Session #1 Options
The following seven workshops will happen simultaneously on Thursday morning. Please read the descriptions and select which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your preferred workshops for a better chance at getting your top choice.
What does Rural Alberta Actually Know About Restorative Justice - How we have to make it work! Introduction to The Halo Project.
Presented by: Luci Johnson and Michelle Hauser
This interactive workshop will explore the current understanding and implementation of restorative justice in small-town rural Alberta through a community-centred approach. Participants will gain practical insights into the unique challenges, learn how to approach restorative justice principles in rural settings, and acquire strategies for community buy-in specifically tailored for small-town rural Alberta. Restorative justice, which focuses on healing and rehabilitation rather than punishment, is becoming crucial in small communities. We will discuss strategies to enhance community engagement and effectiveness and potential solutions. We will introduce the participants to The Halo Project Dogs and the intricate role these dogs will play in restorative justice in the future. highlighting its goals, methodologies, and impact.
Student Re-engagement community Conferences
Presented by: Mardi Hardt
Consistent school attendance, even in the earliest grades can have a positive impact on academic achievement, the likelihood of high school graduation and a myriad of related life outcomes. On the other hand, when students experience persistent and chronic absences from school, the outcomes can include health, social and psychological challenges. There are many underlying reasons for students not attending school regularly and no one intervention will address all of the barriers for all of the students. A tiered approach to promoting consistent school attendance can be a useful guide for school staff with Tier One and Tier Two approaches being primarily relational and utilizing the pro-active strategies on the continuum restorative practices. The Community Conference process has been adapted specifically for conferences focusing on attendance and involves bringing together students and the adults who care about them to repair the harm caused by chronic absenteeism.
"Nothing About Us Without Us" Focus Group
Presented by: Gayle Desmeules
The Metis Nation of Alberta has received a one-year Alberta Community Justice Grant to engage in a province-wide consultation process regarding systemic disparities and cultural relevance to address the unique challenges faced by Metis, Indigenous, and Racialized Communities (MIRC) to build, strengthen, and sustain Restorative Justice (RJ) Services in the Province of Alberta. This participatory action collaborative research project honours the principle of “nothing about us, without us.” The focus group session offers a platform for empowerment, allowing Metis, Indigenous, and racialized practitioners and communities to have a voice, listen to one another’s experiences and insights to reveal commonalities, and build stronger more connected relationships. What does RJ mean to you? What’s the intention of RJ? What are different ways RJ is/can be applied in your community? What challenges/barriers do you face? What support do you need? What needs to happen to address the challenges/barriers? What support do you need as a practitioner or your community? The research project intends to identify common themes that will generate recommendations about what’s needed in restorative justice program development and sustainability and any other issues of importance to you will be captured. Participants will learn about the different ways they can engage in the overall initiative beyond the focus group session.
From Panels to Restorative Circles
Presented by: Harvey Voogd
After using a Panel approach since being incorporated in December 1995, Edmonton Youth Justice (EYJ) transitioned in 2017 to using a Restorative Circle approach. This workshop will share our journey and outline the organizational challenges experienced pre-implementation, during implementation, and post-implementation. The process to move from Panels to Restorative Circles was intentional and started at the Board level. A specific EYJ restorative justice circle format was developed, which all staff and volunteers were trained in. Volunteers and staff had the opportunity for modeling, practice, and coaching to develop the skills and confidence to facilitate a circle. The workshop will share our experience, learning, the challenges and commitment needed to change from a panel to a circle process, and the organizational impacts at all levels that EYJ experienced. This workshop focus is not on the value of restorative circles. It is meant for organizations that are considering or anticipating making a transition from panels to restorative circles. The workshop aims to provide participants with information on the practical steps and challenges that your organization will experience, need to anticipate, and prepare for to successfully transition. The workshop goal is to provide you with the following takeaways: 1. Transitioning your Youth Justice Committee to restorative circles. 2. Practical steps 3. Challenges 4. Successes
Potential of RJ
Presented by: Ashleigh Kwiatkowski and Ryan Gerdes
YRAP perspective on RJ -supporting youth initiatives - good conversation with new ideas. This workshop will explore what YRAP has to offer youth and struggles we have faced in the last year and how we have overcome them using a trauma informed approach as well as active listening , and how we meet youth where they are at. But we also want to open to the floor to questions or suggestions as well. The target was to teach people about how being trauma informed was beneficial in the Restorative Justice Aspect as well as having appropriate boundaries and self care .
Redefining survivorship: Healing the whole family
Presented by: Nikida Steel
In order for sustainable healing to be achieved, there needs to be deliberate/intentional holistic therapies, supports, and services extended to all members impacted as soon as possible.
By doing so the impacts of trauma/crisis and chaos are significantly diminished and genuine communication of compassion and empathy arises through this journey.
Families are able to restore/increase relationships/trust and unity. Communities benefit because nobody is left behind. This includes all people; from Elder to tiny treasures. Every member of a family is impacted when a significant event involving the justice system occurs. When we are taken care of in ways, that validate impact, we are able to expand our understanding and forgiveness to others. Doing things in this way limits, service duplication, vicarious, trauma, and revictimization.
“We can ALL do better” :the time we spent together will be respectfully brainstorming and discussing sustainable solutions and unpacking the key concepts of this discussion. Reflecting on the seven grandfather teachings, we can find ways to enter into healing journeys together..
Establishing Relations within the Legal System
Presented by: Kenneth Sackaney and Lorilee Lessard
How to Establish protocols with police services, crown attorneys and other legal services. We would like to provide how to get PARS equivalent programming involved in the RJ protocol.
Session #2 Options
The following seven workshops will happen simultaneously on Thursday afternoon. Please read the descriptions and choose which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your workshop choices for a better chance at getting your top choice.
Lets Talk: Sexual Assault and Restorative Justice
Presented by: Karen Kuntz and Sonia McLean
This presentation explores how restorative justice can complement traditional justice systems to better support victims of sexual assault. It highlights the significant emotional, psychological, and social impacts of sexual assault, and critiques the traditional justice system's limitations, including victim disempowerment and a focus on punishment. Restorative justice is introduced as a process that emphasizes healing, repair of harm, and involvement of all affected parties. The presentation also discusses benefits and challenges for both victim and offender. It underscores the importance of voluntary participation, safety measures, and ongoing support for victims. The presentation concludes with a call to support and advocate for restorative justice practices, aiming for improved victim support and healing, systems to better support victims of sexual assault.
Victim-Centered Practice
Presented by Gillian Lindquist
Take Aways from Victim-Centered Workshop: *How victim-centeredness aligns with restorative justice values and principles. *Why it can be challenging for practitioners and programs to align with victim-centered philosophy. *How to bring a victim-centered approach to life within RJ programs. *Navigating a victim-centered approach with social and structural awareness.
What Works: Effective approaches to implementing and sustaining restorative classrooms, schools, organizations.
Presented by: Caroline Gosling
In this workshop we will discuss the following: • Why the importance of educator/participant-led approaches as a research-confirmed and effective implementation strategy •Examples of real-life school, school authority, organization implementation from Western Canada and the U.S.A. •Opportunity for participants to reflect on their own school and community environments
Exploring the application of Restorative Justice for domestic violence among immigrant and refugee families in Saskatchewan
Presented by: Dr. Muhammed Asadullah
Family violence is a pressing issue in Saskatchewan, requiring culturally informed interventions to address the diverse needs of affected communities. This study explores the state of family violence services, particularly focusing on immigrant and refugee families in Saskatchewan. Utilizing focus group discussions and surveys, the findings reveal significant shortcomings in current services, including limited accessibility, insufficient cultural awareness, and a lack of awareness of restorative justice practices beyond police involvement. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant support systems and the need for education within the justice system to handle family violence cases effectively. Findings include creating a Community Ambassador Program within mosques to serve as a first point of contact, providing culturally relevant assistance. This research highlights the potential of culturally informed restorative justice practices in mitigating family violence and promoting resilience in Saskatchewan.
Miyo Pimatisiwin - Healing to Wellness Court
Presented by: Wyome Dion
Learning objectives for this workshop are: 1. Learning the origins/history of the Healing to Wellness Courts and how the courts work to rehabilitate Indigenous members who are navigating the criminal court system 2. The launch of the Healing to Wellness Court in the Lakeland area for St. Paul jurisdiction. The successes and challenges we have experienced for our rural area and what barriers our people are currently experiencing 3. Community Involvement/engagement - how community is key to the success of our people. "It takes a community to raise a child" same concept as it takes a community to help one another on our journey. The teachings of wahkohtowin - relationships.
Placing the Use of Restorative Practices in Canada in Comparative Context
Presented by: Dr. Daniel Alati
An understanding of the broader use of restorative practices all across Canada, including some cross-jurisdictional comparisons with other comparable states. Consideration of some of the challenges/complexities associated with the wider use and implementation of restorative practices in Canada and globally, as well as the benefits/advantages of more widespread use of restorative practices in a variety of legal and quasi-legal contexts. A core belief that the increased use of restorative practices in a variety of legal and quasi-legal contexts can be hugely beneficial in addressing a variety of social and legal problems, namely the access to justice crisis in Canada and globally.
In Their Own Words: Young Adult Perspectives on Gangs and their Members
Presented by: Seeley Foster
Based on in-depth interviews with 10 gang-involved Indigenous young adults, we explore their thoughts regarding what leads young people into gang life, the impact of social institutions and relationships on their choices, and the impact of gang involvement on their well-being. These young adults did not shy away from discussing the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities in Canada, including socio-economic disadvantage, high rates of violent victimization, systemic racism and discrimination, overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, and intergenerational trauma. But alongside these challenges they shared their hope for a better future for the next generation. Drawing on participant experiences we suggest key points at which provision of supports and resources can assist with increasing attachments and facilitating gang desistance. We share these insights while acknowledging the continued structural, embedded violence many Indigenous youth experience today that necessitates a commitment to decolonization at all levels of Canadian society.
Session #3 Options
The following seven workshops will happen simultaneously on Friday morning. Please read the descriptions and choose which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your workshop choices for a better chance at getting your top choice.
Chaplains' Collaboration with Corrections in Establishing Restorative Justice Practices with Offenders
Presented by: Rev. Donald Stoesz
This workshops will aim to accomplish the following:
1. show the audience how chaplains can initiate restorative justice practices with offenders.
2. let the audience know the importance of victim impact statements in helping offenders understand the serious harm that they have done. 3. let the audience understand the possibilities of restoration and reconciliation between offenders and victims in a prison context.
Successes and Challenges in Implementing Restorative Conferences in K-12 Education
Presented by: Gina Daus
This workshop will explore:
• An understanding of the benefits of Restorative Conferences in the K – 12 school system
• Success and challenges that have helped us strengthen our restorative approach division wide
• An opportunity to share your own experiences and stories
The Importance of Otipaymsawin (self-determination) in Restorative Practices
Presented by Marlene Orr
This abstract presents Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s model of building resiliency. This model looks at the health of relationship with self, the natural world, other people and with Creator. Based on Cree teachings, the NCSA Resiliency Model is used as a model for healing. Fundamental to the model is the role of self-determination, from a Cree world view. Otipaymsawin (being the boss of one’s self) explores the concept of free will and teachings of self-determination. Restorative justice practices fundamentally bring into focus individual accountability for harm caused to others. That individual accountability is necessary to prevent further harm and to set things right with those who have experienced harm. Restorative practices cannot occur without personal accountability. Native Counselling Services of Alberta offers to present a workshop at the Restorative Justice gathering, that looks at the teachings behind otipaymsawin, what taking accountability looks like and how the concept contributes to healing and restorative practices. In this workshop, the benefits of traditional teachings about interconnectedness, wahkotowin (good relationships amongst all people) and otipaymsawin (self-determination) help individuals to heal from historical trauma impacts. It also provides an in-depth understanding of how otipaymsawin and restorative practices go hand in hand. Examples of how these principles and the underlying teachings are applied in a variety of justice-focused environments and how they provide healing at the individual, community and nation level in Indigenous communities. Additionally, the evidence-base for the model will be shared with workshop participants
Building an RJ Program Through a Youth Focused Lens
Presented by: Jo Phillips
In this workshop, we will discuss: - We have to walk the entire path with the youth that are involved in an RJ program. We can't meet them and then leave them. - There are no bad kids. Just kids having bad experiences. Effective RJ means we create shift in those experiences. - It's okay to be flexible and shift when necessary. RJ is not meant to be rigid and standardized. It's meant to meet the needs of the victim, the responsible person, and the community equally.
Starting a Pre-Charge Diversion protocol with Police Services and Restorative Justice Programs
Presented by: Janeen Poirier
This engagement session will provide attendee's with information about starting a Pre-Charge Diversion protocol with Police Services and Restorative Justice Programs. She will demonstrate examples of the Memorandum of Understanding, Police Policy, and referral forms. She will explain the referral procedure and process; and review how she provides ongoing training and engagement with police services. Janeen will discuss how the program has evolved and provide examples of outcomes of individuals that have completed Restorative Justice through the Pre-Charge Diversion pathway. Attendees will have an opportunity for questions and conversation.
FASD Restorative Justice Diversion Programs and In Reach for Incarcerated Individuals
Presented by: Julie Nanson-Ashton
Given the general lack of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness and limited FASD supports in the criminal, legal and correctional settings, there is a critical need for improved access to FASD diagnostic assessments and FASD education in corrections facilities. Based on Restorative Practices/Justice, Central FASD Network has developed and implemented several FASD Restorative Justice Programs namely, the In Reach project in Alberta, Canada, with aims to: 1. Provide training for corrections staff to increase their FASD knowledge and awareness; 2. Facilitate educational sessions for corrections facility residents to increase their FASD knowledge and awareness; 3. Administer in-facility FASD assessments for residents; and 4. Offer transitional mentorship for residents upon release. The Restorative Justice Court Diversion program for youth and adults, and the Restorative Justice Prevention program. These diversionary programs aim to: 1. Provide training for related corrections and community based staff; 2. Intervene at the RCMP/Police Services and Court levels, and prevent further involvement with criminal and legal settings; 3. Administer FASD Assessment and Diagnosis to inform an FASD impacted individuals charges, sentencing, and consequences; 4. Provide a venue for a Restorative Conference, Restorative Circle, or Peacemaking Circle process.