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Q&A WITH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JUSTIN TETRAULT

What made you choose 91��ܽ?

SFU and the School of Criminology have big reputations for research, especially for applied studies that can directly impact policy and communities. As someone working with justice-involved and Indigenous peoples, I hope to build on this tradition by using my research to help advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s “” and broader efforts toward Indigenous self-determination in justice. SFU’s location on Burnaby Mountain is also beautiful and a short distance from urban centers where I anticipate developing new community-based partnerships. I also appreciate SFU’s efforts to Indigenize, such as building the new Indigenous Students Centre. I feel honoured to be welcomed into this community and am excited to begin teaching and researching!

What is the most important issue that your research addresses, and why is it important to you in particular?

One in three incarcerated people is Indigenous, caused foremost by Canada’s historic and ongoing colonial policies undermining Indigenous sovereignty and communities – from the reserve and pass systems to the Sixties Scoop and residential schools. My most important work attempts to undo mass incarceration by centring the interests and needs of incarcerated people while helping give power to communities over justice and healing. Through interacting with Indigenous prisoners, I have seen how even small supports can , such as facilitating smudging on a unit or having an Elder visit. Unfortunately, most incarcerated people have minimal or no access to Indigenized resources that promote healing. Even those who do often leave prison with no follow-through supports or release planning, making it harder to avoid cycles of poverty and violence. If we’re serious about rehabilitation, reconciliation, and public safety, my research shows we must prioritize healing over punishment. I am hopeful that my time at SFU will help expand access to healing resources and support alternatives to incarceration led by Indigenous nations and organizations.

Share the story of how you entered your current profession

I consider myself a criminologist and sociologist. My interest in these fields came out of intersecting experiences with university and family. First, I became passionate about social inequality during my undergrad at the University of Winnipeg, where professors trained us to think critically about history and society. That experience sharply contrasted my public-school education, where, if discussed at all, teachers suggested there were obvious and uncomplicated answers to social problems: Canadian society is mostly perfect, and people just need to stop being poor and committing crimes. The history curriculum also painted a rosy picture of Canadian colonialism. As a young adult, I was also discovering what it meant to be and learned that my father is a child of the Sixties Scoop – when provincial governments forcibly removed Indigenous kids from their families and cultures as part of Canada’s assimilation project. Social workers separated my dad and his siblings to foster homes across the country. I don’t know most of my paternal family due to these policies. Altogether, my educational and family experiences drove my intellectual curiosity for understanding social issues in Canada – especially racial inequality and Canadian nationalism.

What is something about your career that we would be surprised to learn?

I worked as a line cook throughout my undergrad and did most of my reading during downtime between lunch and dinner rushes – which apparently was a great strategy! More recently in my career, I have been developing and trying to fund an Indigenized and community-led re-entry help center. I am hoping my new role at SFU can help make this a reality.

What are your hobbies?

I do the usual activities, like movies, reading, and being active. I particularly enjoy all things music-related and play a bit of guitar and piano (poorly). I’m also a sci-fi nerd and recently got into – and can now afford – Warhammer 40k.

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?

Métis leader, , who led two resistance movements against the Canadian government and founded the province of Manitoba, is my great-great-uncle. , his sister, is my great-grandmother.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I love researching and teaching, and want to thank my mentors, colleagues, family, and friends. I could not have gotten where I am today without your encouragement and support.