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Inuk warden wants to help inmates heal

John Thompson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 21/05) - When Lew Philip worked as a police officer for 27 years, he says handcuffs weren't often needed.

"I have a big voice," says the stocky 57-year-old during a free moment inside the Baffin Correctional Centre.




Lew Philip, who was named warden at the Baffin Correctional Centre, wants more Inuit culture integrated into Iqaluit's prison.


He's Nunavut's first Inuk warden and he says he's looking forward to helping inmates heal.

After retiring from his long career as a police officer in four different communities, Philip worked as an elder councillor inside the correction centre for several months before he was offered the job as warden, which he began in late January.

"Now I have an opportunity to help them and try to find the solution to getting better."

Philip says he'd like to see existing programs that tap into Inuit culture strengthened. Right now inmates struggling with drug addiction and abuse are given the chance to head out on the land with elders. A new program for sex offenders is also in the works.

Sometimes help just means putting that big voice to work. "I talk with the inmates every day. I joke with them. I work with them," he says.

And the fact he can speak their language makes a big difference sometimes, he says.

He aims to see more Inuit counsellors hired. The end goal is to ensure more inmates don't return.

"I want to see them leave here and not come back," he says. "I want them to learn something."

Solace in carving

Outside work, Philip says carving is his life. Right now he's busy cutting narwhal, polar bear and human figures into a piece of walrus tusk. He doesn't have time to read except before bed. The book he usually picks up is the Bible.

Philip isn't sure how long he'll hold his job, but he doesn't see any end in sight.

"I haven't settled down yet," he says.