Community-Based Justice Programs - Newfoundland and Labrador

Miawpukek First Nation Healing and Sentencing Program

Recipient: Miawpukek First Nation

The objectives of the Miawpukek First Nation Healing and Sentencing Program are to strengthen the capacity of local people and promote community building with regard to justice issues. The Program is guided by four traditional values: the disruption should be brought out into the open; the person in contact with the justice system must take responsibility for his or her actions; the offender must be willing to make amends; and the community-based justice committee must provide a safe and respectful place to allow healing to happen by protecting the person harmed and their families.

The Program employs traditional Mi'kmaq approaches to justice and community building, such as healing and sentencing circles. The Program is also in the process of sharing information with key stakeholders (e.g. RCMP, band officials, Health Centre and school staff) in order to educate the public on how it could be beneficial to them.

Natuashish Innu Justice Program

Recipient: Mushuau Innu First Nation

The Natuashish Innu Justice Program takes a restorative justice approach which begins with the offender taking responsibility for his or her actions. The Program utilizes traditional processes to promote healing and understanding while collaborating with a wide range of client groups in order to serve the people of the Mushuau Innu First Nation.

The Program strengthens families and restores traditional core justice values by accommodating the cultural, geographical, and linguistic diversity of the Innu people.