Restorative approaches
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Restorative approaches come from Indigenous ways of being and knowing that have been shared across generations. Many Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishinaabe, have long used practices such as circles and peacemaking to support living in harmony, addressing conflict, and restoring balance. Today’s Restorative Practices are informed by these teachings. We recognize and honour these Indigenous roots with appreciation and respect, and we are committed to upholding this knowledge in the work we do.
Principles of the restorative approach
To understand and adopt this approach, there are six key principles to consider:
Focused on relationships
We center relationships amongst individuals, groups, and institutions. We focus on building trust through every interaction, by taking the time to form respectful relationships with clients and colleagues. This includes learning what matters most to each person. This is key to being people-centered.
Comprehensive and holistic
We work in connected ways, looking beyond a single event to understand the social, emotional, and cultural factors that shape each person’s experience. This means noticing how each person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are linked, as we work together.
Inclusive and participatory
We ensure people affected by a decision can speak up and help plan what happens next. This means removing barriers and supporting people to share their own experiences.
Responsive
We adapt to each person’s unique needs and situation, instead of following one way of doing things. This means staying flexible so we can best support those affected by harm.
Focused on individual and collective responsibility
We encourage people, groups, and organizations to find ways to help create safer and healthy spaces for everyone. This helps build accountability at all levels.
Collaborative and non-adversarial
We bring people together to share ideas, learn from each other, and find positive ways forward. We do this with care for everyone involved and by listening and learning together.