The Restorative Justice Program provides dispute resolution reflective of the historical, and cultural values of the Anishinaabeg.
MCFN (Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation) believes that members need an alternative to the mainstream Justice system that is designed to focus on a community response to repair the harm done. The process and outcomes will be geared towards reconciliation, facilitating closure, and healing. The outcome will be unique to the individuals and designed to help build a stronger, safer community.
The process is guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the teachings encompass the beliefs, morals and values of the Anishinaabe people.
What we can help with:
- Restorative Justice Circles for Criminal, MNRF and Non-Criminal matter
- Healing Circles
- Conflict resolution
Restorative Justice examines the impact of conflict on relationships and communities. It attempts to repair the harm done by holding all parties who caused it accountable for their actions.
We are all a sacred part of creation with individual and collective responsibilities. We all have our own journeys, our own lives, and our own experiences. We come together to acknowledge and address concerns or harms to understand and work toward a solution and reconciliation. The goal is to improve competency and understanding of the effects of the action taken.
Western Justice System
- Focuses on rules that were broken
- Emphasizes punishment and consequences
- Limited voice for those harmed
Restorative Justice
- Focuses on relationships and the impacts of harm
- Centres accountability and repair
- Provides meaningful voice and involvement for the person harmed
- Voluntary participation
- Accountability and responsibility
- Respectful, guided dialogue
- Safety and support for all participants
- Community involvement
- Repairing harm in meaningful and culturally grounded ways
Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
Pre-Charge Diversion is a restorative option offered before criminal charges are laid. It provides a meaningful alternative to the criminal justice system while maintaining accountability and supporting healing.
The Process:
- Focuses on accountability and repairing harm
- Centres the voice and needs of the person harmed
- Supports safety, readiness, and informed participation
The Benefits:
- Avoids criminal charges while ensuring accountability
- Provides voice, choice, and safety for those harmed
- Reduces strain on the justice system
- Strengthens community relationships
“Restorative Justice is soft.”
Restorative Justice requires deep honesty, courage, and responsibility.
“People get away with harm.”
Accountability is central to all restorative processes.
“It’s only for minor offences or youth.”
Suitability is based on readiness and safety, not offence type.
“It’s just one conversation.”
Restorative Justice is a guided, multi-step process.
- Participation must be voluntary
- Accountability is required to proceed
- Safety and readiness guide decision-making
- Restorative Justice does not force forgiveness
- Increased understanding and healing
- Reduced reoccurrence of conflict
- Stronger community connections
- Empowerment and voice for those harmed
Aanii, and She:Kon, I am Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
I am a graduate of the Social Service Worker program at FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute).
My passion lies in assisting others to achieve healing and closure and to facilitate the creation of safer spaces, and communities within First Nations Territories.
Phone: 365-378-3672
Email: restorative.justice@mncfn.ca
Stop by: 78 First Line Unit 103 in Hagersville