Restorative Justice Week 2010
Reflexions Past, Present and Future
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
In contrast to the traditional criminal justice system in Canada, restorative justice (RJ) views crime and conflict differently. Rather than simply viewing crime as laws that are broken, restorative justice focuses on the harm caused by crime and/or conflict and the means to minimize and repair the harm experienced by all parties involved.
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 government 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 a sense of 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 submitting a proposal for the development of a National RJ Association.
- Public Safety Canada agreed to provide $7.4 million over five years to support 16 Circles of Support and Accountability projects across Canada.
- Nova Scotia is near the end of its 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.
- Funding and undertaking research, evaluation and data collection.
- Considering how RJ fits with public discourse about crime and justice.
Correctional Service Canada's (CSC) 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 has been 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. 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 19 other countries:
Australia
Ireland 
Netherlands
Rwanda
United Kingdom
Congo
Jamaica
New Zealand
Sierra Leone
United States of America
Fiji
Japan
Nigeria 
South Africa
Zambia
India
Kenya
Philippines
Trinidad & Tobago
CSC, working with a wide network of partners, has ensured the expansion and promotion of RJ 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 responses to crime and the areas where restorative justice has had a demonstrated impact on addressing 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 RJ processes and initiatives;
- Inform the public of the multitude of RJ 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 2010
Theme
The theme for Restorative Justice Week 2010 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, "Reflexions Past, Present and Future" was selected as it acknowledges the beginning of a new decade as a good time to reflect on the growth and achievements of the past; to take stock of the present; and to set new objectives for the future.
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.
The roots of restorative justice lie in enduring principles and values expressed in a growing and dynamic movement that challenges Canadians in their thinking about crime, conflict, and the traditional criminal justice system. Reflection creates the foundation for assessing situations, generating connections between theory and practice, and developing a deeper understanding of an approach and its application. In reflecting upon RJ, one is able to:
- Look back and celebrate those who have laid the groundwork and championed the development of restorative justice in Canada and throughout the world;
- Look at the present and recognize those who are working in the field of restorative justice and share best practices/knowledge; and
- Look at the future in support of those who continue to build and advance the role of restorative justice in its application in the Canadian criminal justice system, as well as other Canadian social systems.
Based on the theme presented, the Gatineau-based graphic design firm Kaméléons et Cie, participated in a consultation process to capture the theme and produce an image to convey its meaning. As a result, the image produced illustrates the knowledge and various groups upon which RJ was built, the stalk represented by people/community hold RJ as it continues to develop in the present, and the seeds blowing into the wind depict RJ’s future as new seeds are disbursed. This image represented Restorative Justice Week 2010 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 included written collaborations by victims, community members, restorative justice practitioners, and criminal justice partners sharing general information on Restorative justice, as well as stories and experiences 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 was a means for people to advertise RJ Week and associated events within their local environments.
Bookmarks
Prepared and distributed by the Restorative Justice Division. These bilingual bookmarks were developed as a promotional item.
Interfaith Leaflet
Prepared and distributed by the Chaplaincy Division and the Church Council on Justice and Corrections. 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 and distributed by the Restorative Justice Division. This document was used by municipalities and provinces to proclaim Restorative Justice Week.
Orders
Restorative Justice Week 2010 materials were available on the CSC internet website allowing for a wider audience to access the materials on a national and international level. The materials (with the exception of the Interfaith and Christian Leaflets) were also available to order, free of charge, through the submission of the online form or by mail, fax, and email.
This year the Restorative Justice Division processed over 720 new orders for RJ Week 2010 materials. It should be noted that individuals and organisations who ordered in the past continue to receive one of each available resource (kit, poster, and bookmark).
A total of 1664 Basic Resource Kits, 2362 posters, and 9939 bookmarks were sent to various individuals, community organisations, correctional institutions, bookstores, etc.
| PE | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YT | Int'l | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kits | 0 | 98 | 73 | 1 | 125 | 144 | 76 | 333 | 211 | 70 | 0 | 425 | 16 | 63 |
| Posters | 0 | 58 | 189 | 5 | 207 | 262 | 104 | 551 | 34 | 195 | 0 | 519 | 27 | 176 |
| Bookmarks | 0 | 534 | 830 | 20 | 742 | 1360 | 400 | 500 | 487 | 720 | 0 | 2098 | 80 | 648 |
Proclamations
Proclamation information was sent out to 4364 municipalities across Canada using a list obtained from Database Directories. This year, 378 municipalities proclaimed Restorative Justice Week 2010, representing 8.66% of Canadian municipalities and 21.66% of the Canadian population.
| PEI | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won't Proclaim | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.17 | 0 | 0.11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Don't Proclaim | 0 | 1.49 | 1.67 | 0 | 0 | 2.23 | 0.38 | 0 | 0.25 | 0 | 0 | 2.77 | 0 |
| Proclaimed | 6.49 | 19.40 | 18.33 | 6.34 | 10.79 | 12.67 | 6.82 | 2.16 | 8.13 | 5.66 | 0 | 11.34 | 3.45 |
| PEI | NS | NB | NL | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | NT | NU | BC | YK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | 9.99 | 67.77 | 22.62 | 8.43 | 5.95 | 26.36 | 6.68 | 45.75 | 9.58 | 9.58 | 0 | 27.82 | 5.02 |
Additionally, 4 provinces proclaimed Restorative Justice Week 2010: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.
Events
The Restorative Justice Divisionof CSC gathered information about Restorative Justice Week 2010 events occuring across Canada. As RJ Week is celebrated by more and more communities in Canada, it continues to be a challenge to collect information about all the events that took place nationally. Event organizers are responsible for the reporting of events to CSC’s RJ Division. Consequently, some RJ Week events may not have been brought to the Division’s attention and may not be represented in the following sections.
ATLANTIC
| Event Description | Anne Marie Hagen spoke about her journey to healing and restoration and what the relationship between her and her father’s killer is now like - and the impact that it has on her. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Anne Marie Hagen Planning Partners: |
| Attendance | 60 inmates and 7 staff members. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was positive and the inmates were really inspired by Anne. |
| Event Description | Training for future Restorative Justice facilitators in Bouctouche, NB. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Marie Dumont, a corporal with the NB RCMP, RJ facilitator Planning Partners: |
| Attendance | 9 RCMP members including Program Officers, a member of Probation Services, a Chief Judge, 3 Social Workers, and 4 members of the community. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Great feedback received. |
| Event Description | The film “As We Forgive” was presented and followed by a discussion on how it relates to Restorative Justice. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Kathleen Heaney, fourth year sociology and women’s studies student; Karlie Hanoski, fourth year political science and women’s studies student; Jess Earle, fourth year sociology student. |
| Event Description | The event saw young people gathered together to connect and talk about issues of concern to them. The emphasis for the forum was placed on youth building relationships by allowing them to tell their “stories”. This was accomplished by breaking out into several groups for facilitated discussion. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Graduates from Portage Atlantic, RCMP members, Drinking and Driving survivors, and other local speakers. Planning Partners: Students of Sussex Regional High School, Sussex Regional High School (staff and management),John Howard Society NB, RCMP, Mr. Ken Smith. |
| Attendance | 200 people including students, staff and community members. |
| Media Coverage | 4 newspaper articles. |
| Feedback | Feedback was positive with both adults and youth saying they had a great experience and found it very inspiring. |
QUÉBEC
| Event Description | Both speakers related the life of Brother André, newly canonized by the Church, to the principles of Restorative Justice. This reference to the past helped us validate these principles in our life today and see the future with hope. A victim, an ex-offender and a volunteer shared with us how Restorative Justice is a beacon and support in their daily lives. We also broke out into small groups of 8 to 10 to share our own experiences with Restorative Justice. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Fernand Bessette ,Restorative Justice advocate for 10 years, a Brother of Holy Cross, community chaplain supporting offenders in their return to the community; Lucie Germain, a Sister of Holy Cross and former chaplain at Donnacona Institution. Planning Partners: Centre de services de justice réparatrice, Coordinator, Estelle Douvin, Carrefour Foi et Spiritualité Aumônerie Communautaire de Montréal, Coordinator, Laurent Champagne, Oratoire Saint Joseph |
| Attendance | 125+ people including offenders, victims, community members and volunteers. |
| Media Coverage | Online article : http://24hmontreal.canoe.ca/24hmontreal/actualites/archives/2010/11/20101114-175217.html |
| Feedback | Participants were surprised by the amazing stories they heard and greatly appreciated the presentation by “le Centre étudiant Benoît Lacroix”. |
| Event Description | This was an evening to celebrate and recognize everything being done in Restorative Justice. We reflected on our personal and community engagement in promoting RJ as a complement to Restorative Justice. This was reflected in the experiences shared by the speakers and those in attendance. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters A number of speakers were on hand, since we wanted to focus on “Reflexions Past, Present and Future Planning Partners: Centre de services justice réparatrice, Coordinator, Estelle Drouvin; Carrefour Foi et Spiritualité Aumônerie Communautaire de Montréal, Coordinator, Laurent Champagne |
| Attendance | 125+ people including offenders, victims, community members and volunteers. |
| Feedback | We have had some very positive feedback. |
ONTARIO
| Event Description | Both speakers discussed their background and how their interest in Restorative Justice impacted their decisions and their work. They shared their experiences in working with Restorative Justice and how it impacted both victims and offenders. Following their presentations there was a question and answer period. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Ottawa Police Chief Vern White Chief of Police Chief White Commissioners Commendation, Commanding Officer's Commendation, and a Queens Jubilee Medal; Dave Farthing Executive Director of YOUCAN, recipient of "The Ron Wiebe Award" and "The Queen Jubilee Medal". Planning Partners: Kate Johnston, Chaplain at Pittsburgh Inst, Manon Buck, Restorative Justice Division, Inmate Committee at Pittsburgh Inst. |
| Attendance | 70 people including staff and inmates. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Both staff and inmates enjoyed and appreciated the speakers and found it very informative. |
| Event Description | Organizations and individuals involved in Restorative Justice, or using restorative practices in the Kingston Area were given a brief overview of the work that they do. There was an opportunity for questions and discussion. This was followed by a time to look at group displays and chat while enjoying light refreshments. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: K3C ResolveKingston; Salvation Army Freedom Ministries (SAFE, CoSA etc); Kingston Community Chaplaincy Restorative Justice Program at Queen’s School of Religion; Others as they come forward Planning Partners: K3C ResolveKingston with the support of Kingston Community Chaplaincy; The Restorative justice Program of Queen’s School of Religion and Bethel Church. |
| Attendance | 25 people including community members, presenters and representatives of the organization presenting. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was very positive. People found the presentations very informative. |
| Event Description | This unique one day forum featured Serge LeClerc, author of the bestselling book, Untwisted. The morning was spent in an interactive discussion with Serge. The afternoon was comprised of breakout sessions, covering several topics related to Restorative Justice. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Serge LeClerc, motivational keynote speaker, an ex-offender (21 years, now pardoned), MLA in the Saskatchewan Legislature from 2007 until recently, author. There were also a number of breakout session facilitators. Planning Partners: Grand Valley Institution for Women; Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council; Mennonite Central Committee Restorative Justice Division; Community Justice Initiatives. |
| Attendance | 260 persons including guests, staff and women offenders. |
| Media Coverage | An interview was aired on 570 News. CTV aired a spot on their news broadcast that evening. An article also appeared in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record. |
| Feedback | The forum successfully raised the profile of Restorative Justice and resulted in excellent networking and momentum building. |
| Event Description | MP Cadman shared her personal story of victim-offender mediation. Dona was joined by Sandi Bergen and Angela Gates, the two mediators who facilitated this process with Dona and her family. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Dona Cadman, MP; Sandi Bergen, Co-Director of the Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association, facilitator with the organization’s Victim-Offender Mediation Program; Angela Gates, CSC’s mediators in the Restorative Opportunities program in the Atlantic Region. Planning Partners: Restorative Opportunities; Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives. |
| Attendance | Approximately 30 people, mainly CSC staff. |
| Media Coverage | An article in CSC’s News@Work online publication. |
| Feedback | Participants enjoyed the presentation and found Dona Cadman very interesting. |
PRAIRIES
| Event Description | The Restorative Justice Awards recognized outstanding persons and organizations in Edmonton and provided an opportunity to highlight success stories from within the Restorative Justice sector. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Planning Partners: Edmonton Restorative Justice Network; REACH Edmonton: Council for Safe Communities. |
| Attendance | 100+ people including Restorative Justice practitioners, criminal justice system professionals and the general public. |
| Media Coverage | CTV, CBC TV, and a article in the Edmonton Journal. |
| Feedback | Positive comments were received that all 11 nominees were publicly recognized. |
| Event Description | This was an opportunity for mediators to learn and explore how they can apply restorative principles within the mediation process. Paula spoke about the benefits of this approach for when harm has occurred in workplace, family and community-based relationships. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Paula Drouin, Chartered Mediator and Executive Director of the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society. Planning Partner: The Mediation Interagency Network. |
| Attendance | 20 people including mediators and the general public. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | No feedback. |
| Event Description | In this introductory training workshop you learnt: the meaning of peacemaking circles, the foundational values and philosophy of circle practice, ceremony of circle rituals, structure of circle process, role of facilitator, practical applications |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Kay Pranis, trainer, facilitator for peacemaking circles. Planning Partner: Alberta Restorative Justice Association, Mustard Seed Edmonton, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton Restorative Justice Network, Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese and Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security |
| Attendance | 32 people. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Participants were enthusiastic about using the training process in their work. Most felt that they would want to continue with the training after they had practised it in their personal and professional lives. |
| Event Description | The event opened with a PowerPoint presentation and choir performance. The afternoon included 5 workshops: "Reflexions through Poetry"; "Community Restorative Justice"; "Restorative Justice for Dummies"; and "Forgiveness" : "Reflexions". The event closed with a performance from Native Sister Hood Drummers and Flag Dances. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Cathee Tkachuk, serving inmate (lifer); Alyssa Michelle, currently on a conditional release in the community; Margot Van Sluytman, poet and author of the book "The Other Inmate”. There were also a number of workshop presenters. Planning Partner: Edmonton Institution for Women Restorative Justice Committee. |
| Attendance | 139 people including community visitors, staff and inmates. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was excellent. The attendees felt the event was a powerful experience and thought the format was fantastic with food, choir, drummers and speakers. |
| Event Description | In addition to the keynote addressed, there was a choice of 8 workshops relating Restorative Justice to different groups within communities as well as a welcome reception and the annual general meeting for the Alberta Restorative Justice Association. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Dr. Val Napoleon, associate professor with the University of Alberta, publisher, teacher; Dr. Pierre Allard ,Correctional Service Canada as Chaplain, Director of Chaplaincy, and Assistant Commissioner, President of Just.Equipping. Planning Partners: Alberta Restorative Justice Association; Alberta Solicitor General & Public Security; Edmonton Restorative Justice Network; Grant MacEwan University; Mustard Seed Edmonton; Office of Social Justice, Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. |
| Attendance | 194 people including agencies who offered Restorative Justice programs, First Nations and Metis Settlements groups, Government groups, Police Services, Faith Groups, Private Restorative Justice Practitioners, Youth Justice Groups, |
| Media Coverage | Edmonton Journal and Western Catholic Reporter, as well as various agencies and government Newsletters. |
| Feedback | The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Overall the conference provided participants with information and inspiration to become involved in Restorative Justice at some level. |
| Event Description | We presented the Youth Activity Centre Video and Crystal and Derek took questions afterwards. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Derek Melchert, outreach worker at PA Outreach, Certified Life Skills Coach, professional musician; Crystal Small, PAPHR, PA Outreach. Planning Partners: Prince Albert Outreach; Youth Activity Centre; Addictions Services. |
| Event Description | Opening prayer by Elder Ernest Daniels; Traditional dancing: Onashowewin dancers; Proclamation from Manitoba Justice; Hip hop performance by Broadway Neighbourhood Centre’s Hip Hop Academy artists |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Emcee Cora Morgan, Executive Director, Onashowewin Planning Partner: Manitoba Justice |
| Event Description | Presentation by Floyd Wiebe, named for Floyd’s son T.J. Wiebe who was murdered in 2003. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Floyd Wiebe, Executive Director of Gang Awareness for Parents (GAP) and co-founder of TJ’s Gift Foundation. Planning Partner: Manitoba Justice |
| Event Description | Watched videos followed by a Q & A period and a tour of the Neighbourhood Centre. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Our World – video with youth and staff from Just TV Planning Partner: Manitoba Justice |
| Event Description | Nominees and award recipient were celebrated for their community service in peace-building. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Mediation Services Planning Partner: Manitoba Justice |
| Event Description | Fundraising chilli and bannock lunch; Piped ceremony; Presentation of Onashowewin’s Guiding Principles and presentation of Workshops and Client Profiles. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Planning Partner: Manitoba Justice |
PACIFIC
| Event Description | The Warden of Matsqui Institution welcomed the guests and opened the forum for guest speakers Glenn Patterson and Shane Pointe, followed by a roundtable discussion with our Aboriginal team. Daryl Plecas provided a speech on how Restorative Justice impacts the institution. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Glenn Patterson, institutional elder; Fay Gray, Aboriginal Correctional Program Officer; Cindy Walker, Aboriginal Liaison Officer; Shane Pointe, Knowledge Keeper by the Greater Vancouver Aboriginal Community; Darryl Plecas, Director for the Centre for Public Safety and Criminal Justice Research at University of the Fraser Valley. Planning Partners: Matsqui Restorative Justice Committee; Manon Buck, NHQ Restorative Justice. |
| Attendance | 100 people including staff, Warden, Parole Officers, Correctional Officers, Teachers, Program Officers, Managers and Guest Speakers. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was positive. People enjoyed the guest speakers. |
| Event Description | Dr. Allard addressed the morning meeting for correctional managers and spoke to inmates at the Chapel. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter:Dr. Pierre Allard former Assistant Commissioner, Community Engagement, for the Correctional Service of Canada, President of Just. Equipping, and recipient of many awards and honorary degrees Planning Partners: Matsqui Restorative Justice Committee; |
| Attendance | 55 people including inmates, staff and Warden. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Many people felt Dr. Allard’s visit was “truly a delight”. There was a sense that he touched many people. Many inmates even signed up for a Restorative Justice course at the institution and made approaches to the Victim Offender Mediation Program. |
| Event Description | Aaron Lyons’ presentation was about Restorative Justice and its relation to victim-offender mediation. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Aaron Lyons Planning Partners: Matsqui Restorative Justice Committee; Manon Buck, NHQ Restorative Justice; Sandi Bergen, Community Justice Initiatives. |
| Attendance | 50 people. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was positive. Some inmates were able to speak with Aaron Lyons regarding offender/victim mediation. |
| Event Description | Celine Lee spoke about her experience and going through the process of getting ready to engage the offender in written and face to face dialogue. She described the roller coaster of emotions experienced throughout the process and shared some information about victimization and trauma. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Celine Lee Planning Partner: Kent Institution's Restorative Justice Committee |
| Attendance | 30 staff members. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Celine’s presentation meant a lot to everyone in attendance and has a lasting impression on Kent Institution. |
| Event Description | A powerful movie called “The Experiment” which is based on a famous 1971 Stanford University prison experiment was played. The ensuing discussion focussed on Restorative Justice in all aspects social interaction. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Planning Partners: The Restorative Justice Committee, Kent Institution's Restorative Justice Committee. |
| Attendance | 20 staff members. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | The movie had a positive effect on the great need that exists for awareness of both self and others in the world in which we live and work. |
| Event Description | Meredith Egan talked with offenders about “Restorative Justice in Prison”. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Meredith Egan, Programme Coordinator for Quakers Fostering Justice, Founding Coordinator at the Centre for Restorative Justice at Simon Fraser University, co-founder of Deep Humanity Institute. Planning Partner: Kent Institution's Restorative Justice Committee |
| Attendance | 120 people offenders and staff. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Offenders were noticeably engaged and motivated through Meredith’s insight. There were ongoing requests to continue the conversation regarding Restorative Justice. |
| Event Description | Broadcaster Jeff O’Kelly devoted a section of his morning show, “Snooze Button” to Restorative Justice. There was a podcast for each day of RJ week. The Restorative Justice section of the program was featured in the second quarter of the hour. Jeff spoke a bit about Restorative Justice, featured some clips from others speaking about RJ, and featured a “reflective” piece of music dedicated to RJ each day. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Broadcaster Jeff O’Kelly Planning Partner: Lillooet Restorative Justice Program; Radio Lillooet |
| Attendance | Broadcast to the community. |
| Media Coverage | Radio Show. |
| Event Description | Introductory training for Community Justice Program volunteers in facilitating the RCMP approved Community Justice Forum Model. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Sharon Blaker, RCMP Community Justice Forums Trainer, coordinator for “E” Division; Sarah Chandler, Lillooet Restorative Justice Program Coordinator, CJF Trainer in Practicum. Planning Partner: Lillooet Restorative Justice Program, RCMP “E” Division, with support from the Government of British Columbia and the District of Lillooet |
| Attendance | 17 people. |
| Media Coverage | Advertised in the weekly local paper. |
| Event Description | Partners and volunteers were a visible presence at the local shopping mall, helping to fill the ambulance with donations to the food banks and presiding over tables of information on programs and services offered by the partners. The Lillooet Restorative Justice table featured our story board, pamphlets and candy, and volunteers to answer questions. RJ Week posters were featured on Mall bulletin boards. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Lillooet Community Partners Resource Group, including: Lillooet Restorative Justice Program, St’at’imc Justice Inc., Lillooet Ambulance ,BC Interior Health Authority, Lillooet Friendship Centre, RCMP, St’at’imc Tribal Police Planning Partners: Lillooet Community Partners Resource Group Old Mill Plaza Merchants Association Buy Low Foods, Lillooet. |
| Event Description | Sarah Chandler conducted a short workshop with students in each of the combined grade classrooms at the school. She then met with teachers separately at their staff meeting to discuss restorative practices, their experience, questions and concerns. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Sarah Chandler, facilitator, coordinated the Lillooet Restorative Justice Program. |
| Attendance | Students from kindergarten to grade 12. |
| Event Description | The program was a very interactive and experiential and was attended by several people currently residing at William Head Institution alongside people from the “outside” community of Greater Victoria. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Michael Tacon, Program Director of The Well Foundation, program presented: “Awakening the Dreamer/Changing the Dreams Planning Partner: CSC at William Head Institution. |
| Attendance | 44 people. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Everyone who attended enjoyed the event and cannot wait for the next one. |
| Event Description | Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard spoke followed by the panellists. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard, Former Assistant Commissioner, Community Engagement, CSC; Susan Underwood, Partners in Learning; Art Shofley, Elder, Parole Board of Canada; Dr. Liz Elliott, Associate Professor of Criminology, Simon Fraser University; Brian Lang, Director, Community Corrections, CSC. Planning Partners: School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University; Correctional Service of Canada; Department of Criminology, Douglas College |
| Event Description | The Virks spoke to the school audience about the impact of bullying and the needs and pressures of youth. The evening session for the general public focused on their experiences with the criminal justice system and Restorative Justice. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Suman and Manjit Virk, parents of 14 year old Reena Virk who was murdered in Victoria, British Columbia in 1997. Planning Partner: Pender Island Restorative Justice Program |
| Attendance | 50 students, teachers and parents for the afternoon. 150 including general community, RCMP, Victims Services and Fire Department. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Feedback was very positive. Many people expressed how they were touched by the Virk’s story, their compassion and bravery and a number of people signed up for a three day training in Restorative Justice. |
| Event Description | Free community workshops on the philosophy of Restorative Justice and its alternative approach to addressing crime, discipline and conflict in our community. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Haroon Bajwa, Program Coordinator for the Richmond Restorative Justice Program. |
| Attendance | 17 people including University students, school staff and a psychiatrist. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Felt the presentation was quite informative and found the group discussions and Restorative Justice examples very worthwhile. |
| Event Description | In this free public workshop participants learned what Restorative Justice is, how it works, and how it is practised in Victoria. The audience had an opportunity to participate in a mock RJ conference to gain insight into the experience and effectiveness of Restorative Justice. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenters: Laura Fellman, Victoria Restorative Justice Society; Jitka Zelenkova, Restorative Justice Victoria; Constable Mark Buerfeind, Youth Investigator with the Victoria Police Department and the Police Liaison with the Victoria Restorative Justice Society. Planning Partner: Vancity Credit Union |
| Attendance | 12 people. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Information was well received with many questions suggesting those who attended were very engaged in the topic. |
| Event Description | HeartSpeak Productions Film Presentation: The Reena Virk Story. Reena’s parents Suman and Manjit share the story of their daughter’s life and death through this moving film related to Restorative Justice. This film was viewed, a discussion occurred, as well as a presentation was given of 2009 highlights of Restorative Justice on the North Shore. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Planning Partners: Atlantic Restorative Justice Society; Young Offenders Group. |
| Attendance | 45 people including students from Simon Fraser University, teaching professionals, Restorative Justice professors from Simon Fraser University, community members, high school students, youth workers, victim service workers, volunteers and producers of HeartSpeak Productions. |
| Media Coverage | No media coverage. |
| Feedback | Great event with a good turnout. Very thought provoking and would be a great presentation to do in high schools and elementary schools (with age appropriate language). |
| Event Description | Jenna’s visually illustrated presentation was the first time she shared her story publicly. The story looked at the journey of healing she reluctantly began ten years ago when she received a request for forgiveness from the man who murdered her father. The audience learnt the basic characteristics of both Restorative Justice and Compassionate Communication and through Jenna’s personal account, witnessed a demonstration of how empathic connection to feelings and needs can be transformative for participants in a Restorative Justice process. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Jenna Jordison. Planning Partners: North Shore Restorative Justice Society, BC Network for Compassionate Communication |
| Event Description | Attendees learnt briefly about what restorative justice is and what is happening in the Williams Lake Community. A DVD was also shown followed by a question and answer session. |
|---|---|
| Participants | Presenter: Williams Lake Community Council for Restorative Justice. Planning Partners: The City of Williams Lake; Community Policing. |
NATIONAL
Regina, Saskatchewan
November 14-16, 2010
The National Restorative Justice Symposium
The National Restorative Justice Symposium is an annual event held during Restorative Justice Week. Every year, the event is hosted by a different community-based agency in a different location around the country. The purpose of the National Symposium is to raise public, social, and government awareness about the use of restorative approaches and practices in addressing crime and conflict in Canadian society and the criminal justice system; to share information about restorative justice (RJ) programs and initiatives across Canada; to share resources and knowledge; to discuss emerging issues in RJ; to increase government-community collaboration; and to create opportunities for networking and partnerships among RJ academics, researchers, practitioners, organizations and government.
The 2010 Symposium was held at the Ramada Hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan, on November 14-16, 2010. The event was hosted by the John Howard Society – Regina Council and was organized with assistance and support from many organizations and individuals. The Symposium’s theme in 2010, like the theme for Restorative Justice Week, was “Reflexions Past, Present and Future”. The Symposium featured five workshop streams: youth, schools and families; Aboriginal justice; victim issues; national and international developments; and the future of RJ. All five streams were well attended and well received.
The event started with an optional tour of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre on Sunday afternoon followed by a Prairie Kitchen social highlighting local tastes, sounds, and artwork. Monday morning began with opening ceremonies and speeches by the Honourable Don Morgan, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Saskatchewan, and Don Head, Commissioner of the Correctional Service Canada. Participants then heard from James Scott and Donald Worme, Q.C. who spoke about the development of the RJ movement in Canada, where we are now, and challenges for the future. The rest of the day was dedicated to workshops.
Monday evening participants were invited to the Symposium Banquet where Sandi Pelletier, a Saskatchewan storyteller, described her mother’s experience as a Métis person whose community was relocated to Green Lake, Saskatchewan. Following the Symposium Banquet dinner, the National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award 2010 was presented.
Tuesday morning began with a plenary on victim’s issues in RJ. Ms. Warsing described how the victim-offender mediation process enabled her to come to terms with the murders of two of her children and the attempt on her own life. More workshops followed this plenary.
Overall, each Symposium participant was able to attend five of the 24 workshops offered.
Tuesday afternoon, participants were involved in an interactive exercise to discuss the past of RJ, current issues on RJ, followed by the future of RJ, and what they learned from the Symposium. Finally, the closing ceremony featured the Rock Hill Drumming Group from Yellowquill First Nation.
Some of the feedback on the Symposium:
…the scope of my practice may have changed as a result of this conference…a job well done.
I learned so much. The Planning Committee was not afraid – even took risks – by including provocative presenters (Sandi Pelletier) and cutting edge information based on the narrative and empirical data.
Excellent pace – good speakers, good food, good entertainment. What more can I say? Excellent job!
The 2010 Symposium was primarily advertised through e-mail distribution, a Symposium website, and word of mouth resulting in 330 registrants from across the country. The individuals who registered for the Symposium included: RJ practitioners and volunteers; Aboriginal justice and social justice practitioners ; criminal justice officials, including police, lawyers, and correctional workers; educators and academics; staff and volunteers from community-based agencies; members of faith groups; victims and those who work with victim-serving programs; offenders and those who work with offender-serving programs; and government officials.
For more information on the 2010 Symposium, including a copy of the program, visit the Symposium website at www.restorativejustice2010.com.
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 passed away from cancer in 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.
For 2010, the Restorative Justice Division chose a new Award Statue for the National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award. It was felt that this particular design represented the connected, inclusive and holistic nature of Restorative Justice through the metaphor of three-dimensional circles, all emerging from the same place and contained within a whole.
This year’s Ron Wiebe Award ceremony was held on November 14th in Regina, Saskatchewan at the Ramada Hotel, as part of the National Restorative Justice Symposium. The award presentation began with comments by Jason Wiebe, son of the late Ron Wiebe, and Commissioner Don Head, followed by a presentation about the 13 remarkable individuals who were nominated.
The recipient of the 2010 National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award was Dr. Elizabeth Elliott, Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University who earned the award by demonstrating her passion and dedication for restorative justice, while relentlessly building awareness and knowledge about this approach to justice. Ms. Elliott has been a driving force behind the restorative justice movement in this country for many years, and in doing so, she has influenced countless students, volunteers, inmates, and people working inside and outside the criminal justice and school systems. She has committed her life, in every way, to justice, peace, promoting restorative justice and helping people transform one life at a time, one community at a time, and one system at a time.
Brian McDonough, founder and president of Montreal Community Chaplaincy, was recognized by the Selection Committee with an honourable mention. Raising general public awareness about the importance of restorative justice has been a cornerstone of Brian’s involvement in social action activities. He is a true advocate and someone that has contributed in abundance to Restorative Justice in Quebec.
Other nominees for the 2010 Award Nominees:
- Andrew Ager, Youth Justice Coordinator, Canadian Mental Health Association – Cochrane-Temiskaming
- Angus Haggarty, Chaplain, CSC – Mountain Institution
- Claire Messier, Facilitator, Centre de services de justice réparatrice
- Gerry Ayotte, Chaplain, CSC – Pacific Regional Headquarters
- Hirsch Greenberg, Practicum Coordinator, University of Regina
- Ian McKenzie, Psychologist, CSC – Beaver Creek Correctional Services
- Irene Kodakin, Community Justice Coordinator, Deline First Nation Community Justice Committee
- James Michie, Restorative Justice Coordinator, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Keri Sullivan, Manager of Programs, CSC – Mountain Institution
- Raymond Gros Louis, Aboriginal National Elder, CSC – Drummond Institution
- Susan Love, Program Coordinator, Circles of Support and Accountability – Ottawa
To read more about this year’s recipient or to access a copy of the presentation of nominees, please visit the Restorative Justice Division’s National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award WebPage: www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rj/ronwiebe/2010/rec10-eng.shtml.
- Date modified :
- 2012-04-20