Profile Of Native American Prison Spiritual Leader

Friday's Sonora, California Union Democrat carries a profile of Charles "Golden Bear" Freer, who is employed as a Native American spiritual leader by Sierra Conservation Center and 3 other northern California prisons. The article traces how Freer, a Comanche, came to his current position after early battles with depression and alcoholism. Freer says that while spirituality can help ease the pain of prison life, the real need is for half-way houses tailored to the needs of Native American prisoners once they are released.