Labrador Friendship Centre
Shawntelle Parsons, Indigenous Justice Navigator
Background
The Labrador Friendship Centre (LFC) endeavours to provide the best possible services to enrich the lives of the Indigenous Peoples of Labrador. These include the provision and implementation of social, cultural, health, educational, employment, and developmental initiatives. In the context of restorative justice, the LFC provides services within its Indigenous Justice Navigation Program.
For more information please visit the website: http://www.lfchvgb.ca/home/justice.htm
Definition of Restorative Justice
There is a growing understanding of restorative justice amongst the population being served. The organization defines restorative justice as a way to establish healing and closure between victims and offenders, allowing for moving forward after the crime.
Demographic Served
Though the organization is Indigenous, its services are provided for all Labradorians of any age, depending on their individual needs. Youth need to be accompanied by an adult. Currently, those served are mostly adult men.
Services
In December 2022, the Labrador Friendship Centre began its Indigenous Justice Navigation Program, and hired its first full-time Justice Coordinator, who is tasked with identifying the gaps in the current system and supporting people when they are involved in the justice system. In these early stages, the following services are provided:
Supports are provided for anyone from Labrador who has been harmed or caused harm and is seeking help with navigating the current system
One hour of free consultation provided by two lawyers associated with LFC
As adult males who have caused harm have had few services available to them, they are the current focus on this early program
In September 2023, a weekly group has been started for men living in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. This includes dialogue, cultural activities, and mentorship sharing circles
(Original contributor: Jason Williams)
Information provided
March 13, 2024