Looking Ahead to RFNL's Institute 2025

Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL) is eagerly preparing to welcome educators, community partners, and restorative practitioners from across the province and beyond for Trauma-Informed Restorative Justice: For Healthier Schools, Communities, and Systems in Newfoundland and Labrador, taking place November 13–15, 2025, in St. John’s.

This three-day Institute invites participants into shared learning, reflection, and connection through story, gentle movement, and music. Together, we will explore how trauma-informed restorative justice can help nurture belonging, healing, and stronger relationships in education and community life.

The Institute opens Thursday evening with a keynote by Joe Brummer, internationally recognized restorative justice and trauma-informed educator and consultant. Joe’s work bridges neuroscience, education, and relational practice, helping communities move beyond punishment toward connection and care. The evening will also feature a musical offering from members of Lady Cove Women’s Choir, under the direction of Kellie Walsh, with special guest Alla Melnychuk, performing Trisagion by Ukrainian composer Iryna Aleksiychuk.

On Friday, participants will deepen their learning through story and practice. Kevin Coffey of First Light will guide an interactive talk exploring Indigenous foundations for relational practice and what it means to move toward grounded and connected ways of being in our daily lives. Later in the day, Beth Tuinstra and Sarah McDonald Moores will lead an experiential rhythm-based session on sound, movement, and nervous system regulation, followed by Laurie and Lisa Pinhorn, who will guide participants through trauma-informed, body-based strategies for fostering calm, connection, and holistic well-being.

Saturday morning will open with Brooke Temple, who will share story, song, and reflection on intergenerational trauma and healing in Indigenous communities. The Institute will conclude with a panel conversation on The Future of Trauma-Informed Restorative Justice in Newfoundland and Labrador, featuring Qalipu Vice Chief Colleen Paul, Catherine Ann Kelly, Lisa Charlong Norris, Alyssa Brennan, Trent Langdon, and Joe Brummer.

Throughout the Institute, dr. dorothy vaandering will help weave together learning and reflection, grounding participants in RFNL’s vision of relationship as the foundation for justice and education.

As we gather for this time of learning, connection, and care, we are reminded that restorative justice is not a program or a response to harm alone, but a way of being that honours the dignity and worth of all.

We look forward to learning with you.

See https://www.rfnl.org/events-1 for more!