by Jeremy Hall

get their hands working. Music and refreshments help set the mood. Sounds of clippers and files fill the
air as folks try to sculpt the perfect pieces.
The piece will be complete by the time we go to print, so if you’re out and in Toronto in the future,
stop by 526 Richmond St E to experience it for yourself, you won’t regret it.
Special thanks for all of your excellent work, as well as your contributions to this article, to:
Anna Camilleri, lead artist and designer
Katie Yelland, community artist
Wy Joung Kou, community artist
Karis Jones, community artist
What do you think of our new mosaic? We would love to receive your feedback about it. Also, if you would like to see
your art published in a future issue of Cell Count, please send away! We print in colour now, so feel free to make it as
colourful as you want!
7 // health and harm reduction
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
Hepatitis C
Safer Injecting Strategies

Use Sterile Injection Equipment. Have a New Spare Sterile

Mindfulness - or “Lighting Up” Your Mind
Basics my power - or at least enough of it for

Image by Ian Burt | Flikr

Avoid Reusing or Sharing. Syringe To Split Drugs.
now to (finally!) give me a real fighting
You can take steps to chance.
prevent getting hepatitis C. So, what is mindfulness and how does
If you have hepatitis C, it work? Basically, it’ s intentionally living
new treatments can cure with awareness in the present moment
without judging it. Sounds simple, eh?
it and keep your liver It’s not. It takes practice, which typically
healthy. Your blood may end up on any item you touch
or use when injecting, including syringes,
Get an extra syringe for splitting drugs
drugs.
Use an extra sterile syringe to split drugs, takes the form of meditation.
Injection drug use is the cookers, cottons, water, and ties. Use new,
sterile equipment each time you inject.
using your own cooker and cotton. Avoid
drawing up from a cooker if someone else To meditate, you sit down, assume
most common way people
has used it. There may still be blood on it.
a comfortable, upright position, close
your eyes, and bring all your attention
get hepatitis C. If You Must Reuse Equipment, If You Must Share a Syringe, to the breath entering and leaving either
If you share injection Then Mark Yours. Then Bleach It.
the nostrils or the belly. Don’t control
equipment with someone the breath, but simply observe it as it is.
who is infected with Sensations and emotions will arise. Don’t
hepatitis C, this puts you cling to or reject them; they rise and fall,
appear and disappear, like everything else.
at risk. Just calmly observe them and redirect
Even a tiny amount of your attention to the breath.
Avoid sharing any injection equipment. If you must share a syringe, then clean
blood— so small you can’t The virus is alive in blood outside the body. it with bleach and sterile water. As your mind steadies, so too will
your breath. Then something almost
If you must reuse, keep a set of works with Step 1: Rinse the syringe with sterile water.
see it—can contain the markings on it so you know it’s yours. Step 2: Rinse the syringe with bleach.

virus.
Step 3: Rinse again with (new) sterile water.
magical begins to happen: consciousness
Additional Prevention Strategies awakens from its stupor and enters the
This is why hepatitis C unconscious mind, wherein lie the roots
can be passed on (trans- Use Sterile Tattoo and Avoid Sharing Toothbrushes, of destructive conditioning. Conscious-
mitted) by sharing any Piercing Equipment Razors, and Nail Clippers. ness is like light, the roots like insects
equipment
and Single-Use Inkpots. that live in the dark: light kills them.
But watch out: with the dark reaches of
that may have come in the unconscious mindfully exposed to
contact with someone’s the light of consciousness, all kinds of
blood while injecting. shadowy effects will occur, making the
If you are getting high, "insects" seem so big and scary that you
By Nick Paccione PFG - pure fucking glee. But only might become frightened and tempted to
you can protect yourself Ensure sterile equipment, including inkpots,
is used and not shared by others.
Household Items: Have your toothbrush, nail
clipper, and razor clearly identified. Seek care Have an addiction? Caught in destruc- “sometimes,” and only “almost.” Life "turn off the light." Don't. It's all just an
and others from getting if you have dental problems, including bleeding
gums, abscesses, or other dental issues. tive behavioural patterns? Tired of expe- isn’t perfect for me - far from it. I still illusion. With patience and persistence,
hepatitis C. Getting tested, riencing and creating so much suffering? struggle, get down, and experience the harmful reactive tendencies which
talking about your status, Feel lifeless? Powerless? Hopeless? Well, self-doubt. Moreover, the recovery these insects represent will dissolve and
Use Your Own Snorting Straws Use Condoms and Lubrication, you may want to give mindfulness a shot. process looks more like a pretzel than a give way to real, conscious action - action
and injecting safely and Crack Pipes. and Get Tested. I did, and my life hasn’t been quite the straight line. that is positive, creative, and helpful to
can reduce your risk of same since. So why the PRG? Hope, baby yourself and others. Your innate potential
contracting or passing the You see, I’m a sex addict. Have been - hope. Yeah, recovery is slow and for love and connection begins to shine
virus onto others. since 13, or for the last 36 years, the last clumsy, but recovering I most certainly through.
19 of which have been spent inside. Sex am. I know it. I FEEL it. Indeed, So, light up your mind! Meditate! Once
Distributed by Harm Snorting Straws: Snorting drugs can cause Sexual Transmission: Hepatitis C can be

addiction, like any addiction, is devas-

irritation to the inside of your nose, which
may lead to bleeding. To be safe, use your own
transmitted through sex that involves
blood-to-blood contact, such as during anal at a very subtle level I can feel the a day for 15-30 minutes is good; twice a
Reduction Coalition straw when snorting cocaine or others drugs. sex, rough vaginal sex, or while a woman
is menstruating. Risks increase if you have tating. Like a cancer, it destroys you, entire pattern of my life changing, day for a total of 50-minute s or more
www.harmreduction.org Crack Pipes: A hot stem may burn or crack lips
which can cause bleeding. Use your own pipe,
multiple sex partners, or have been diagnosed
with any STIs or STDs, including HIV. Using consumes you from within. Your power with negativities gradually dissolving. is better. Throughout the day too, while
212-213-6376 or cover a shared pipe with your own rubber condoms and lubrication and getting tested
to choose sinks into an inner abyss of I feel calmer, lighter, more patient and walking in the yard, brushing your teeth,
good-humoured, more sensitive to the cleaning your cell, or whatever, take a
stem cover. or treated for STIs and STDs can protect both
you and your sexual partners. darkness and despair and drags hope
few minutes here and there to bring total

Microgreens and me
down with it. Life becomes bleak indeed. needs and suffering of others, and, awareness to the present moment. Careful-
Such was my life BM - before mindful- most importantly, more in control of ly observe everything you do and feel. Be
ness. myself-of my actions, my urges, and mindful. Be conscious.
Today, however, though only months even my thoughts. You might say that Have questions for Nick about starting a med-
By Mr. Valley into regular mindfulness practice, I mindfulness has allowed me to tap into itation practice while inside? Write to us and we'll
Having recently landed in Bea- sometimes almost want to scream with a wellspring of free will and to reclaim pass your questions on to him for our next issue.
vercreek minimum, I was given the
opportunity to take a 3-week course in
horticulture. Great, I thought. The op-
portunity to learn more about growing
The fentanyl crisis: Canada vs Portugal
By Kira Hogarth-Davis
plants. Because a man that can grow This January, the BC Coroners 2001 the country was suffering a heroin Summer 2017, but he has further
his own food will never grow hungry. service revealed that last year in British epidemic that impacted approximately announced that his government has no
What I learned blew me away.
I’m an old hippie. We smoked our pot Columbia alone over 900 people died 1 of every 100 people. By 2012, after plans to legalize or regulate any other
and thought bean sprouts were some from drug overdoses, making 2016 the a decade of decriminalization, Portugal illegal substance. Instead the Prime
kind of wonder drug. Well… Micro- deadliest year for overdose deaths on had achieved one of the lowest fatal Minister has sent $10 million to British
greens are to bean sprouts what Thai record. Dr. Patricia Daly of Vancou- overdose rates in the word, with just 16 Columbia alone as part of a strategy to
cooking is to pork and beans. Both will keep you alive. One packs just a little more ver Coastal Health, the authority for deaths across the country's 10.5 million help stop overdose deaths that includes
punch to your day. providing health and addiction services people. Portugal’s addictions treatment creating more supervised injection sites,
Now all you cats with access to the internet don’t need to read any further. for the Greater Vancouver area pointed isn’t only centred around decriminal- and more access to opioid substitution
Google, baby. This is written for those inside the walls of denial. Those living in that unlike the heroin crisis of the ization; the country also offers a wide treatment. The BC government has
the dark ages still. No Google for you. I know I’m going to mention things that 1990s, the spread of fentanyl overdoses array of support systems organized by not officially announced exactly how
will be a struggle for some… To gain access to seeds in particular. But a dried bean is reaching beyond downtown areas the health ministry. In Portugal, people the $10 million will be spent, but as the
is life on the lay-away plan. And you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to open up and are affecting communities across can obtain access to a 10 day supply of province has outlined “more policing”
that store. No a little dirt from the yard, spread thin – an inch think, if that’s all the province. Though Vancouver has a drug without facing charges, but are as one of its priority areas to address
you’ve got – On a plastic bag spread out where the light can get to it in a week or been operating supervised injection
so, a little water, and your seeds. also given addiction services alongside the crisis, it looks as though Canada’s
Lay out the dirt in a shallow plan. Tamp it lightly down, so the surface is even sites and needle exchanges since 2003, both counselling and employment federal and provincial governments are
and tight, but not packed hard. Lay the seeds so close together they touch. Water this the wide reach the overdose crisis opportunities. Though decriminaliza- stuck in a criminalization mindset and
them – give the earth a good soaking. Cover the seeds with moist paper towel, means that reliance on existing facilities tion isn’t the only facet of Portugal’s are unprepared to fully address addic-
or something that will breathe so the seeds don’t dry out. Don’t cover the seeds is not enough to aid those increasingly strategy, the de-stigmatization of drug tion as matter of health.
impacted by fentanyl. As most existing use and drug addiction has gone a Hunter, J. (2017, March 2). Trudeau says he won’t
with dirt. If the seeds are big – like peas or beans or corn (popping corn will taste decriminalize illicit drugs beyond marijuana. The
great!) soak them overnight before spreading them out. supervised injection sites and addiction long way to helping those who need it. Globe and Mail. Retrieved from: https://beta.
The pan should be kept comfortably warm. 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep services are in Greater Vancouver, the Because of decriminalization, society theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/
it moist, but not soaking wet. Spritz it, or sprinkle it to prevent the seeds, covered trudeau-says-he-wont-decriminalize-illicit-drugs-be-
rest of the province remains under- can talk openly about drug use and it is yond-marijuana/article34197772/?ref=http://
and dark, from drying out. Check the seeds each day. 7 – 10 days for most plant serviced by addictions facilities. This treated mostly as a health issue, rather www.theglobeandmail.com&service=mobile
roots to show. Radish roots showed in 4 days. Peas 5. Corn 10. Keep them moist shortage of support services has led than criminal habit. McElroy, J. (2016, February 3). How decriminaliz-
but not drowned. Dr. Day and other addictions experts Despite the positive evidence
ing drugs helped Portugal solve its overdose crisis.
CBC News. Retrieved from: www.cbc.ca/news/
When the plants, uncover to the light once the stems start stretching up, start to to argue that more drastic measures supporting decriminalization, Canadian canada/british-columbia/portugal-drug-crisis-brit-
put out the second set of leaves… Cut them down just above the ground. Careful ish-columbia-1.3962714
to keep the dirt out of your salad. Just stems and leaves. Put these cuttings in need to be considered, including the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has re- Nair, Roshini. (2017, January 19). Decriminal-
soups, on sandwiches, in your mouth. These plants are packed with the nutrients decriminalization or full legalization of cently rejected recommendations from ization should be considered to stop overdose
and energy of new life. And they are good to eat. Radishes and mustard seeds all illegal drugs health officials to decriminalize drugs crisis, says Vancouver’s chief doctor. CBC News.
Retrieved from: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/
make spicy plants. Popping corn seed eaten like this tastes like corn on the cob! The European country of Portu- beyond marijuana. The Prime Minister british-columbia/decriminalization-should-be-con-
And they are crunchy like bean sprouts of old. Microgreens. Mmmm good. gal is a successful example of how has promised that he will introduce sidered-to-stop-overdose-crisis-says-vancou-
Got to go. I’m having a flashback. I think I hear Bob Dylan calling me. decriminalization can save lives. In legislation to legalize marijuana before ver-s-chief-doctor-1.3942650
8 // resources & about pasan
CELL COUNT//ISSUE 80//SPRING 2017
EAST COAST
COALITION des ORGANISMESCOM- BLACK INMATES & FRIENDS ASSEM- PEEL HIV/AIDS NETWORK KIMAMOW ATOSKANOW FOUNDA-
ALLY CENTRE MUNAUTAIRES QUEBECOIS de LUTTE- BLY Accept collect calls TION
Take collect calls CONTRE le SIDA (COCQSIDA) 2518 Eglinton Avenue West 160 Traders Blvd, Unit 1, Mississauga, Accept collect calls
150 Bentinck St, Sydney, NS, B1P Accept collect calls Toronto, Ontario M6M 1T1 L4Z 3K7 RR 1, Site 1, Box 133, Onoway, AB, T0E
1G6 902-567-1766 1 est, rue Sherbrooke, Montréal, H2X ph (416) 652-3131 1-866-896-8700, 905-361-0523 (Collect) 1V01-866-971-7233, 780-913-9036
AIDS COALITION of NOVA SCOTIA 3V8 514-844-2477 POSITIVE LIVING NIAGARA PETERBOROUGH AIDS RESOURCE NINE CIRCLES COMMUNITY HEALTH
Accept collect calls COMITÉ des PERSONNES ATTEINTES Accept collect calls from registered NETWORK (PARN) CENTRE
1675 Bedford Row, Halifax, NS, B3J 1T11- du VIH du QUEBEC (CPAVIH) clients Accept collect calls 705 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0X2
800-566-2437, 902-425-4882 1-800-927-2844 (Recommend that you get a case man- 302-159 King St, Peterborough, K9J 1-888-305-8647
AIDS COMMITTEE of NEWFOUND- 2075 rue Plessis bureau 310, Montreal, ager to get registered with them) 2R81-800-361-2895, 705-932-9110 (Col- PLWA NETWORK OF SASKATCHEWAN
LAND & LABRADOR H2L 2Y4 1-800-927-2844 111 Church St, St Catharines, L2R lect) No collect calls
Take collect calls 3C9 905-984-8684 or toll free 1-800- STREET HEALTH CENTRE Box 7123, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4I1 306-
47 Janeway Place, St. John’s, NL, A1A ONTARIO 773-9843 Accept collect calls 373-7766
1R7 1-800-563-1575 2-SPIRITED PEOPLE of the 1ST NA- ANISHNAWBE HEALTH AIDS PRO- Hepatitis C Treatment Program235 PRINCE ALBERT METIS WOMEN’S
AIDS NEW BRUNSWICK TIONS GRAM Wellington St, Kingston, K7K 0B5 613- ASSOC.
65 Brunswick St, Fredericton, NB, E3B Accept collect calls No collect calls 549-1440 (Collect) No collect calls
1G51-800-561-4009, 506-459-7518 145 Front Street East Suite 105 Toronto, 255 Queen St E, Toronto, M5A 1S4 416- THE AIDS NETWORK (TAN) 54 10th St E, Prince Albert, SK, S6V
AIDS PEI Ontario M5A 1E3 416-944-9300 360-0486 Don’t accept collect calls 0Y5 306-763-5356
Take collect calls AIDS COMMITTEE of TORONTO (ACT) ASIAN COMMUNITY AIDS SERVICE 101-140 King St E, Hamilton, L8N RED RIBBON PLACE
2-375 University Ave, Charlottetown, PE, 543 Yonge Street, 4th floor, Toronto, ON. Don’t accept collect calls right now (they 1B2 905-528-0854 toll free 1-866-563- (ALL NATIONS HOPE AIDS NETWORK)
C1A 4N4 902-566-2437 M4Y 1Y5 416-340-2437 (Please note, will in 2-3 months) 0563 2735 5th Ave, Regina, SK, S4T
AIDS SAINT JOHN they do not accept collect calls) When prisoners call, they offer them THE WORKS 0L2 1-877-210-7622
Don’t accept collect calls AFRICANS in PARTNERSHIP AGAINST small bursaries to cover their calling fees Accept collect calls STREET CONNECTIONS
115 Hazen St, NB, E2L 3L3 506-652-2437 AIDS 107-33 Isabella St, Toronto, M4Y 277 Victoria St, Toronto, 416-392-0520 No collect calls
HEALING OUR NATIONS: No collect calls, call PASAN 2P7 416-963-4300 (Collect) (Collect) 705 Broadway Ave, Winnipeg, MB,
1-800 565 4255 526 Richmond St E, Toronto, M5A BLACK COALITION for AIDS PREVEN- TORONTO PWA FOUNDATION R3G 0X2 204-940-2504 WOMEN: 50
3-15 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 1R3 416-924-5256 TION Accept collect calls from clients Argyle, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0H6 204-
2N21-800-565-4255, 902-492-4255 AIDS COMMITTEE of CAMBRIDGE, Accept collect calls 200 Gerrard St E, 2nd Flr, Toronto, M5A 943-6379
MAINLINE NEEDLE EXCHANGE KITCHENER,WATERLOO & AREA 20 Victoria St, 4th Flr, Toronto, M5C 2E6 416-506-1400
Calls from within Nova Scotia are free 2N8 416-977-9955 (Collect) Toronto Community Hep C Program WEST COAST
Accept collect calls
Don’t accept collect calls Have a toll-free number CANADIAN HIV/AIDS LEGAL NET- Accept collect calls AIDS VANCOUVER ISLAND
5511 Cornwallis St, Halifax, NS, B3K 2B-625 King St E, Kitchener, N2G WORK 955 Queen Street East, Toronto, M4M Accepts collect calls. 713 Johnson St,
1B3 902-423-9991 4V4 519-570-3687 (Collect), 1-877–770– Accept collect calls 3P3 3rd Flr, Victoria, V8W 1M8 250-384-
SHARP ADVICE NEEDLE EXCHANGE 3687 1240 Bay St #600, Toronto, M5R 2A7 416-595- 416-461-1925 (Collect only on Tuesday & 2366 or 1-800-665-2437
Accept collect calls AIDS COMMITTEE OF GUELPH 1666 (Collect) Friday, 11am-5pm) PLBC - PRISON OUTREACH PROJ-
150 Bentnick St, Sydney, NS, B1P Accept collect calls, prefer that people FIFE HOUSE Once out, please call 416-417-6135 ECT
6H1 902-539-5556 (Collect) use their Accepts collect calls 1107 Seymour St, Vancouver, V6B
SIDA/AIDS MONCTON 490 Sherbourne St, 2nd Flr, Toronto, M4X 1K9 PRAIRIES
89 Dawson Rd, Unit 113, Guelph, N1H 5S8 Toll Free: PROV - 604-525-8646
Accept collect calls as long as they’re 3X2 1-800-282-4505; 519-763-2255 416-205-9888 HIV COMMUNITY LINK FED - 1-877-900-2437 (#’s approved
HIV related (Collect) HIV & AIDS LEGAL CLINIC OF ON. Accept collect calls by institutions and are NOT Collect
80 Weldon St, Moncton, NB, E1C AIDS COMMITTEE of NORTH BAY (HALCO) 110-1603 10th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T3C Calls)
5V8 506-859-9616 and AREA Accept collect calls 0J7 403-508-2500 POSITIVE WOMEN’S NETWORK
Accept collect calls 65 Wellesley St E, Toronto, M4Y AIDS SASKATOON 614-1033 Davie St, Vancouver, V6E
QUEBEC 1G7 1-888-705-8889
201-269 Main St W, North Bay, P1B 1143 Ave F N, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 1X1306-242- 1M7 Toll Free: 1-866-692-3001 (BC
CACTUS 2T8 705-497-3560 (Collect) HIV/AIDS REGIONAL SERVICES (HARS) 5005 1-800-667-6876 Only)
Accept collect calls AIDS COMMITTEE of OTTAWA Accept collect calls CENTRAL ALBERTA AIDS NET-
1300 rue Sanguinet, Montreal, H2X 700-251 Bank St, Ottawa, K2P 1X3 613- 844-A Princess St, Kingston, K7L WORK SOCIETY NATIONAL
3E7 514-847-0067 238-5014 (Collect) or Toll Free (ON & QC 1G5 613-545-3698 (Collect) No collect calls CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF ELIZA-
CENTRE for AIDS SERVICES MONTRE- only) 1-2800-461-2182 ONTARIO ABORIGINAL HIV/AIDS 4611 50th Ave, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3Z9 BETH FRY SOCIETIES (Women)
AL (Women) AIDS COMMITTEE of THUNDER BAY STRATEGY 403-346-8858 701-151 Slater St.
Accept collect calls 574 Memorial Ave, Thunder Bay, P7B Accept collect calls HIV EDMONTON Ottawa, ON
1750 Rue Saint-Andre, 3rd Flr, Montreal, 3Z21-800-488-5840, 807-345-1516 (Col- 844-A Princess St, Kingston, K7L 9702 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, K1P 5H3
H2L 3T81-877-847-3636, 514-495-0990 lect) 1G5 613-549-7540 (Collect) T5G 0B1 1-877-388-5742 (613) 238-2422

PASAN is a community-based HIV Service organization O E Sena Hussain

that strives to provide community development, educa- Eveline Allen Editor-in-chief
tion and support to prisoners and ex-prisoners in Ontario Prison Education Programs: Regional Prison In-Reach Coordinator
ON HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV) and other harm reduction PASAN conducts HIV prevention education programs in Eveline has worked at PASAN for 17 years, providing prisoners in Mooky Cherian
many adult and youth institutions in the southern Ontario Toronto with harm reduction education, HIV & HCV prevention, Field Supervisor
issues. PASAN formed in 1991 as a grassroots response
region. This program includes a Peer Educators Group, transmission and treatment information. If you are incarcerated
to HIV in the Canadian prison system. Today, PASAN at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC) or the Toronto East
whereby ex-prisoners living with HIV are educators for Janet Rowe
is the only community-based organization in Canada Detention Centre (TEDC) and would like a harm reduction program
current prisoners. Cell Count Supervisor
exclusively providing HIV and HCV prevention, education on your unit or a private one on one educational please call 1-866-
PASAN conducts free training for those working with 224-9978 Ext. 238
and support services to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their Simona Babiak
prison-affected and drug using populations. Training Simona Babiak
families. Placement Student Editor & Contributor
topics include:
S S ▪ HIV & Prison Kerrigan Beaver
▪ Harm Reduction Treatment Access Coordinator Victor Bruzzone
Individual Support Services: Kerrigan works with clients for pre & post release planning. It’s Writer
▪ The Impact of Segregation
about reintegration back into their community. This includes con-
▪ Individual support & counselling ▪ Stigma & Discrimination necting clients up with healthcare, social and community supports. Kira Hogarth-Davis
▪ case management Mooky Cherian
▪ pre-release and post-release planning
S A Writer
Program Manager
▪ referrals Since our beginnings in 1991, PASAN has always Zachary Grant
Federal Hep C Program Coordinator Shelby Kennedy
▪ advocacy for medical services maintained a focus on systemic issues of HIV/AIDS and
Seth Clarke Writer
▪ housing supports prisons. Some has been involved in many systemic
Federal Community Development Coordinator
▪ phone support through collect calling advocacy efforts including: Trevor Gray Zina Mustafa
▪ emergency financial assistance (limited budget for fees ▪ Prison Needle Syringe Project (2014/15) Community Programs Coordinator Resources & Copy Editor
related to identification and prison release. Application ▪ Advocacy against the use of segregation Sena Hussain
▪ Presentation to the Canadian Human Rights Commis- Communications and Resource Development Coordinator
requirements exist) Nick Paccione
sion (2001) Sena is the new editor of Cell Count, and looks forward to getting
the newspaper out to you more regularly again! Writer
▪ Advocacy for male-to-female transsexual/transgendered
Community Support Services: Lindsay Jennings
prisoners and HIV (1999) Provincial HepC Program Coordinator Mr. Valley
PASAN also provides support AIDS Service Organizations
▪ Presentation to the Presidential Advisory Council on Caludia Medina Writer
and community groups across Ontario. This includes:
HIV/AIDS in Washington DC (1998) Federal HIV Prison Community Development Coordinator
▪ resources & educational materials Janet Rowe
▪ Presentation to the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Keisha Williams
▪ training Executive Director
AIDS (1996) Writer
▪ assistance to set up prison outreach and support Cherisa Shivcharran
▪ HIV/AIDS in Youth Custody Settings: A Comprehensive
projects Provincial Community Development Coordinator
Strategy (1996) Keisha Williams Poetry: Nick Paccione, Eric Charlie aka
▪ strategies to develop referral “hubs” for HIV positive ▪ Organization of the first National Workshop on HIV/ Lonewolf, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Moustafa
Women’s Community Program Coordinator
prisoners AIDS in Prison (1995). At work, she enjoys supporting Women and Trans people to make El Kaaki, Anthony George, Justin Daniels, L.
▪ networking for the development of a continuum of care informed choices (in other words ‘have all the facts’) about their Cardinal, Alfred Charlie, Sean Paul Johnston,
▪ HIV/AIDS in Prison Systems: A Comprehensive Strate-
health and wellness and likes finding creative ways to make it fun! Malicious Mike Cluney Art: Jeremy Hall, Ricky
for prisoners transferred between regions gy (1992) J., R.R. Jamieson