CHRISTMAS in jail. That’s what 20
OI more inmates at the Terrace
Correctional Centre are facing this year.

But for some of the inmates it could
be one of the nicest holidays they’ve

had in years.

“When you’re out on the street drinking
and drugging, you’re not doing Christmas,”
said drug and alcohol counsellor Sue
Higgins.

“It’s not always a good memory,” admitted
one inmate from Kincolith. On the isolated

reserve, Christmas is about drinking, he says.

Other inmates were hoping to get passes, so they
could see their families.

“Christmas passes are hard to get, and they’re
very carefully monitored,” said Higgins.

She’s expecting about ten of the inmates to get
passes. The lucky ones found out late last week.

Prior to the news, tension was high at the jail.

“You get excited thinking you’re going to get:
out,”’ said one inmate. “The best way is not to
expect anything, then you won’t be disappointed.”
Many other inmates agreed. 7

“If you expect nothing and you get anything, it’s a

gift,” Higgins said to the men. © 00% ee ee

For those who stay behind, there’s plenty planned
to keep them occupied. And that’s important, since
the inmates usually put in a full work day, making
signs, chopping firewood and more.

“If you’re not working, you’re just doing time,”
said one man. The tournament they have planned
should help alleviate the tension which would build
up from not working over the holidays.

From December 24 till New Year's Eve the
inmates have organized a full-fledged tournament.
They’ll be playing ping-pong, chess, crib, crib
doubles, foosball, yahtzee and more. And when
they’re not playing games, they'll be watching
videos.

Winners get prizes such as pop, batteries,
underwear, socks and turtlenecks. Money for the

Christmas spirit not locked out

oe 5: a ae

INMATES at the Terrace Correctional Centre have
a bit of decorating, and they've organized a games

f w

prizes came from a fund which all.the inmates caren
contribute to out of their wages, which are $2.50.a
day. : oa

~The inmates spent $300 on prizes, shopping

carefully through flyers, selecting items. Then two
were chosen to go into town to do the shopping,
accompanied by a staffer from the correctional
centre.

“They sure were frugal shoppers,” said Higgins.
“They put us to shame.”

But the biggest Christmas expense for the inmates
was a $500 donation they made to the Salvation
Army. That money also came from their wages, and
it carries on a new tradition the inmates recently

‘A Christmas dinner with all the fixings is planned, and:inmates relatives are invited.

plenty of events planned for the holidays, They're doing
tournament to fill up all the free time over the holidays.

started. | .

oA big Christmas dinner is also planned for the

~ inmates, and they’re allowed to invited up to three,

family members at $5 per head.

_. Turkey, cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts, corn, .

salad and pic are on the menu. And Christmas
baking will be available throughout the day.

“It’s the only Christmas dinner some have had in

many years,” says Higgins.
Still, given the choice, the men would rather be

with their families, . .
“No matter how nice we try to make it, it’s still

jail,” said one of the inmates. coe

a