Background
Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi is a First Nation Reserve located at the mouth of the Conne River on the south coast of the island of Newfoundland. Over the years, the community has seen a steady growth in Government, Social reforms, Health, Education, Economic Development, Culture, and Traditions. Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi believes we will “secure our future by investing in our past.”
For more information regarding the community, please visit the website: https://mfngov.ca/
Definition of Restorative Justice
Rj is an opportunity to work together with all directly impacted to restore balance and safety for all involved. It seeks to (1) bring the wrongdoing out into the open, (2) protect the person harmed, (3) create opportunity for those causing harm to take full responsibility, (4) create opportunity for balance and healing to be restored.
Demographic Served
Community youth between the ages of 14-17.
Services
Following an agreement between Miawpukek, the province, and Justice Canada in early 2000s, Restorative Justice processes that included NL judicial requirements, were introduced to the community in 2004. Judy White, in collaboration with local Elders and community members, designed and then provided a training experience for the MFNJC. Circles to address harm and conflict are facilitated in a traditional, Indigenous manner. Beginning with a smudge of sage or sweetgrass, a talking piece and other traditional symbols are used to guide the process. The event provides participants opportunity to share perspectives in four distinct circle rounds. Participants include those directly causing the harm, those experiencing the harm, and a committee of community members. Irene Joe serves as the Justice Manager for the program.
Services include:
Providing and facilitating healing circles: a pre-charge opportunity for a person in conflict with the law who accepts full responsibility for their actions
Providing and facilitating sentencing circles: a post-charge opportunity for a person who pleads guilty in a court of law and is referred to MFNJC by the presiding judge
Conducting justice awareness programs in the community’s school and other public settings
Information provided
April 19, 2023