Restorative Justice Week 2009
Communities Responding to Human Needs
National Report
Programs that apply true restorative justice principles should be used more often, at various stages of the criminal justice process. In addition to its benefits for victims, it holds offenders accountable in a way the justice system cannot. I encourage those in the field to continue with their good work and for the federal government to ensure that restorative justice has a strong and growing place in its corrections and conditional release agenda.
Steve Sullivan, Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, 2009
http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca/news-nouv/resto/doc_nov172009.html
In contrast to the traditional criminal justice system in place in Canada, restorative justice (RJ) views crime and conflict differently as focus is placed on the harm caused by crime and/or conflict and the means to minimize and repair the harm experienced by all parties involved rather than simply viewing crime as laws that are broken.
Restorative justice is a non-adversarial, non-retributive approach to justice that emphasizes healing in victims, meaningful accountability of offenders, and the involvement of citizens in creating healthier, safer communities. RJ views criminal actions more comprehensively and involves more parties impacted by crime. Safer communities are built through co-operative efforts by individuals, communities, and governmental sectors.
In the face of crime and conflict, restorative justice is a philosophy and an approach that views crime and conflict principally as harm done to people and relationships. It strives to provide support and safe opportunities for the voluntary participation and communication between those affected (victims, offenders, and community) to encourage accountability, reparation, and a movement towards understanding, feelings of satisfaction, healing, safety and closure.
Restorative Justice Division,
CSC, 1998
RJ Increases the Effectiveness of Justice Responses
- Research suggests that RJ reduces recidivism
- Research indicates that many victims and offenders prefer restorative approaches over traditional criminal justice approaches.
- Offenders are significantly more likely to comply with the conditions of agreements they make with the victim, such as paying restitution.
- Participating in a restorative process has a positive impact on the psychological health of victims and offenders, and some positive impact on their physical health.
- Preliminary research suggests that RJ reduces post-traumatic stress among victims.
Recent Canadian Developments
- The Steering Committee for the Canadian RJ Consortium is working on the development of a national RJ association.
- Public Safety Canada will provide $7.4 million over five years to support 16 Circles of Support and Accountability projects across Canada.
- Nova Scotiahas a five-year Community University Research Alliance involving 17 research projects on RJ funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Challenges for RJ in Canada
- Providing adequate and sustainable program funding.
- Increasing the number of referrals in the justice system, and expanding the use of RJ throughout the justice continuum.
- Continuing to improve service delivery to ensure the highest quality of service, especially to victims.
- Funding and undertaking research, evaluation and data collection.
- Considering how RJ fits with public discourse about crime and justice.
CSC's Restorative Justice Division is committed to fostering the development of restorative justice. This Division contributes to strategic developments within the organization moving restorative justice initiatives in a positive direction.
Background
Restorative Justice Week is celebrated annually across Canada since 1996. Restorative Justice Week is recognized every third week of November to acknowledge the impacts and achievements of the restorative justice approach and its application in the traditional criminal justice system. RJ Week is also a time to celebrate all practitioners involved through community organizations and the Canadian criminal justice system, as well as the many Canadians who are becoming increasingly invested in restorative justice.
RJ Week was initiated by CSC, the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy within CSC's Chaplaincy Division, and the Restorative Justice and Dispute Resolution Division. For over 20 years, RJ and its associated practices have been used to resolve conflicts of various natures and that which result from crime. The use of RJ as a viable response to the impacts of crime is increasing throughout Canada and is expanding throughout the world. Restorative Justice Week is also celebrated internationally in 17 other countries:
Australia
Ireland 
Netherlands
Rwanda
United Kingdom
Congo
Japan
New Zealand
Sierra Leone
United States of America
Fiji
Kenya
Philippines
South Africa
Zambia
India
Nigeria 
CSC, working with a wide network of partners, has ensured the expansion and promotion of Restorative Justice Week throughout Canada. RJ Week, originally born out of a day called "Prisoners Sunday'', is an opportunity to reach out to Canadians and engage them in an ongoing dialogue concerning the social response to crime and the areas where restorative justice has demonstrated its benefits through practice in healing the harms affecting Canadians as a result of crime.
Restorative Justice Week continues to actively inspire Canadians and to:
- Educate the public on the principles and values of restorative justice processes and initiatives;
- Inform the public of the multitude of restorative justice initiatives and programs that are available across Canada;
- Build safer communities by breaking the cycles of violence and victimization among people;
- Engage Canadians to work with CSC in building strong, safe and supportive environments.
Restorative Justice Week 2009
Theme
The theme for Restorative Justice Week 2009 was the result of a creative consultation and selection process involving a number of external partners including offenders, victims, victim serving agencies, CSC staff, criminal justice partners, restorative justice practitioners, and faith community representatives. Following a thorough review of all suggested themes, " Communities Responding to Human Needs" was selected as it acknowledges the role of community in responding to the needs of offenders and victims. When thinking about this year's theme, the principle of Inclusion, comes to mind automatically. Contrary to the actual Canadian Criminal Justice System, a restorative justice approach is based on the engagement of all people that are affected by the crime; victim, offender, families and communities.
Restorative justice is about giving all parties involved in a conflict the opportunity to take an active role in a safe and respectful process that allows open dialogue between the victim, offender and the community. For offenders, it is about taking responsibility and being held accountable for the harm caused. For victims, it provides an opportunity to talk about the harm caused and ask questions that may be necessary as a part of the healing process. For communities surrounding the victim and offender, it provides an understanding of the root causes of the conflict.
Communities are one of the strongest key players when it comes to responding to human needs as "they are the people" in an excellent position to understand what the true needs are and how to respond and meet those needs. Also, from a broader perspective, communities include and represent all of the key members that need to be involved in a restorative justice approach. That being said, communities can understand and respond to human needs in a way that no other party can in creating safer and healthier communities.
Dialogue with and a connection to community are two important factors that need to be fostered for an individual's sense of belonging. When a sense of belonging to a community exists, that person is less likely to cause harm.
Based on the theme presented, the Gatineau-based graphic design firm Kaméléons et Cie, participated in a consultation process to appropriately capture the theme and produce an image to convey some of the inherent messages. As a result of their work, the following image, illustrating the symbolic representation of different communities coming together to provide resources to those in need, was developed. This image represented Restorative Justice Week 2009 on all materials.
Resources
With the theme and image in place, the following resources were produced:
Basic Resource Kit - prepared and distributed by the Restorative Justice Division with input from internal and external partners. This bilingual kit includes written collaborations by victims, community members, restorative justice practitioners, and criminal justice partners looking at general information on Restorative justice as well as stories from those involved. Also included were lists of books, articles, videos, and WebPages related to RJ.
Poster - prepared and distributed by the Restorative Justice Division. The bilingual poster is a means for people to advertise RJ Week within their local environments. There's also space to include advertisements of particular events.
Bookmarks - prepared and distributed by the Restorative Justice Division. These bookmarks were developed as a promotional item. They were available in French and English
Restorative Justice Brochure - prepared and distributed by the Chaplaincy Division and the Church Council on Justice and Corrections Prepared by the Chaplaincy Division. This brochure gives a brief overview of what RJ is, who can participate, and how it is managed.
Interfaith Leaflet - prepared and distributed by the Chaplaincy Division and the Church Council on Justice and Corrections Prepared by the Chaplaincy Division. This leaflet looks at the concept of RJ through different faith perspectives.
Christian Leaflet - prepared and distributed by the Chaplaincy Division and the Church Council on Justice and Corrections. This leaflet looks at this year's theme through a Christian lens. It is meant to serve as materials for reflection and discussion.
Generic Proclamation - prepared by the Restorative Justice Division. This document is used by municipalities and provinces accepting to proclaim Restorative Justice Week.
Restorative Justice Week 2009 materials were available online from the CSC internet website allowing a wider audience to access the materials within the kits on a national and international level. The materials were also available, free of charge, through Internet order, by mail, fax, and email.
This year the Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice Branch processed over 680 orders received from the general public, requesting RJ Week 2009 materials.
Orders
| PEI | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YK | Int'l | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posters | 0 | 37 | 63 | 150 | 71 | 225 | 45 | 41 | 23 | 15 | 0 | 384 | 14 | 72 |
| Resource Kits | 0 | 114 | 43 | 145 | 32 | 435 | 15 | 19 | 163 | 5 | 0 | 451 | 12 | 24 |
Basic Resource Kits
A total of 3421 Basic Resource Kits were sent to various individuals, community organisations, correctional institutions, bookstores, etc. We also sent one kit to each municipality that chose to proclaim Restorative Justice Week.
Posters
A total of 3948 posters were sent to various individuals, community organisations, correctional institutions, bookstores, etc.
Bookmarks
A total of 2627 English bookmarks and 1035 French bookmarks were sent to 30 bookstores and libraries and 3 event organisers.
Restorative Justice Brochure
A total of 200 Restorative Justice Brochures were ordered by 2 different organisations.
Interfaith Leaflets
No interfaith leaflets were ordered.
Christian Leaflets
A total of 10,000 Christian Leaflets were ordered by 5 different faith communities and organisations.
Proclamations
Proclamation requests were sent out to 1107 municipalities across Canada. According to the Canadian Federation of Municipalities, this is only one third of the total number of municipalities in Canada. This year, 164 municipalities chose to proclaim Restorative Justice Week 2009. According to Statistics Canada, those municipalities represent 8,633,997 individuals (as per the 2006 Census). These numbers correspond to 4.50% of Canadian municipalities and 27.31% of the Canadian population.
| PEI | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Responded | 2 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 57 | 16 | 14 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 38 | 2 |
| Proclaimed | 2 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 43 | 14 | 14 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 30 | 1 |
| PEI | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | 6.54 | 9.61 | 12.43 | 12.86 | 2.75 | 46.58 | 6.50 | 34.30 | 28.85 | 0 | 20.98 | 27.39 | 67.37 |
Additionally, this year 3 provinces also proclaimed Restorative Justice Week 2009: British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. The cumulative population of these provinces is 6,175,350 representing 19.53% of the Canadian population.
Events
The Restorative Justice Division of CSC gathered information about events occuring across Canada in the name of Restorative Justice Week 2009. As RJ Week is celebrated by more and more communities in Canada, it has become a challenge to collect information about all the events that took place nationally. Consequently, some RJ Week events may not have come to our attention and may not be represented in the following sections.
ATLANTIC
| Event Description | A gathering of persons sharing music, art, and stories of restorative justice in an attempt to education offenders about the strength of restorative practices. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Various restorative inmates, practitioners, chaplains and facilitators Planning Partners: St. Luke's Renewal Centre Springhill Institution Chaplaincy Christian Council for Reconciliation CSC |
| Attendance | 60 inmates and 3 staff members from Springhill Institution as well as 4 community volunteers. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Lots of good feedback from the inmates and the volunteers; handouts (copies of this year's package) were picked up by the inmates and volunteers; good feedback on the music from the inmates. |
| Event Description | A presentation on the roots of restorative justice in the Christian community and an exploration of how restorative practice can be used in communities in informal ways. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Reverend Lloyd Bruce - CSC chaplain, Springhill Institution Planning Partner: Springhill Institution Chaplaincy |
| Attendance | 80 members of the local United Church congregations. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | General comments indicated a new awareness of RJ and deep appreciation for the sharing of one inmate who told his story of coming to accountability. Resulted in 2 new volunteers for the Chaplaincy department at Springhill Institution. |
| Event Description | Topics to be discussed:
|
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Reverend John Tonks - former CSC chaplain; CEO of Spiritual Wholeness Consulting |
| Attendance | Average 15 per meeting. Members of the host church and neighbouring church. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | From the good discussion and questions raised each week it was evident that people were engaged and sincerely interested in the topic. Adding to the interest was the presence of an ex-offender in the group. Feedback following the meetings was positive. |
QUÉBEC
| Event Description | Round table discussions on the various alternatives for repairing the harm caused by an offender to a victim. Working together toward a common goal. What is real justice? What does "restoration" mean? Can we come to consensus or is it just an ideology? |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Laurent Champagne - President of the Church Council on Justice and Corrections; Chaplain, Montreal Community Chaplaincy Planning Partners: Church Council on Justice and Corrections MSWM "Carrefour de la spiritualité et foi" |
| Attendance | 100 including general public, volunteers who go to the prisons, who help NGOs working with victims and ex-inmates, chaplains, psychiatrists, professionals, etc. |
| Media Coverage | Announced on radio Ville Marie and CKUT community and campus radio. An article was also written by a Christian newspaper. |
| Feedback | Participants said it was great to be able to have real cases to work on in groups, to have different points of view from different positions, and to come up with interesting alternatives on how to deal with each case. |
| Event Description | A number of community representatives (police officer, resident of Montréal-Nord and neighbourhood youth) will discuss crime and stereotypes that exist in Montréal-Nord (Style: Town Hall/Forum). |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Members of the Southwest Community Ministries Community representatives Louis Lesage - former journalist and producer for Radio-Canada Planning Partners: Church Council on Justice and Corrections Southwest Community Ministries |
| Attendance | 130 including general public, volunteers who go to the prisons, who help NGOs working with victims and ex-inmates, chaplains, psychiatrists, professionals, etc. |
| Media Coverage | Announced on radio Ville Marie and CKUT community and campus radio. An article was also written by a Christian newspaper. |
| Feedback | It was really interesting to push people to adopt a position they were not familiar with and see them grow into their role and even defend their position and make others understand the difficulties they live on a daily basis. |
ONTARIO
| Event Description | Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the process of restorative justice from the view point of the Correctional Service staff, an ex-offender, a victim and the Chaplain of Beaver Creek Institution. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Arn Main - Chaplain, Beaver Creek Institution, CSC Deborah Ackley David Molzahn - Director, Victim Services, CSC Russ Kelly - Community Justice Initiatives; Author of "From Scoundrel to Scholar" Planning Partner: Beaver Creek / Fenbrook Citizens Advisory Committee |
| Attendance | 50 |
| Media Coverage | Local newspapers advertised the event. |
| Feedback | The feedback was very positive. People appreciated the diverse point of view represented on the panel. |
| Event Description | Pierre Allard will be speaking about Restorative Justice Initiatives in Rwanda by the Just Equipping Group and his experience with RJ in prison settings and community. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Reverend Dr. Pierre Allard - former prison chaplain, CSC; Founder and President of Just.Equipping. Planning Partner: Mennonite Central Committee of Toronto |
| Attendance | 57 including inmates, staff, and volunteers. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was excellent. Participants appreciated the event and really enjoyed Pierre's presentation and passion for RJ. |
| Event Description | Exhibit: You are invited to a unique art exhibition that marks Restorative Justice in Action. The artwork was created by Toronto based artist, speaker and writer, Shannon Moroney. Vernissage: Come and meet Shannon Moroney. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Shannon Moroney - Artist, Advocate, and Writer for Social Justice Planning Partners: Restorative Justice Division, CSC Restorative Justice Network of Ottawa Umi Café |
| Attendance | 30 people attended the vernissage. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Most people appreciated the opportunity to meet Shannon in person. They appreciated the write up's on each of the pieces that provided the background on what part of the journey she created the piece around. |
| Event Description | This event is to launch Restorative Justice Week. A quick overview of RJ within CSC will be given. Afterwards, a guest speaker will speak of her experience with crime and RJ. Cake and coffee will be offered by the CSC's Restorative Justice Division. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Chris Price - Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, CSC Shannon Moroney - Artist, Advocate, and Writer for Social Justice Planning Partner: Restorative Justice Division, CSC |
| Attendance | 80 staff members from CSC's National Headquarters and some staff from Public Safety. |
| Media Coverage | An article about Shannon's presentation was published in CSC's News@Work. |
| Feedback | Feedback from CSC staff was very positive. Participants were truly touched by Shannon's story. |
| Event Description | The event will start with a brief overview of RJ followed by 2 guest speakers. One speaker will discuss their experience with RJ while the other will discuss some of the challenges that face our current justice system. Following these presentations, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a mock Restorative Justice Circle; an encounter meant to address the harm caused by a particular action, including the victim, offender, and community. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Ernie Tannis - Solicitor, Mediator, and Social Justice Advocate Scott Harris - Director General of Citizen Engagement, CSC Shannon Moroney - Artist, Advocate, and Writer for Social Justice Lorraine Berzins - Community Chair, Church Council on Justice and Corrections Planning Partners: Restorative Justice Network of Ottawa Restorative Justice Division, CSC |
| Attendance | 25 including members of the Restorative Justice Network of Ottawa, and staff and students from the University of Ottawa. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage |
| Feedback | The feedback from those in attendance was positive, however the turnout was disappointing. |
| Event Description | The evening will kick off with a brief overview of RJ followed by stories from various individuals who have experienced RJ. A short DVD entitled "Unexpected Peace" will also be shown. The crowd will be given an opportunity to ask questions and speak with RJ practitioners and advocates. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Ernie Tannis - Solicitor, Mediator, and Social Justice Advocate Randall James - past participant with the Collaborative Justice Program Robin MacDonald - Restorative Justice Storyteller Planning Partners: Restorative Justice Network of Ottawa Restorative Justice Division, CSC |
| Attendance | 45-50 including members of the Restorative Justice Network of Ottawa, patrons of the UMI café, and the general public. |
| Media Coverage | The event was advertised on the UMI Café website. |
| Feedback | The feedback was positive all around. The café was full and the relaxed atmosphere made for several great speakers and a musician to provide discussion on RJ topics to those with all levels of awareness. |
| Event Description | Participants will get a chance to hear two keynote speakers will present their experiences with RJ. Participants will also get the chance partake in various breakout sessions:
|
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Reverend Dale Land - father of a murder victim and participant in RJ Arthur Lockhart - Professor of justice studies, Humber College Planning Partners: Toronto Community Chaplaincy Prison Fellowship Canada Anglican Church Trinity-St.Paul's United Church African Canadian Christian Network Dismas Fellowship The Bridge Prison Ministry Circles of Support and Accountability (Mennonite Central Committee) CSC |
| Attendance | 130-150 including students, volunteers from various organizations, and ex-prisoners. |
| Media Coverage | There was an article in the Catholic Register, the Anglican, as well as a Radio Interview on Salt & Light. |
| Feedback | Overall it was a very positive experience with excellent feedback in regards to the organisation, keynotes speakers, and break-out sessions. |
| Event Description | The Restorative Circle (RC) process offers a way for you and your family, group/organization, or community to handle conflict safely and with much greater satisfaction. Now you have a forum to dialogue with respect and understanding, to reach practical agreements, and to repair relationships. Restorative Circles is a systemic approach which has been nationally recognised in Brazil for effective innovation in neighbourhoods, schools, and criminal justice |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Duke Duscherer - teacher and facilitator of peace building and reconciliation processes Planning Partners: Interchange for Peace Network for Transformative Communication |
PRAIRIES
| Event Description | This year's conference theme is Communities Responding to Human Needs and will include two days of keynote and plenary sessions as well as networking opportunities! |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Sylvia McMechan - former Executive Director, Conflict Resolution Network Canada; Mediator Dr. Avery Calhoun - Researcher; Social Worker Sergeant Brent Sawatzky - RCMP Caring 4 Families Planning Partners: Alberta Restorative Justice Association Calgary John Howard Society Solicitor General and Public Security, Government of Alberta CSC |
| Event Description | This event is part of the Grant MacEwan University Visiting Scholar Lecture Series. In this particular lecture, experts will explore how criminal justice intersects with social justice. Each guest speaker also leads an informal dialogue with a particular group of students. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Susan Sharpe - Restorative Justice consultant Val Napoleon - legal scholar Planning Partners: Grant MacEwan University, Faculty of Health and Community Studies Edmonton Restorative Justice Network |
| Attendance | Lecture: 50 including community members, professionals, and students Dialogue1: 40 social work students Dialogue 2: 30 second year correctional services students |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback from all sectors was positive and a number of students continue to critically think about the questions posed to them: "Am I just?" and "How might I be more just?" |
| Event Description | The event, open to community agencies, community members, staff and inmates, will include speakers in the morning and 4 interactive workshops in the afternoon. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Lorrisa Donahue - past offender Jane Orydzuk - President, Victims of Homicide Support Society Colleen Lynch - past Women's Integration chaplain Planning Partners: Edmonton Institution for Women |
| Attendance | 48 inmates from Edmonton Institution for Women and 96 guests including mentors, an Elder from Provincial Corrections, and people from the Citizen Advisory Committee, Muster Seed, Elizabeth Fry, Mentors, Berkana House - Calgary Parole, and Edmonton Police Services |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | The event was a great success. It provided the forum to understand the dynamics of the restorative principles from numerous approaches. It gave community partners an opportunity to interact with the women at Edmonton Institution for Women and provide the women insight and knowledge into how they can integrate restorative justice into their healing journeys. |
| Event Description | The presenters at this conference will speak of their experiences with Restorative Justice; healing, forgiveness, and the ability to change. The event will open and close in song. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Annette Stanwick, BScN - speaker and Restorative Justice Advocate Julia Loewen - speaker and singer who talks on issues of mental illness Elder Dave LaSwiss - respected elder Planning Partners: Restorative Justice Committee, Edmonton Institution Regional Chaplaincy CSC Transformation Team |
| Attendance | 54 including keynote and guest speakers, community partners, community pastors and chaplains from various churches/institutions, university members, National Parole Board staff, and staff from other correctional institutions. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | The feedback from various attendees was positive; a very good first event on which we can continue to build and include a more diverse list of speakers and through a vigorously co-ordinated approach, seek to have the Mayor, MLAs and MPs present. |
| Event Description | The Society will honour their volunteers by the presentation of awards, Provide a briefing on Society's accomplishments and some short speech's Facilitate a short Question and Answer period |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Susan Alexander Smith - Public Legal Education Network of Alberta JJ Beauchamp - Innisfail Restorative Justice Society Planning Partner: Innisfail Restorative Justice Society |
| Attendance | 35 including Innisfail and Penhold Mayors, the Crown Prosecutor, Clergy, a representative from Bowden Institution, a representative from Alberta Solicitor General, and other community members |
| Media Coverage | Innisfail Province - local newspaper |
| Feedback | The event was very well appreciated by all. The guest speaker was excellent. Innisfail Restorative Justice Society recruited 4 new members and was asked to include schools, merchant and other associations should this event be repeated. |
| Event Description | This award is to be given annually by Mediation Services to a community member who best exemplifies Mary Wolfe's spirit of community service in peace-building. Each nominee will be featured, highlighting their work in the community. After the winner is announced and presented with the award, refreshments and reception to follow. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter and Planning Partner: Mediation Services Winnipeg |
| Attendance | 50 including Mediation Services Winnipeg staff, award nominees and recipients, their supporters, and some from the general public. |
| Media Coverage | Announced on CBC radio. |
| Feedback | Great evening, very nice start to the week, lots of fun. It was also quite well attended. The venue worked very well. |
| Event Description | The following films will be presented:
There will be a short discussion after each film, facilitated by the presenters. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters and Planning Partners: Mediation Services Micah House FASD Program (MCCM) John Howard Society Elizabeth Fry Society |
| Attendance | Small attendance |
| Media Coverage | Some coverage from the University of Winnipeg "Uniter". |
| Feedback | Good films however needed more promotion. |
| Event Description | Reading, reflection, and discussion with Sandy Tolan |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Sandy Tolan - author of "The Lemon Tree - An Arab, A Jew, and The Heart of the Middle East" Planning Partners: Mediation Services Winnipeg John Howard Society The Uniter Mennonite Central Committee Elizabeth Fry Society |
| Attendance | 175 general public and various conflict resolution practitioners. |
| Media Coverage | Promoted and covered on CBC radio's morning show. |
| Feedback | Very interesting and well received by audience. Thoughts from other related groups as to bringing Sandy Tolan back for another event. |
| Event Description | There will be four panellists speaking about their experience working with youth in a restorative context. After all have presented a panel discussion will follow. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Four panellists Planning Partners: Mediation Services Winnipeg John Howard Society |
| Attendance | 25 |
| Media Coverage | The panel discussion was recorded by CBC and used for programming the following morning. |
| Feedback | Fabulous event, excellent panel. Could have been promoted more. One problem was an event on the same day organized by Manitoba Justice that did compete with the target audience. |
PACIFIC
| Event Description | Discussing offender accountability in relation to institutional court, Restorative Justice & MBIS approaches. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Dr. Darryl Plecas - Professor, Fraser Valley University Meredith Eagan - Quakers Fostering Justice Planning Partners: Mountain Institution |
| Attendance | 80 Mountain Institution staff members from all ranks. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback received from staff who attended the presentation was extremely positive. |
| Event Description | Students/presenter/staff/offenders will participate in a centric circle to questions raised. The focus of this workshop was on relationship building and how the relationships we have between inmates and staff contribute to enhanced dynamic security in our community of Mountain Institution. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Liz Elliott - Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Planning Partners: Mountain Institution |
| Attendance | 30 offenders, 20 staff from various departments at Mountain Institution, 6 Criminology students from Simon Fraser University. Due to building capacity, an additional 20 + offenders were turned away. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | This workshop was well received by inmates and staff. It was also discovered at this workshop that offenders and staff have very different perspectives on accountability and this topic will continue to be explored post-workshop. |
| Event Description | Offender & staff workshop on the medicine wheel & how it relates to RJ. Each participant will be making their own wheels. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Brooke Hildebrandt - Aboriginal Correctional Program Officer Russell Point - Program Elder Jason Campbell - Aboriginal Correctional Program Officer Planning Partners: Mountain Institution |
| Attendance | 60 offenders and 20 staff from various departments at Mountain Institution. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Several positive comments were received from participants. |
| Event Description | Cindy will be speaking to all the junior high students in our local school district, to our community and to our volunteer group. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Cindy Gale - mother of bullying victim; public speaker Planning Partners: Kinette Club Cranbrook Nutters RCMP Community Policing Local School District |
| Attendance | Over 3,000 including 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students and 100 adult community members. |
| Media Coverage | Media coverage on local radio station and 2 articles in the local paper. |
| Feedback | "Your Life Counts - 180 Anti-Bullying Program did not meet the expectations of CDRJS or the audience in attendance." |
| Event Description | An hour of "non-threatening" Classical music with information about the music, composers and performers (some of it true). For the second year in a row, Jeff has featured Restorative Justice Week on his program, with information about RJ, principles, practices, resources, and related classical music. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Jeff O'Kelly - Radio host Planning Partners: Atlantic Restorative Justice Society Lillooet Restorative Justice |
| Attendance | Broadcast to a community of over 2,000 people. |
| Media Coverage | Radio Show |
| Feedback | Nil. |
| Event Description | Both morning and afternoon sessions will be experienced as a circle process, with Circle introductions, stories, discussion and close. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Dan & Heather Basham - past participants with Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association Liz Elliot - Co-Director, Centre for Restorative Justice; Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Susan Underwood - Coordinator, Partners in Learning Planning Partners: Partners in Learning Centre for Restorative Justice Simon Fraser University Mission Institution CAC Chaplaincy, Mission Institution |
| Event Description | Theme: Communities Responding to Human Needs Keynote Speaker: Rene Durocher Art Sale Fundraiser Restorative Theatre Forum Lunch/Discussion in Inmate's Houses |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: René Durocher - past offender; Volunteer Coordinator, St. Leonard Society (Winnipeg), Stony Mountain Institution Planning Partners: Chaplaincy, Ferndale Institution Staff and Inmates, Ferndale Institution |
| Attendance | 30 inmates from Ferndale Institution and 90 community members including criminology students, CSC staff and volunteers, and partner agencies |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was consistently positive. One element that has grown over the past years is investment and level of leadership from the inmates at Ferndale. |
| Event Description | Keynote Speaker followed by a panel of experts. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: René Durocher - past offender; Volunteer Coordinator, Stony Mountain Institution Liz Elliott - Co-Director, Centre for Restorative Justice; Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Brian Lang - CSC Tim Veresh - John Howard Society of BC Planning Partners: School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University CSC Department of Criminology, Douglas College |
| Event Description | Please join us in kicking off Restorative Justice Week at our upcoming media event! After a brief introduction to restorative justice by circle practitioner Evelyn Zellerer, we will be hearing from two Windermere High School students about their experience practicing restorative justice in school, and from Windermere Youth and Family Worker Robert Best about the program's development. The event will conclude with a Mayoral Proclamation of Restorative Justice Week in Vancouver! |
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| Participants | Presenters: Evelyn Zellerer - Peace of the Circle Rob Schindel - Principal, Windermere High School Robert Best - Youth and Family Worker, Windermere High School Charlie Chen - Windermere High School alumnus Chanel Ly - Windermere High School student Doug LePard - Deputy Police Chief, Vancouver Police Department Gregor Robertson - Mayor, City of Vancouver Judge Gurmail S. Gill - Downtown Community Courts Planning Partner: Vancouver Association for Restorative Justice |
| Event Description | The event will begin with a light dinner, followed by our inspiring presenters, and culminating in our Annual General Meeting. |
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| Participants | Presenters: Liz Elliot - Associate Profession, Simon Fraser University Other guests to be announced Planning Partner: Vancouver Association for Restorative Justice |
| Event Description | Our speakers have the experience and the passion to help us look at some of the following: What are the needs of a person coming from prison back to the community? How can people in the community help in meeting these needs? How can we make communities safer places? How can we deal with fears? If prison is like a box, then can we think outside of the box at least part of the time? |
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| Participants | Presenters: Patrick Storey - Manager Community Relations and Training, National Parole Board - Pacific Stephanie Hronek - Parole Officer, Victoria Parole James Dahnke - parolee Two William Head Institution inmates approaching parole Planning Partners: Restorative Justice Coalition, William Head Institution Management and staff, William Head Institution The Inmate Welfare Committee, William Head Institution Restorative Justice Victoria Society |
| Attendance | 73 including both community members and individuals from William Head Institution. |
| Media Coverage | Article in Out of Bounds Prison Magazine, published at William Head Institution. |
| Feedback | The feedback of people who attended the symposium has been very positive. |
NATIONAL
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
National Restorative Justice Symposium
November 18-20, 2009
David Niles (A/Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Institutional Operations, CSC), co-master of ceremonies.
The 2009 National Restorative Justice Symposium was hosted by Community Mediation Services in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The conference attracted over 150 delegates, with over 60 of those coming from outside the province - making this the largest restorative justice gathering in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Symposium was opened on November 18 by the Co-Masters of Ceremonies, David Niles, Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner of CSC Atlantic Region and Crystal Anderson of the RCMP Community Justice Forum program in Labrador. The gathering got off to a smooth start and stayed on that tack for the duration, thanks in large part to the hard work of Noreen Byrne, key conference organizer for Community Mediation Services.
The opening panel, moderated by Dr. John Scott, gave an overview of the local and national state of restorative justice.
Left to right: Barbara Tomporowski (Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General, Saskatchewan), Shayne MacDonald (Miawpukek First Nation), Bobbie Boland (Restorative Justice Advocate), Kent Coish (RCMP Labrador), and Jim Carroll (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary).
Panel members included:
- Barbara Tomporowski - Federal Provincial Territorial Working Group on Restorative Justice
- Shayne MacDonald - Miawpukek First Nation
- Sergeant Kent Coish - RCMP Labrador
- Superintendent Jim Carroll - Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
- Bobbie Boland - local restorative justice advocate
Dan McGettigan (Retired Parole Officer) accepting the certificate from Hugh Kirkegaard (Regional Chaplain, CSC) and Clara Rendell (St. Johns Area Director, CSC).
In the evening, delegates received a true Newfoundland welcome at the "Kitchen Party" which included a performance by the St. Pat's Dancers. Dan McGettingan was recognized at this event for his years of pioneering work in restorative justice in Newfoundland. Later on, music was provided by the local band Siochanna (which means "peace" in Gaelic), which is made up mostly of members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
Jennifer Llewellyn (Faculty of Law, Dalhousie University) delivering the keynote address.
Day Two opened with the keynote address by internationally renowned restorative justice academic, Jennifer Llewellyn, professor in the Faculty of Law at Dalhousie University. She primed the discussion with a presentation on the relational aspects of restorative justice.
Six concurrent workshops followed, including:
- Government-Community Collaborations presented by Jennifer Walker - National Office for Victims, Public Safety Canada Tanya Rugge - Corrections Research, Public Safety Canada
- Reflection from a Women's Forum on Restorative Justice presented by Vyda Ng - Coalition Against Violence
- Restorative Justice in an Aboriginal Community presented by Irene Joe, Miawpukek First Nations
- Circles of Support and Accountability presented by Andrew McWhinnie - Correctional Service Canada, Chaplaincy
- Restorative Approaches in Correctional Environments presented by Tania Petrellis, Correctional Service Canada, Restorative Justice Division
- Restorative Justice in School Communities presented by Dorothy Vaandering - Faculty of Education, Memorial University
Mark Yantzi (Restorative Opportunities Mediator) telling his story.
The evening of Day Two included a banquet where the National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award was presented. Just before the banquet, the Inclusion Choir delighted the crowd with their performances of beloved Newfoundland songs.
The conference wrapped up on November 20 with a breakfast and a story tellers circle where local and national practitioners shared their experiences working on the front line of the field, both in the past and present. It was a fitting farewell, as the sunlit banquet hall echoed with lively discussion right up until Emcees Crystal Anderson and David Niles bid everyone a safe journey home.
Feedback on the conference has been very positive: people were happy for the connections, the dialogue, the inspiring words and the fun they experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here are some quotes from those who assembled:
"This conference had an intimate feel to it - the people here really connected with one another,"
- Cathy Ann Kelly, Ontario
"This is the most substantive discussion I have heard at a restorative justice gathering since Satisfying Justice in 1997"
- Hugh Kirkegaard, Nova Scotia
"This conference is a landmark for the RJ movement in our province - this will move things to the next level for us."
- Dan McGettigan, Newfoundland and Labrador
In terms of media coverage, three articles appeared in the St. John's Telegram on November 19, 20, and 21. Also, the local CBC Morning Show did an interview with Jennifer Llewellyn.
The National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award
In June 1999, the CSC announced the creation of the Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award in honour of the late Ron Wiebe, former Warden of Ferndale and Elbow Lake Correctional Institutions, who was terminally ill with cancer and who passed away July, 1999. Ron was deeply committed to the vision and values of restorative justice and modelled these as an expression of faith in his family, his work and his community life. This award recognises Canadians who have demonstrated, through their work or lifestyle, ways of transforming human relationships, by enabling and promoting communication and healing between people in conflict, be they victims, offenders, colleagues, families or neighbours.
The award grew out of a deep desire on the part of former CSC Commissioner, Ole Ingstrup, to create a lasting tribute to his friend and colleague who was a true visionary in the field of corrections. CSC's National Steering Committee on Restorative Justice, of which Ron was a member, and the Restorative Justice and Dispute Resolution Branch of CSC, accepted joint responsibility for providing leadership to develop an appropriate honour. The Selection Committee for the Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award includes a variety of voices, including victim, ex-offender, community and government representatives. The award itself is created around the image of a tree - which for Ron Wiebe symbolized many things: endurance, regeneration, growth and interconnectedness.
Distinguished 2009 Award Nominees:
- Pierre Allard - President, Just.Equipping
- Danisha Bhaloo - Case Worker, Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Montreal
- Etta Connor - Restorative Justice Trainer Coordinator, Peninsula Crossroads Community Justice Program
- Janet-Sue Hamilton - Retired Warden, Edmonton Institution for Women
- Doreen Lesperance - Native Program Coordinator, Edmonton Young Offender Centre
- Karen Youden Walsh - Retired Career Development Practitioner, YMCA - YWCA
The recipient of the 2009 National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award was John McKendy (posthumous), facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project and Circles of Support, and Sociology Professor and Peace Activist in Fredericton, NB.
This year's ceremony was held on November 19 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador at the Battery Hotel, as part of the National Restorative Justice Symposium. As an introduction to the award presentation, Jordan Wiebe, one of Ron Wiebe's sons, delivered a speech in honour of his father's values and vision for which he received a standing ovation. David Niles, Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Institutional Operations, CSC, followed with a presentation outlining the history and current status of Restorative Justice within CSC including the Ron Wiebe Award. Finally, Tania Petrellis, Director of the Restorative Justice Division, CSC and Nicole Raymond, Director of "Service action communautaire Outaouais Inc." gave an overview of each nominee for this year's Award.
Carol Wakeham (wife of recipient John McKendy) and daughter Colleen accepting the Ron Wiebe Award from David Niles (A/Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Institutional Operations, CSC).
The Award was presented by Mr. David Niles and Mr. Jordan Wiebe. It was accepted by his widow, Carol Wakeham, with their daughter Colleen also in attendance. Ms. Wakeham delivered a very moving speech as she accepted the award in her husband's name and memory. The courage and compassion of her words and presence brought everyone to their feet once more. The Award statue presented called the "Dance of Gratitude" was created by Levi Gustav Semigak, and Inuit carver from Nain, Labrador. The statue, carved from gypsum and standing nine inches tall, symbolized a dancing bear who is giving thanks for what has been received from others.
To read more about this year's recipient or to access a copy of the presentation of nominees, of Jordan Wiebe's comments, or of Carol Wakeham's acceptance speech, please visit the Restorative Justice Division's National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award WebPage: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rj/ronwiebe/rec09-eng.shtml.
- Date modified :
- 2012-04-20