Session #1 Choices
The following five workshops will happen simultaneously on Thursday morning. Please read the descriptions and choose which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your workshop choices for a better chance at getting your top choice.
Traditional Conflict Resolution Renewal
Presenters:
JoAnne Yellowhorse and Sandra Scalplock
Aiskapimohkiiks (Es-gaw-bee-moh’-geeks) is an old Blackfoot language term that describes “paths and
guidance to proper decisions”. This term can be utilized for other applications for other outcomes in
other situations although for this process that is the application.
From time immemorial through the wisdom and inclusion of Elders in the initial application and
continued development of the program these methods were a part of the fabric of our societies and
maintaining peace and harmony within and between nomadic camps of our ancestors.
A. Mediation as is known in the English world to us is AIPOTSINIIMSTAAN (Ay-boo-tsee-nim-stawn)
describes the coming together of individuals, families or societies to share their view points to an
agreed path to follow to alleviate hurt and pain.
B. Arbitration also is described by the actual name of the Agency AISKAPIMOHKIIKS which describes
the collecting of information for a positive outcome usually presented to Elders, Society Leaders
or Camp Leaders for their combined input for a fair decision.
The warrior society – Crazy Dogs or All Brave Dogs (ancient word to modern derivative) were tasked with
these approaches as they were responsible for the safety of the camp as well as the Blackfoot territory
which required a protective zeal to maintain our continued survival.
The collective safety of the camp and other camps required this proven approach to maintain law and
order as was their prime directive.
Aipotsiniimsta (Mediation) and Aiskapimohkiiks (Arbitration) training is offered to community members
ranging from Elementary School, Jr High, Sr High, Post Secondary through to Elders to maintain a Siksika
capacity for the agency.
Siksika Chief and Council through a Tribal Council meeting approved and signed January 22, 2007 what is
known as “KIMMAPIPITSIN (Kindness) DECLARATION which governs the agency in a blessing ceremony
with a Siksika ceremonialist along with Elders and Society representatives witnessing.
Roots of Crime
Presenter:
Tracey Cyca
This presentation will outline the root causes of crime. The categories of Personal Factors, Familial
Factors, and Societal Factors will be explored individually, as well as how they overlap. Theories of crime
will be discussed according to biological, psychological, and sociological explanations. The final section
will explore the implications of these personal, familial, and societal factors on policies and programs
with a special focus on the Edmonton and Alberta areas.
An Introduction to Building a Restorative Culture in Your Classroom/School
Presenter:
Caroline Gosling and Sue Hopgood
This session will provide an overview of what a restorative culture could look like in a classroom and school. Participants will learn about principles behind restorative practices and how to embed them in day to day life resulting in a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment where students are able to engage in their best learning. Restorative practices in schools move away from a
‘catch and punish’ paradigm and instead focus on relationships and when necessary, repairing harm. This approach supports Alberta’s Education Act and the professional practice standards. Specific examples and strategies will be shared.
Cultural Sensitivity
Presenter:
Kelly Bron Johnson
Students will learn about systemic issues surrounding race and culture and how
their facilitation can influence and be influenced by bias. Learning to be aware of
how they can mitigate harm and work to remove as many barriers to participation
as possible. Learners will appreciate being empowered by information and ideas
they can immediately put into practice.
Takeaways: Students will receive a list of resources and research papers they can
use to deepen and enhance their knowledge of cultural and racial issues. Lists of
common accommodations and considerations will be provided.
Facilitators will learn how to approach situations with sensitivity and curiosity,
and learn how to accommodate for differences.
Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on Restorative Justice practices in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan.
Presenters:
Dr. Muhammad Asadullah and
Dr. Alana Abramson
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented shift in many aspects of Canada’s justice system. The
pandemic has influenced Canadians’ perceptions of public safety, with reported changes in the
frequency and types of crimes committed as well as changes in how justice institutions are
operating. Its impact 19 on restorative justice programs is enormous due to the shutdown of
offices, programs and prison visits. Referrals have plummeted, raising major concerns for the
future of many restorative justice programs across Canada. Despite the massive impact on
restorative justice programs, academic study of this impact is almost non-existent. This paper
explores the impact of the pandemic on restorative justice programs in three Canadian provinces:
Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. The primary data is collected from 60 in-depth
interviews of restorative justice stakeholders. Furthermore, we conduct a survey with relevant
justice stakeholders. Our findings show that the pandemic has resulted in innovative and novel
practices in how restorative justice programs are delivered in these provinces. However, we
observe that there are differences in how each of these provinces has adopted changes and these
programs are still evolving. Our findings shed light on how restorative justice practices are
adapting the reality of pandemic and provide future directions for similar programs in other places
around the world.
First Nations' Restoration of Peace and Order
Presenter: The Honourable Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin & Anthony L.R. Oliver
The gap in death rates between members of First Nations and residents of non-indigenous communities widened during the pandemic, exacerbated by a dramatic jump in toxic drug deaths. Such loss of human potential is devastating for First Nation communities whose collective recovery from transgenerational trauma requires the health and wellness of each successive generation.
While restorative justice programs like the Indigenous Court and Drug Treatment Court can help people in urban centres like Edmonton and Calgary, for First Nations where drug trafficking goes unabated the need to revitalize their distinct traditions of community wellness and healing is definite.
In 2014 the Federal Crown amended section 81 of the Indian Act as means of devolving governance to First Nations. These amendments begin to recognize the existing right to enforce their own laws and impose their own cultural sanctions, which their forebears saw fit to negotiate into the ‘peace and friendship’ treaties, which section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982, affirms and protects.
While the legal framework has existed for some time now, First Nations’ implementation of such processes faces systemic barriers due to their reliance on the RCMP, the provincial Crown, and Alberta’s Courts which enforce laws and sanctions that are not indigenous to First Nation communities. It is clear that a new approach to restoring peace and order must be considered.
This presentation will examine the robust procedure created by Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in 2017, which Associate Chief Justice Ken G. Nielsen considered and approved in R v Virginia Papastesis (6 November 2017), 160984423S1 (AB KB).
We will examine how First Nations can use that program, which survived judicial scrutiny over questions of procedural fairness and due process, to restore their own systems that can again work to expel harmful influences from their communities. The program enables First Nations to prosecute drug traffickers in Provincial Court where Fine Orders are payable to First Nations’ administrations, thereby demonstrating their autonomy and governance while creating a funding stream for restorative programs that directly benefits their communities.
Of central relevance to this process are the ‘other remedies’ arising for violation of First Nations’ laws. There is space and need for the inclusion of traditional teachings that dictate protocols in cultural practices and roles for restorative justice. For example, Nehiyaw women were traditionally considered the law keepers as well as knowledge keepers of the principles and customs of their people. These women were chosen for these roles were calledokihcitawiskwewak (clan mother/warrior woman).
First Nations can use this program to revitalize those sacred roles by encouraging their members, including those offenders who choose to participate, to again take part in a consensus democracy where the community decides how to restore peace and order. Traditional sanctions may include for serious offences banishment from the community with direction on what the offender must accomplish before returning to their community who, in turn, promises to lift the sanction and welcome the offender back upon completion, e.g. residential treatment.
A complete range of possible outcomes forms the punishment, the key being the process of dispute-settlement, which can be endorsed by the Courts through ss. 82(2) and (3) of the Indian Act.
Session #2 Choices
The following six workshops will happen simultaneously on Thursday afternoon. Please read the descriptions and choose which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your workshop choices for a better chance at getting your top choice.
The Elizabeth Metis Settlement Restorative Justice Program
Presenter:
Joey Daniels
The Elizabeth Metis Settlement Restorative Justice Program provides the Lakeland region of
Alberta with a diverse array of Restorative Processes. The EMSRJP Committee was established to
explore the implementation of Restorative Justice principles into our community, and has evolved into a
collaborative, multi-disciplinary and creatively adaptable program. Our committee members are
volunteers from many different community, program and agency partners and stakeholders. This
collaborative approach has allowed the committee to grow from having a prime focus of the legal
system, to the inclusion of Circle based mediation for family and workplace conflict, healing, learning
and teaching, strategic planning and many other applications and objectives. Utilizing Restorative Justice
practice as preventative work, we are able to address issues within our community before it can escalate
to the point of needing involvement in the criminal justice system. We would like to share our steps and
experiences as we began to shift our focus towards this work through an interactive panel session.
Circles Restore Us - Beyond Conflict
Presenter:
Shirley Hunter MSW, RSW and Sharon Steinhauer, MSW, RSW
Circles have their roots in all cultures and are an old practice with many contemporary
applications. Indigenous wisdom guides us in remembering the structure and practice of circles
and participants will learn skills they can use in their own lives or those they work with
This presentation will describe key concepts in the Indigenous world view that provide the
foundation for Indigenous relational practice. The teaching, 'relationships are medicine', will be
experienced within the structure of a circle which is a primary tool for engaging diverse voices,
finding common ground, and tapping into intergenerational wisdom. We move from
disconnect to reconnect - in relationships, in families and in our villages.
This workshop offers the knowledge and validation through circle experience that everyone has
a voice and vision to contribute to personal, family and community growth when we offer a
safe space for that to emerge - to explore, to grow together, to find peace. We start where we
are at and collectively become more than we are now.
Think Outside The Circle - Including Neurodivergent Minds in Restorative Practices
Presenter:
Kelly Bron Johnson
Research demonstrates those with FASD, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence
are overrepresented in the carceral system in Canada and the US. Court systems are not equipped
to deal with this profile, and many believe neurodivergent people simply lack the capacity to
engage fully in a restorative process. This lecture provides a brief overview of some of the
common barriers these people face, techniques to actively include and accommodate, and how to
create a powerful and productive restorative process that works for all minds.
DIVERSIONfirst
Presenters:
Sgt. Kendall Booth, Euwen Ndhlovu, and Teagan Roesler.
DIVERSIONfirst connects youth who have committed non-violent, criminal occurrence to community/family supports, to help youth build
foundation for a positive future. DIVERSIONfirst allows the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to offer the
youth and their supports a restorative justice approach, instead of a criminal charge. DIVERSIONfirst is a
partnership between the EPS, YMCA of Northern Alberta (YMCA), and Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers
Big Sisters (BGCBigs). Together, and with a variety of other community agencies, we redirect youth by
connecting them to organizations focused on improving the lives of youth, their families/natural support so
they can begin accessing services they need through a customized support program. DIVERSIONfirst is
adapted to the needs of each individual youth who is enrolled in the program, each journey through the
program is unique and ensures the youth and their family/ natural supports are connected to the resources they
need to experience success both short-term and long-term. DIVERSIONfirst is “breaking the cycle” of
involvement with the justice system for both the youth and their family/ natural supports. The concept of
entering a mutually understood “Agreement” where the youth is empowered to play a guiding role creates a
longer-term impact than the more traditional charges that require attendance in court. DIVERSIONfirst
understands the developmental needs of youth and ensures that the timeframe between initial occurrence and
beginning the agreement is within a couple of weeks. DIVERSIONfirst is preventative approach that is
changing the way the criminal justice can work with youth by diverting youth away from the justice system at
the early stages of involvement it reduces the chance of the youth or their family/natural supports being
involved with law enforcement in a negative way in the future. DIVERSIONfirst recognizes the importance of
cross sector collaboration to ensure youth are connected efficiently and effectively to the resources they need
to be successful in their lives. The creation of partners in community programs, housing support, mental
health, substance abuse, cultural support, and law enforcement increases the connection to key protective
factors for the youth and their family/natural supports.
Rethinking Consequences: Restorative Practices with Youth at the Edmonton Public Library
Presenter:
Tamara Van Biert and Kyla Lee
Restorative practices provide a new way of looking at wrongdoing within the library and provide an
additional tool for staff to use when approaching services to youth. EPL has been running a Restorative
Practice pilot at select locations since late 2018. We have focused on building capacity within staff,
building relationships with youth, and acting restoratively in all interactions with youth in the library.
We will introduce modern public libraries and their essential role as public spaces that are open to
everyone. We will talk about the situations that gave rise to our implementation of Restorative Practices
in the library. Participants will learn about how we have interpreted restorative approaches, as a space
that does not have compulsory attendance and is not part of the justice system. We will talk about
specific examples where we have used Restorative Practices to change youth behaviour and strengthen
community relationships. We will discuss the challenges that we have faced and what we have learned
through the process.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss ideas about how restorative practices can be used in
non-traditional settings and how other community groups could implement their own restorative
processes.
Supporting Survivors of Sexualized violence
Presenters:
Felix Gilliland and Larissa Wakatsuki
WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre is a feminist, anti-oppressive, decolonizing rape crisis centre operating on
unceded Coast Salish Territories. We provide support services to survivors of sexualized violence who
have shared experiences of gender marginalization: cis and trans women, Two-Spirit, trans and/or
non-binary people. We advocate for social and systemic change through education, outreach and
activism.
Based on WAVAW’s Transformative Justice pilot project to respond to and expand justice options for
survivors of sexualized violence, this workshop will share ways that participants can effectively support
survivors.
Participants will understand the context of rape culture and how it impacts the ways we show up for
survivors, especially those not seen as a “perfect victim”, or whose identity or community is stigmatized
or criminalized.
Participants will also learn about the history and context of the feminist antiviolence sector’s relationship
with RJ/TJ, and the criminal justice system. Specifically, we will discuss carceral feminism and the need
for expansive accountability options that are survivor centered.
Session #3 Choices
The following five workshops will happen simultaneously on Friday morning. Please read the descriptions and choose which session you wish to attend.
*Please note there is a capacity to each workshop. Register soon and select your workshop choices for a better chance at getting your top choice.
Trauma as Medicine
Presenter:
Sarah Salter Kelly
Sarah Salter Kelly shares her experience of her mothers homicide as a template to support
others in moving into the underworld territory of trauma. Through her inspirational story she
offers foundational teachings to guide you in trusting that not only have you had the right life
experiences, you have the resources within yourself to address them and transform them. She
offers simple, practical, and powerful insights for the metabolization of trauma in day to day life.
Sarah’s mother Sheila Salter was brutally murdered in December of 1995, by a stranger in the
parking garage of her work place in Edmonton, Alberta. After spending years working through
her grief, Sarah came to a point where she realized she needed to address the perpetrator,
Peter Brighteyes, head on. Now this was not an easy task, as after being found guilty of murder
one, in April of 1997 he sucided in prison. Being unable to have a physical RJ experience
Sarah sought to create one herself - and interestingly enough it was profoundly life changing.
Shared humanity and understanding became the cornerstone of Sarah’s quest to know what
made Peter become that Bad Guy in the parkade on that fateful morning. It brought her to the
First Nations Land of his people, educated her about the history of colonization in Canada, and
in time landed her at the kitchen table of his sister, pouring over family albums and drinking tea.
Come and hear this one of a kind lived experience of compassion, forgiveness and
transformation.
Role of the Crown in the Alberta Courts’ Restorative Justice Pilot Project
Presenter:
Matthew Hinshaw
In 2020, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench launched a Restorative Justice Committee to study the
possibility of creating a referral mechanism to send appropriate court matters to a restorative justice
process. The Committee was founded by the late Justice Beverley Browne, the first chief justice of
Nunavut. The Committee was renamed Wîyasôw Iskweêw, the spirit name given to Justice Browne by
Cree Elders during a blanket ceremony shortly before her passing. While there is no direct translation, it
conveys the idea of “Woman standing with the law”.
The Committee was made up of judges from the Court of Queen’s Bench and the Provincial Court of
Alberta, Crown prosecutors, defence counsel, Indigenous groups and other community stakeholders.
Through extensive collaborative work, a referral Framework was developed to guide consistent and
transparent decision making by Crown prosecutors in relation to making referrals to restorative justice
processes. This session will provide a brief background of the work done by the Committee, and will focus
on the role of the Crown in decision making within the parameters of the Alberta Courts’ Restorative
Justice Pilot Project.
Building Relationships from an Indigenous Perspective
Presenters:
Madelaine Robillard
Reconciliation is something that many agencies, organizations, community members, and
individuals are seeking to embrace. What is reconciliation? How do we embrace reconciliation
and decolonization with our actions, and what commitments can we make? This Group
discussion will focus on why it is important to include Indigenous peoples in policy decisions,
program development, and service delivery. There will be discussions around why truth has to
come before reconciliation, and why it is important to engage with Indigenous populations in a
respectful and ethical way in order to create sustainable relationships. Some other topics that
will be discussed are land acknowledgements, allyship, Elder protocol, and how we can learn to
relate to each other as human beings from a place of authenticity and compassion, while
understanding the intricacies of power.
This group discussion will be held in a circle format and will provide education in combination
with a fluid and adaptable space for discussion so participants can ask questions in an
environment of nonjudgement, compassion, and curiousity.
Policing Using Animal Therapy & Restorative Justice
Presenter:
Constable Val Hoglund
EPS Constable Hoglund and NAIT graduate, Wynter Metchewais, are pleased to present the true story of
the benefits a police therapy dog had on Wynter when she was a youth at high-risk. Constable Hoglund
and Wynter wrote her memoir in a recently published anthology called, After the Force, published by
Durvile Publishing and is available on Amazon. Subsequently, Constable Hoglund has also published a
children’s book called, Police Pup Hershey, also available on Amazon. Constable Hoglund and Wynter
believe that police officers can contribute to helping redirect the trajectory of a young person’s life of
crime, drugs, and trauma, through animal therapy. Their presentation includes Wynter’s life story and
Constable Hoglund’s restorative practices that she holds as a standard in her police work. The workshop
is chock full of photographs, videos and of course books, written by this dynamic duo themselves.
Attendees of this workshop are sure to want to incorporate some of their practices into their own work,
having learned of their successes and how to implement them.
Restorative Justice for Youth who have Offended: What Works
Presenter:
Megan Capp
Although RJ is often positioned as a service for victims or crime, the view also persists that, for the
process to have benefit, it has to prevent offenders from reoffending. This aspect of RJ has been the
most challenging to measure and evaluate, with existing studies showing mixed results. Despite our
collective lack of clarity on the impact of RJ, these interventions have gained momentum and
popularity, particular for those involved in adolescent crime. This presentation, while acknowledging
the complexity and benefits of restorative justice, discusses RJ’s uncertain promise to prevent
recidivism by exploring the nexus between RJ interventions and desistance from crime, or, in other
words, the prevention of reoffending. It discusses how there has been a lack of consideration for the
unique cognitive, behavioural and psychological characteristics of offenders participating in an RJ
process, which may more strongly impact racialized or other groups of vulnerable offenders. The
presentation will also provide information on how to ensure RJ interventions have the most
transformative potential for youth attempting to desist from crime.