Interviews were conducted with 175 Aboriginal and 148 non-Aboriginal offenders from 7 Federal prairie institutions. Information was also obtained from offender files. The study findings show that Aboriginal offenders had unstable childhood experiences, including significant involvement in the child welfare system. It is unclear whether involvement in the child welfare system was the cause of the instability or the result of it. The study also found that those with an unstable childhood were less attached to their primary caregiver while growing up. Early childhood experiences did not apparently impact the offenders' current relationship with their spouses or children; however, offenders with an unstable adolescence tended to have significantly less regular contact with their children than those who had a stable adolescence. Also, offenders with an unstable adolescence tended to have a more negative current relationship with their parents and siblings. This was the case for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders. Attachment to Aboriginal culture was fairly strong among the Aboriginal offenders. This attachment to Aboriginal culture was strengthened during the institutional experience. This research affirms the importance of focusing on early childhood experiences in correctional programming for Aboriginal offenders, with attention to the incorporation of Aboriginal cultural values in programming, notably the use of Elders. 3 figures and 9 notes