RESTORATIVE JUSTICE & VICTIMS ASSISTANCE
ELSIPOGTOG RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
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OUTLINE: The Justice Program is responsible for leading the implementation of the Elsipogtog Justice Strategic Plan, to develop an action plan in regards to justice development and to implement the action plan and its defined activities. The Justice Program oversees justice projects/programs that are proposed and those that are ongoing. The Coordinator will maintain and enhance the Justice Advisory Committee networking by ensuring the network grows and follow-up on recommendations. He/She will oversee and encourage continued improvements in the area of community based justice initiatives, as well as liaise with other First Nations and governments (ie. Advocate, develop, build partnerships). The Administrative functions of the Justice Development Coordinator will include proposal writing, overseeing budgets, and evaluation of the program.
WHAT IS ELSIPOGTOG RESTORATIVE JUSTICE? Elsipogtog Restorative Justice Program has been in place in the community of Elsipogtog since January 2000. We work together with the victims, offenders, and the community to repair harm caused by crime in a culturally appropriate manner. By using a process of negotiation, The Restorative Justice Program has expanded to include other ways in which restorative justice can be delivered, such as, through healing circles, youth circles, and apigsigtoagen circles.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT We believe in working with people affected by justice. We will do this through encouragement of self-responsibility, reconciliation and personal healing in a way that is culturally appropriate and meaningful to our Migmag heritage thus contributing to the overall wellness of the community.
SERVICES OFFERED: Healing Circles- for Youth (ages 12-17) and Adults (18 years or older) referred by the RCMP or Probation Services in a pre-charge phase or Crown Prosecutor in a post-charge phase for summary (minor) criminal offences. If an offender chooses to go through theprogram he/she must accept responsibility for his/her actions and wrong done. Once a client successfully completes the program the charges will not proceed to court for pre-charge referrals. For post-charge referrals, the matter will be stayed in court (post-charge) until the client completes his/agreement conditions. When the Apigsigtoagen Circles - Deal with conflicts that are not of a criminal nature and may be used to handle staff conflicts, property disputes, family disputes, etc. Referrals may come from a Program Director, Supervisor, family member, community member or anyone who wishes to have matters that are not of a criminal nature dealt with in the community. Youth Circles -For children under the age of 12 years who become involved in criminal activity. Referrals may come from the RCMP, Elsipogtog School, Rexton Elementary, or Elsipogtog Child & Family Services.
A circle takes place when an Elsipogtog band member involved in a conflict voluntarily participates in discussions with significant parties about the conflict and its consequences. All parties to the conflict are encouraged to participate in the circle. Parties to a conflict can include: offender, victim, mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, co-worker, staff, etc. A smudging ceremony is conducted at the beginning of a circle followed by an opening prayer. An eagle feather, which symbolizes respect, is used during the circle. The person holding the feather has the floor and should not be interrupted. The eagle feather goes around the circle four (4) times. The first pass of the feather consists of introductions and inviting the parties to the conflict to share in their own words the events of the incident. The second pass of the feather gives each person the opportunity to address the parties involved in the conflict. They would be given the opportunity to respond. The third pass of the feather gives each person in the circle a chance to share how they feel the parties to the conflict can best make amends for their actions. They would have to come to a consensus agreement (for Apigsigtoagen they are verbal). Finally, the fourth pass of the feather allows each person to put closure to the circle and/or agreements in a positive manner. Panel Members (volunteers) are Trained community members who assist in the facilitation of circles, in supervision of clients following a circle and provide support to allarties. Elders, a very important part of the process, open the circles with a smudge and opening prayer, they provide guidance and support as well as teachings and share their personal experiences. Volunteer elder participation are critical to the success and longevity of the Elsipogtog Restorative Justice Program.
VICTIM'S ASSISTANCE
SUMMARY The Elsipogtog Victim's Assistance is a pilot project to provide a meaningful and cultrally appropriate victim service to all members of the Elsipogtog Band. There is a greater need
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