In a strategy launched in March, the province plans to eventually make restorative justice an integral part of the justice system. In developing the strategy, we reflect on the need for legislation to support restorative justiceexplains Jason Maloney, a spokesman for the provincial Department of Justice.

A justice system that includes restorative justice offers alternatives to prison while promoting community healing, empowering victims and reducing the risk of recidivism, the government argues.

keep it simpleasks a speaker

One of the places where restorative justice has taken root is in the Bogstone Cree Nation, about 200 miles north of Edmonton.

Known as Transformative Justice, the nation’s version has grown since 2016 and now extends to Wabasca, Calling Lake, Big Lakes and Edmonton. According to program coordinator Helen Flamand, the program works best when it is not burdened with bureaucracy.

I would advise governments to let communities mind their own business and let us do as we please with restorative justiceShe says.

Once you get bureaucratic about a healing program, things get complicated. Keep it simple so healing can take place without bureaucratic hurdles.

Compared to the model proposed by the Province, which advocates reconciliation between victim and offender, the model advocated by the Bigstone Cree Nation is based on Aboriginal principles of justice based on brotherhood, love, compassion and empathy.

The offender’s recovery plan is developed in consultation with a group of seniors and aims to put them back on track by addressing the root causes of crime, whether it be racism, trauma, poverty or mental health issues, explains Helen Flamand .

She says she received more than 100 inquiries from Crown Attorneys, police officers, judges, probation officers and schools from January to August 2022.

The program she directs is funded by federal and state grants, but she’s hoping for stable funding.

With information from Andrea Huncar