The rate of inmate deaths is significantly higher for Aboriginals than for non-Aboriginals. About half of the known Aboriginal deaths have occurred since 1985, 90 percent of the deceased were male, 50 percent were under age 28 at time of death, and hanging was the most common cause of death. A large proportion of the deceased were in custody for relatively minor matters such as drunkenness and good order offenses. A number of proposals have been offered to reduce the risk of future Aboriginal deaths in custody. Greater use of noninstitutional alternatives could reduce the high rate of incarceration of this group and, therefore, the risk of death in custody. Other options include diversion of drunkenness offenders and the use of community courts and dispute resolution programs. Risk-reducing correctional guidelines are needed in the areas of staff recruitment and assignment, staff training in suicide prevention and crisis intervention, inmate screening at reception, and facility design. Finally, internal investigation and external review of deaths in custody are needed to identify contributing factors in such deaths and recommend appropriate disciplinary or remedial action. 4 notes and 20 references.