Detailed Schedule
7:00am | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Breakfast
8:00am | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Welcome & Opening
9:00 am –4:00 pm | Engagement Room | Crystal Ballroom 1
Discover. Connect. Be Inspired. Support Local Artisans
October 22 and 23, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Engagement Room is the heart of our symposium’s community space — a place to explore,
connect, and be inspired. Throughout both days, you will find:
Vibrant Vendors & Organizations – Meet artisans, creatives, and community groups
sharing their work, from handcrafted beadwork and books to wellness products and
cultural treasures.
Interactive Experiences – cultural activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Networking Opportunities – Build relationships with fellow attendees, discover and
support local artisans/vendors, and explore cultural sharing. Plus, you might leave with a
beautiful keepsake, new partnership, or fresh inspiration.
Stop by multiple times — offerings and activities may change between Day 1 and Day 2!
Also, in the Engagement Room and back by popular demand!
Free Professional Headshots – October 22, 5pm – 7pm
Refresh your professional image with a complimentary headshot session by a professional
photographer.
8:30 – 10:00 am | Keynote Presentation | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Restorative Justice in Education
This dynamic keynote panel brings together leading experts and practitioners in the field of restorative justice (RJ) to explore its transformative potential within educational settings. The panel will delve into how restorative principles and practices can cultivate safer, more inclusive, and equitable school communities, moving beyond punitive discipline towards approaches that prioritize relationship-building, empathy, and accountability. Panelists will share their diverse experiences and insights, discussing the practical implementation of RJ in K-12 and higher education, addressing common challenges, and highlighting successful models. The discussion will cover strategies for fostering a restorative culture, addressing harm effectively, supporting student well-being, and empowering school communities to resolve conflicts constructively.
Dr. Alana Abramson
Dr. Alana Abramson is a scholar, practitioner, and educator specializing in restorative justice since 1999. With a PhD and MA in Criminology from Simon Fraser University, her research investigated the role of community, transformative learning, decolonization, and serious and violent crime in relation to restorative justice.
As a researcher and seasoned trainer, Dr. Abramson has implemented restorative justice in diverse contexts—community, prison, and school settings—and has trained hundreds of facilitators across B.C. Her seminal contributions include the development of British Columbia’s first victim-sensitive standards for restorative justice providers and the organization of numerous conferences and workshops addressing trauma, mental health, policing, and prison justice.
Recognized with the provincial Restorative Justice Award from B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (2017), Dr. Abramson currently serves as a full-time Criminology instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where is focused on developing restorative justice responses to academic and non-academic harms. She coordinates the Alternatives to Violence Project, facilitates traumatic loss support groups for BC Bereavement Society, and is the former co-chair for the Restorative Justice Association of BC.
Anita Wadhwa
Anita Wadhwa is a native Houstonian and daughter of Punjabi immigrants. She is Executive Director of Restorative Houston, and a former classroom teacher and restorative justice coordinator. She is author of Restorative Justice in Urban Schools: Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline, co-author of The Little Book of Youth Engagement in Restorative Justice. and a contributor to Colorizing Restorative Justice. She hires and consults with former students to train in restorative practices. She owes everything to her parents, husband, and two lovely girls. She lives in Houston, Texas on the land of the Karankawa, Sana, and Atakapa.
Dr. Barbara (Neé Bobbi) A. Sherrod
Dr. Barbara (Neé Bobbi) A. Sherrod (she/they) is a Baltimore native and proud mother of two. Her use of endarkened feminist epistemology in restorative justice and abolition centering the lives, experiences, and art of Black girls, Black women, and femmes is enlightened by her lived experience as a Black American girl growing up in Baltimore and the Carolinas; her B.A. in English Language and Literature; her M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management; and her Ed.D in Urban Educational Leadership. As the Director of the Programs for Restorative Response Baltimore, Bobbi manages day-to-day oversight and administration, including planning, development, execution, and management of the organization’s programs and direct services. They provide continuous support with the organization’s role in grant writing and development, restorative practices research, policy work, school implementation, and training. They work directly with caretakers, community members, and school staff, coaching them through the cultural shift from a carceral to a connected and restorative approach. Bobbi trains administrators, teachers, support staff, caregivers, and justice advocates, facilitates conferences, and assists with citywide and statewide restorative practices policies.
Through experiential and learning circles, Bobbi educates school communities, including youth, on the use of restorative justice for building relationships and navigating conflict, drawing on African-Indigenous wisdom and practices. A poet and essayist by inclination, her website, MillennialMochaMoms, offers a space for Black millennial mothers to share their maternal experiences and build community. Her writing is featured in the first restorative justice anthology centering on Black and non-Black practitioners of color, Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing Our Realities, and in the digital media publication Juvenile Justice Information Exchange. Her research focuses on Afro-Indigenous Restorative Justice and Practices, fugitive pedagogy in school-based restorative justice, and the use of restorative justice and practices by Black women in urban education, as well as the quality of restorative justice and practices programming for Black girls and femmes.
dorothy vaandering
dorothy vaandering is a professor in the Faculty of Education, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador. She has been researching Restorative Justice in Education (RJE) for 20 years and is passionate about nurturing relational communities where all are honoured as worthy and interconnected. Her research focuses on designing and implementing innovative, transformative professional learning approaches for the sustainable implementation of RJ in education and community contexts. As a settler-Canadian, making reconciliation real has become a priority in her work. She is the author and co-author of a variety of academic and professional publications including “The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education.” She is honoured to serve as Director of Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador where she is discovering the intricacies and challenges of living out relational accountability.
Teiahsha Bankhead
Teiahsha (Tee-ah-sha) Bankhead, Ph.D., LCSW, is a distinguished social work professor emeritus and a leading advocate for restorative justice and community healing. With a strong academic foundation, she educates the next generation of justice advocates on the importance of culturally responsive practices and trauma-informed care.
Dr. Bankhead’s research focuses on the intersections of race, identity, and restorative and social justice, particularly examining experiences of Black people and the cultural significance of freedom and liberation. Her commitment to social equity informs her work, empowering practitioners to engage critically with pressing societal issues.
As the CEO of Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY), Dr. Bankhead plays a pivotal role in developing programs that address violence and community healing through restorative practices. Under her leadership, RJOY has extended its reach and fostered community resilience 13-fold. Additionally, as the immediate past board president of the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ), she has championed the integration of restorative justice principles across diverse communities, culminating in her presiding in 2024, as NACRJ President, over the largest gathering of RJ practitioners in US history.
Dr. Bankhead’s work bridges academia and activism, demonstrating a profound commitment to creating inclusive spaces where healing and justice can thrive.
10:00 – 10:15 am | Break
10:15 am – 11:45 am | Presentations/Workshops
A Framework for Implementing a Restorative Approach in Complex Organizations
Presenter: Catherine Bargen
Room: Tiffany A
A restorative approach provides a powerful framework for transforming organizational culture and fostering healing. This session explores a phased approach to implementation, covering leadership engagement, assessment, design and development, and execution. Drawing from the Restorative Justice in Youth Corrections guide, we will examine how these strategies can be adapted to any complex institution, from schools to corporations and public agencies. Participants will learn about a practical roadmap for navigating systemic challenges and embedding restorative principles into their organizations, cultivating environments rooted in dignity, belonging, and adaptability.
Catherine Bargen
Catherine is the Director and Co-founder of Just Outcomes Canada, an agency which supports communities and organizations in reimagining just responses to harm and its causes. Catherine began her career at the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre in Edmonton, Alberta where she coordinated the Victim-Offender dialogue program from 1999-2001.
From 2001-2008, Catherine was on staff with Langley’s Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association (CJI). At CJI, she co-authored several manuals and books which describe the successes and lessons of implementing restorative principles into the school setting.
Catherine received her Master’s degree in Conflict Transformation in 2008 under the supervision of Dr. Howard Zehr. From 2008-2017 she was BC’s Restorative Justice Coordinator within the provincial government. Just Outcomes has been fully operational since 2017, providing Catherine with years of experience implementing restorative justice principles and practices in a large variety of contexts.
Catherine has been invited by and provided training to international audiences including Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil and Switzerland. She resides in Vancouver with her husband and daughter.
From Conflict to Community: Implementing Restorative Justice in Higher Education Residence Life
Presenters: Anthony Jakubisin
Room: Tiffany B
The University of California, San Diego has pioneered an innovative approach to campus community healing through “Community Contacts” – a restorative justice process that addresses difficult behaviors before they escalate to policy violations. This presentation showcases how higher education institutions can successfully integrate restorative practices into residence life operations, creating pathways for healing that strengthen rather than fragment campus communities.
Over nine years, UC San Diego developed a comprehensive system addressing conflicts that traditional disciplinary approaches often miss or inadequately resolve: roommate tensions, noise complaints, interpersonal disagreements, and community disruptions. Rather than punishment-focused interventions, their Community Contact process emphasizes peer-to-peer conflict resolution, proactive wellness support, and restorative approaches to community challenges.
The program’s remarkable success demonstrates the power of justice as healing. In the past year alone: 90% of cases resolve with a single contact, 80% focus on community building, and over 2,400 students have participated in healing-centered interventions. Most significantly, the process prioritizes support over punishment, community healing over disciplinary action, and early intervention that prevents escalation.
Key innovations include training 270+ Resident Assistants annually in restorative circle facilitation, creating “Living Space Agreements” as preventive community-building tools, and developing trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches that explicitly address anti-Blackness and marginalized voices. The program operates 24/7, with most interventions occurring during peak community hours when authentic healing conversations can happen naturally.
This presentation will detail practical implementation strategies, including how to adapt approaches for different building types and community sizes, integrate multiple support types effectively, and measure healing outcomes. Participants will learn how UC San Diego transformed potential disciplinary cases into opportunities for community strengthening, creating a replicable model for institutions seeking to prioritize healing over harm.
The presenters will share challenges overcome, lessons learned, and provide concrete tools for launching similar programs, demonstrating how restorative justice can become embedded institutional practice rather than add-on programming.
Anthony Jakubisin
Anthony (Tony) Jakubisin serves as Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Director of Residence Life in Sixth College at UC San Diego, where he co-chairs the campus-wide Restorative Justice Committee. Tony completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at The Ohio State University before moving to California in 2005.
With over two decades of higher education experience, Tony has become a recognized leader in restorative practices implementation. Tony has helped develop one of higher education’s most comprehensive restorative justice programs, transforming how institutions address community conflicts and student development. He is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Tony is also an active member of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the Association for Student Conduct Administrators (ASCA), and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), with research interests in education policy and pedagogy.
“Not All Traumatic Experiences Are Equal”: The Role of Betrayal Trauma in Restorative Justice Cases Involving Sexualized Violence
Presenters: Alan Edwards & Dr. Jessica Rourke
Room: Tiffany C
As restorative justice (RJ) practitioners advance in our commitment to be trauma-informed, we must embrace the importance of understanding the complexities of trauma. In this presentation, we will explore the breadth, and depth of betrayal trauma in RJ processes involving survivors and perpetrators of sexualized violence. Betrayal trauma occurs when harm is inflicted by a person or institution upon whom the affected party has depended upon and/or trusted. Some of its unique impacts include disrupted attachment systems, heightened feelings of guilt and shame, and difficulty achieving a sense of safety. These impacts can make the world seem like a dangerous and lonely place.
At its core, betrayal trauma is about ruptured relationships. When supporting survivors and perpetrators of sexualized violence through the RJ process, practitioners will be well-served to be able to recognize this type of trauma, and approach it in a way that fosters safety, trust, and relational healing. In this presentation we will provide concrete insights and tools to assist you in creating an RJ environment that targets this very deep, resonating betrayal, and lays the groundwork for meaningful accountability and repair.
Together, we will explore how betrayal trauma influences those participating in the RJ process. Participants will learn to identify signs of betrayal trauma and acquire practical tools to support survivors experiencing confusion, shame, and even a desire to protect the person who harmed them. Participants will also consider how to navigate working with responsible persons whose actions have resulted in betrayal trauma, particularly when they are minimizing responsibility and struggling to grasp the depth of the relational harm they caused.
Because betrayal trauma often intersects with institutional harm/betrayal, we will discuss how practitioners can either begin to repair systemic harm or risk perpetuating it further. We will emphasize the importance of recognizing institutional betrayal, and ways to navigate RJ practitioner-client power dynamics, through trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches.
Sexualized violence is an intricate and challenging area of practice in RJ, and this workshop will explore the complexity of one element which can have significant impacts on the success of the RJ process and ultimately, the clients’ healing.
Alan Edwards
Alan Edwards has been working in the field of restorative justice for over 25 years, and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Since 2004, he has worked exclusively on cases of serious and violent crime, in the Restorative Opportunities Program of Correctional Service Canada.
Alan has co-authored five papers on restorative justice and violence, co-authored the resource guide “Serving Crime Victims Through Restorative Justice” and continues to deliver advanced RJ training throughout Canada.
In recent years, Alan has developed a focus on the complex practice issues associated with working restoratively in cases of gender-based violence. In 2019-21, he was one of two RJ specialists tasked with developing training for the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces’ Restorative Engagement Program, an RJ response to sexualized violence in the military.
Alan is the recipient of the 2016 National Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award, recognizing his contribution to the field of restorative justice.
Dr. Jessica Rourke
Dr. Jessica Rourke has been involved in the field of restorative justice for nearly 20 years, serving as both facilitator and mentor, as well as supporting the training of both new and experienced practitioners. Jessica has also served as Executive Director of Restorative Justice Victoria, Vice President of the Vancouver Island Region Restorative Justice Association (VIRRJA), and was on the board of directors for Restorative Justice Oak Bay. Currently, Jessica is a Complex Case Worker at Restorative Justice Victoria, and also an Assistant Teaching Professor in Psychology, at the University of Victoria. With the aim of enhancing safety, accountability, and survivor-centred practices, she and her students are currently wrapping up a research project exploring the lived experiences of RJ clients who experienced or perpetuated sexualized violence.
Navigating the Complexities of Relational Accountability in Organizational Contexts
Presenter: Dr. Dorothy Vaandering and Christianne Paras
Room: Waterford I & II
Relational accountability is often lauded as the bedrock of healthy organizational culture and effective team dynamics—yet its implementation is rarely straightforward. In this interactive session—combining presentation, dialogue, and activity—we will explore the multifaceted complexities of establishing, maintaining, and repairing relational accountability within organizations committed to restorative justice principles and practices.
Together, we will:
- Define relational accountability in diverse contexts
- Examine practical challenges shaped by power dynamics, communication styles, emotional intelligence, and historical legacies
- Identify subtle barriers that can obstruct genuine application
- Consider concrete strategies for cultivating environments where relational accountability can thrive
- Reflect on constructive ways to navigate its breakdown
This session is for anyone grappling to live out deeply held principles within their organizational life—and seeking to move from aspiration to daily practice.
Dr. Dorothy Vaandering
Dorothy vaandering is a professor in the Faculty of Education, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador. She has been researching Restorative Justice in Education (RJE) for 20 years and is passionate about nurturing relational communities where all are honoured as worthy and interconnected. Her research focuses on designing and implementing innovative, transformative professional learning approaches for the sustainable implementation of RJ in education and community contexts. As a settler-Canadian, making reconciliation real has become a priority in her work. She is the author and co-author of a variety of academic and professional publications including “The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education.” She is honoured to serve as Director of Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador where she is discovering the intricacies and challenges of living out relational accountability.
Christianne Paras
Christianne Paras is Ilokano and Kapangpangan, originally from the Ilocos region of the Philippines. She currently resides as an uninvited guest, an immigrant settler, on the unceded, ancestral and traditional lands of the Kwikwetlem peoples in BC, Canada.
With over 20 years’ experience in the restorative justice field, she is an accomplished facilitator with expertise in a variety of practice models including victim offender dialogue, family group conferencing, and peacemaking circles.
She is the Executive Director of Restorative Justice Association of BC and co-founder of ROOTS – Reclaiming Out Own Truths & Stories, an organization dedicated to anti-racism work in restorative justice and community spaces. She is a researcher and author, who has explored a wide variety of topics such as safety in seniors’ living spaces, online gambling, race and the criminal justice system, and restorative justice. She is one of the authors featured in ‘Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing Our Realities’.
12:00 – 2:00 pm | Extended Lunch break
2:00 – 4:00 pm | Presentations/Workshops
Healing through unlearning oppression and somatics
Presenter: Mythri Vijendran
Room: Tiffany A
Drawing from decolonial frameworks, trauma-informed approaches, and nervous system awareness, this session invites participants to reflect on how colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism shape our conditioned responses to conflict. These systems often lead us to shut down, avoid discomfort, or react in ways that reinforce disconnection and harm. Rather than bypassing discomfort, this workshop invites participants to gently build the capacity to stay present with what arises in the body during moments of conflict or rupture. This is the root of transformative healing: not in avoiding conflict, but in restoring conditions for safety, relationship, and mutual care. When we can attune to the wisdom of our somas—the living, breathing totality of our being—we open up possibilities for more intentional, liberatory ways of relating. Somatic practices in this session will support participants in noticing their own patterned responses, expanding their awareness, and accessing greater choice. The session includes partner and small group practices designed to deepen somatic awareness, relational attunement, and embodied listening. These relational exercises are held within a container of care, consent, and choice, and invite participants to practice being with themselves and each other in new, more liberatory ways. This is not a skills-based conflict resolution training. Instead, it is an invitation into unlearning and self-inquiry—exploring what we have internalized, and how we might begin to shift. Together, we will explore how somatics can support restorative and transformative justice by cultivating more capacity to stay in relationship, even when tension arises. Participants are encouraged to bring curiosity, presence, and a willingness to meet themselves and others with compassion and care.
Mythri Vijendran
Mythri completed a Masters in Public Health at University of Toronto with a focus on the impact of social inequities on health. For over 15 years, Mythri has worked in the not-for-profit sector, where she has held roles in project management, evaluation, and equity, aimed at driving forward various social initiatives. Her work and training have equipped her with strong skills in conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, and restorative practices, all grounded in an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens. Mythri has trained in somatics and embodied conflict resolution where she learned body-centered practices combined with anti-oppression principles to address conflict. She has also been trained in and facilitates/mentors in restorative justice cases which focuses on repairing harm and fostering accountability. Mythri has a deep commitment to challenging systems and processes rooted in colonialism, capitalism and white supremacy, while integrating ancestral wisdom and values.
Deeper Connections with Youth: Empowering Adult Facilitators
Presenter: Kate Nash
Room: Tiffany B
Join us for a playful and engaging 2-hour experiential workshop designed to equip adult facilitators with practical skills for meaningful youth engagement. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning, participants will explore innovative techniques—including circle processes—to build trust and facilitate authentic connections within group settings. By the end of the session, adults will have gained confidence and tools to listen deeply, respond with empathy, and help young people feel included and supported. They will be ready to serve as trusted mentors who make a lasting, positive difference in young people’s lives. The skills learned are adaptable to a variety of settings, from classrooms to community programs. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to move beyond program management and become a more compassionate, effective mentor for youth.
Kate Nash
Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization’s ability to address youth needs effectively.
Kate’s unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.
Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond Punishment: A Motivational Framework for Addressing JEDII-related (Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Indigenization and Inclusion) Conflicts and Complaints
Presenters: Mai Yasue, Madison Tardif, Brenda Morrison
Room: Tiffany C
Many post-secondary institutions are increasingly embedding principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization, Indigenization, and Inclusion (JEDDII) into institutional processes. One development has been the implementation of formal complaints processes, designed to address situations in which individuals experience harm related to being members of historically, persistently and systemically marginalized groups. However, when institutions respond to JEDDII-related conflicts with legalistic and punitive approaches, they often increase defensiveness and polarisation and miss opportunities for deep learning and transformation. Furthermore, due to bias and power dynamics embedded within educational institutions, these prevailing approaches to addressing JEDDII-related conflicts may have the ironic impact of having particularly adverse impacts on marginalized groups. Here we offer a powerful alternative grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a robust empirically-supported motivational theory and the principles of restorative justice. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore how issues related to JEDDII often show up in subtle ways, and how current retributive complaints processes may unintentionally exacerbate harm or curtail transformative learning. We will draw on case studies from our collective experiences navigating conflict within medicine and post-secondary institutions. Case studies may range from overt examples of JEDDII-related conflicts such as misgendering to more ambiguous feedback interactions—and assess whether and how identity and power are involved. This activity is designed to spark deeper awareness of the complexity of JEDDII-related conflict and the importance of contextual nuance. The session will introduce Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as well as the benefits of autonomous motivation and offer a new lens through which to evaluate existing complaints and conflict engagement processes. Participants will reflect on how current systems may thwart these psychological needs, and collaboratively identify small and large revisions in policies and practices that would better foster healing, accountability, and institutional learning.
Key Activities:
1. Case study assessment & discussion about which types of conflicts connect to JEDDII
2.Introduction to SDT, autonomous motivation and basic psychological needs (resource provided)
3. Systems reflection: how current complaints processes thwart or support autonomy, competence, and relatedness
4. Group brainstorming on restorative design elements for complaints processes that will promote healing and growth.
Mai Yasue
Maï Yasué currently provides strategic leadership in the development and delivery of multi-faceted and multi-tiered educational EDI programming that includes events, workshops, tip-sheets, proactive and responsive coaching and consultations. She has previously held EDI roles in the Equity & Inclusion Office and prior to her time at UBC she was a faculty member and administrative leader at Quest University Canada for 13 years. She taught and developed over 50 interdisciplinary courses in conservation and geography and held various leadership roles. Maï, a second-generation immigrant from Japan, holds an MSc in Zoology from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Geography from the University of Victoria. As an interdisciplinary scholar, she has published over 40 articles in diverse academic fields. Her recent research utilizes Self-Determination Theory to design inclusive and equitable practices and policies that foster autonomous motivation for sociocultural change.
Madison Tardif
Madison is an Equity Advisor in the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. She provides strategic guidance and capacity-building support for faculty, staff, and students committed to advancing decolonization, anti-racism, and inclusion. With a background shaped by her multiracial identity, Madison brings a deep understanding of power, privilege, and systemic oppression. Her graduate research at the University of Toronto focused on Indigenous self-government, decision-making, and decolonial governance, including work with the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation at Westbank First Nation. Prior to REDI, Madison supported affinity spaces, inclusive hiring practices, and educational resources at UBC’s Equity & Inclusion Office. She also coordinated prostate cancer support services at BC Cancer, where she developed a strong commitment to patient-centered and holistic care. Madison is passionate about Indigenous sovereignty, community building, justice, and supporting historically and systemically marginalized groups through transformative systems change.
Brenda Morrison
Brenda Morrison is Simon Fraser University’s Director of the Research and Engagement Centre for Restorative Justice. She is passionate about interdisciplinary work that develops critical and reflective praxis that frames problems of crime, public safety and justice in ways that re-imagine and transform individuals, communities and governance. Her work in the field of restorative justice focuses on praxis within and between three institutional systems: justice; education and health. Dr. Morrison is a theoretical social psychologist with field experience in outdoor education, governance, regulation and restorative justice. She has engaged in research in diverse areas: social identity, the self and self-interest, art-based and Indigenous praxis. She serves on a range of working groups internationally, nationally, provincially and locally. A number of current projects and initiatives focus on re-imagining justice through the arts.
Running into Ourselves – Identity-Based Disciplines
Presenter: Kamil Ahmed
Room: Waterford I & II
Identity is everything – it is the worlds we build, it is the vessels of harm that persist, it is the sources of hope that resist and it is every interaction there ever was and ever will be. As people who have committed ourselves to doing the work of relationships, of connection, of meeting needs and inviting exchange; identity needs to be at the center and forefront of every conversation we have. And not simply understanding all the kinds of identity and how we can better honor their respective needs in our processes, but also where we as individual and collective practitioners are running into our identity in the work, with or without knowing it. In other words, how can we [“get to know the wolves that haunt us so that they may become the dogs that bring us our slippers” – Kay Tempest]. Join identity-based harm program coordinator and practitioner Kamil Ahmed for a 120 minute immersive and demanding workshop that will invite you into deeper relationship with your identities and become closer with the ways they do or may show up, in an effort to be better prepared, equipped and supported as individuals and teams/coalitions.
Kamil Ahmed
Kamil is a first-generation immigrant and settler from Pakistan living in Kitchener who identifies with various identities including Queer and Muslim. Passionate about non-carceral and non-punitive approaches to conflict, crime and harm, Kamil is a Restorative Justice practitioner and works specifically in responding to and preventing hate crime and identity-based harm. He is a conflict mediator, experienced de-escalator and is generally fascinated by human conflict and its interventions outside the Criminal Legal System. He is also a grassroots organizer practicing mutual aid in Kitchener-Waterloo through Community Fridges and growing food in public spaces. Kamil organizes Waterloo Region’s biggest and oldest Pride, supports Palestinian solidarity work and creates clothes out of discarded textiles. He also happens to be a photographer, facilitator, playlist nerd, vegetarian and a fan of farmers markets.
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Closing Remarks
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Headshot Station
Room: Crystal Ballroom 1
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Networking Event
Room: Baccarat Room
7:00am | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Breakfast
8:00 am | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Welcome & Opening
8:00 am –3:00 pm | Engagement Room | Crystal Ballroom 1
Discover. Connect. Be Inspired. Support Local Artisans
October 22 and 23, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Engagement Room is the heart of our symposium’s community space — a place to explore,
connect, and be inspired. Throughout both days, you will find:
Vibrant Vendors & Organizations – Meet artisans, creatives, and community groups
sharing their work, from handcrafted beadwork and books to wellness products and
cultural treasures.
Interactive Experiences – cultural activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Networking Opportunities – Build relationships with fellow attendees, discover and
support local artisans/vendors, and explore cultural sharing. Plus, you might leave with a
beautiful keepsake, new partnership, or fresh inspiration.
Stop by multiple times — offerings and activities may change between Day 1 and Day 2!
8:30 – 10:00 am | Keynote Panel | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Justice as Healing Practices
This compelling keynote panel convenes a diverse group of visionary leaders and practitioners who are implementing “justice as healing” within various restorative justice programs. Moving beyond traditional notions of justice as punishment, this panel will illuminate how their innovative initiatives actively weave together restorative principles with deep healing practices, fostering genuine repair, transformation, and well-being for individuals, families, and communities impacted by harm. The discussion will explore the profound shifts required in mindset and practice to truly embrace justice as a pathway to healing, rather than merely a process of accountability.
Anna Tonasket
Anna Tonasket is of Syilx (Okanagan) ancestry and a member of the Penticton Indian Band. Anna has four adult children (2 sons and 2 daughters) and has been blessed with ten grandchildren (5 grand-daughters and 5 grandsons) and 4 great grandchildren (2 great grandsons and 2 great granddaughters). Anna’s family, community and Nation are her inspiration and motivation in doing the work that she does within the justice system.
Anna Tonasket has worked for the South Okanagan Restorative Justice Program (SORJP) since its inception in February 2009 and is currently the Program Manager. SORJP’s mandate is to effect change in the existing criminal justice system through the reinstatement of traditional discipline and traditional community practices that would assist in the rehabilitation of offenders and healing victims of crime.
In 2021 and 2023, Anna was elected as the President of the Indigenous Justice Association. The Indigenous Justice Association (IJA) was created in 2019 to share and promote the critical work of long-established Indigenous community justice programs throughout BC. The IJA’s goal is to grow their representative voice to speak directly to government and partner bodies who share their vision of delivering community justice programs for Indigenous people at risk of becoming or who have already come into contact with the criminal justice system.
David Remo
David Remo is a long-time community advocate with over 12 years of frontline experience supporting vulnerable populations in Ottawa, ON and Iqaluit, NU. He brings a deep commitment to healing, inclusion, and accountability in the communities he serves. A member of the Restorative Justice Committee and a facilitator with Tungasuvvingat Inuit, David works closely with Indigenous and at-risk populations, creating space for dialogue, repair, and community-led solutions. He believes restorative justice is not just a process, but a way of life rooted in relationships, empathy, and resilience. He also volunteers with Operation Come Home, preparing meals for homeless youth, and has been recognized with the United Way Community Builder Award for his contributions to community well-being. David is currently a career firefighter with Ottawa Fire Services, where he continues to serve through principles of care and collective safety. Raised by Inuit and Filipino parents, he is guided by values of service, cultural respect, and interconnectedness.
Mary Brown
Mary Brown, also known by her ancestral name Abux Stex’stum, which means “mother of rock,” is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from Bella Bella, BC. She holds a criminology degree from Douglas College. Her original intent was to work within the RCMP organization. Her interests changed dramatically when she read “the story of Bob” this restorative justice book Inspired Mary which she then delved into restorative justice methods. This was the beginning of a new pathway in her life.
In 1999, alongside her mentor Larry Jorgenson, Mary developed and implemented the Heiltsuk Gvi’las Restorative Justice Program. This program integrated restorative justice principles into Heiltsuk laws, fostering a new relationship with the Provincial Court System, the RCMP, and crown counsel.
Mary’s work has been instrumental in building capacity and connectivity within the Heiltsuk community, positively preventing and responding to conflict and harm through value-based processes, such as isolation, mediation, facilitation, circles, prevention, education, victim offender mediation, sentencing circles, reintegration.
For the past 26 years, Mary has dedicated her life to restorative justice. Her work centers on supporting individuals through difficult processes, helping them see the good in themselves, and encouraging accountability and positive change. Her approach is deeply rooted in compassion, cultural values, and community healing.
Mary’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and transformation—a testament to the power of Indigenous law and restorative practices in building stronger, more just communities.
Elder Phil Gatensby
Phil Gatensby is a prominent figure from the Yukon, a member of the Raven Clan of the Inland Tlingit Nation from Carcross. He is widely recognized for his long-standing work in restorative justice, community healing, and addiction recovery. Key aspects of his work include:
Peacemaking Circles: Along with his brother Harold Gatensby, he introduced Peacemaking Circles into contemporary society and has trained communities across North America and Europe in their use.
Healing & Wellness: He has been an Elder, counsellor, and facilitator at the Jackson Lake Healing Camp, which focuses on a land-based healing model, particularly for those battling addiction.
Advocacy & Education: Having faced difficult challenges with the justice system and residential schools himself, he uses his experiential and traditional knowledge to empower others and participate in justice reform.
Community Leadership: He has been involved in various community initiatives and has been recognized for his service, including receiving the City of Whitehorse Volunteer of the Year Award.
Paula Corbiere
Paula Corbiere, Bne dodem (Ruffed Grouse clan), is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation located on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Ontario. She attended the University of Ottawa and earned her B.A. in 1994 and her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto) in 1997. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1999 and has been working for the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising Tribal Council in their Justice Department since 2001. Paula has worked in several front-line positions in the Justice Department including youth and adult diversion, intimate partner violence, and the Gladue Program prior to becoming the Justice Manager. In her spare time, Paula enjoys doing pottery, scrapbooking, picking beach/sea glass and travelling.
10:00-10:15 am | Break
10:15 am – 11:45 pm | Presentations/Workshops
Indigenous Justice in School Systems
Presenter: Anhluut’ukwsim Gibuu- Juanita Tait
Room: Tiffany A
Join Juanita Tait, a proud Nisga’a woman from the Laxgibuu (Wolf) tribe of Laxgalt’sap, as she leads a powerful and engaging workshop grounded in Indigenous law, restorative justice, and youth advocacy. A sociologist with extensive experience in restorative justice, employment and training, and Indigenous legal traditions, Juanita brings a calm, intent presence rooted in lived experience and cultural knowledge.
This session centers on implementing Call to Action 50—the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal traditions—within school systems as a prevention-based approach to justice. Juanita’s workshop challenges the colonial systems that perpetuate harm against Indigenous and marginalized youth and outlines how we can reimagine justice through community-led solutions.
Key Topics Covered:
- Restorative Justice in Schools: Understanding how Indigenous Restorative Justice Workers (IRJWs) can be the first point of contact in conflict resolution, preventing harmful interactions with RCMP or punitive systems.
- Cultural Awareness & Trauma-Informed Practice: Examining how systems fail Indigenous children through a lack of understanding and the urgent need for trauma-informed, culturally grounded care.
- Colonialism in Schools:Unpacking the systemic roots of discrimination against Indigenous and low-income youth—and how traditional laws offer a path to transformation.
- Youth as Knowledge Holders: Centering the voices and lived realities of Indigenous youth, who often face bias as early as age five, and recognizing them as key agents in justice reform.
Activity:
Participants will engage in a brief role-play scenario involving a school-based conflict.
Guided by restorative principles, they’ll explore how an IRJW-led process might resolve the issue with empathy and accountability. The goal is to walk through a culturally grounded conflict resolution process, experiencing the power of listening, accountability, and community-based solutions.
Closing Restorative Circle:
The workshop concludes with a restorative circle facilitated by Juanita. Participants will share reflections, intentions, and commitments to integrating Indigenous justice practices in their schools, organizations, or communities. This circle reinforces that healing is collective, justice is relational, and the time for systemic change is now.
Anhluut’ukwsim Gibuu- Juanita Tait
Juanita (Anhluut’ukwsim Gibuu) is a proud Nisga’a woman from the Laxgibuu (Wolf) tribe, Wilp Wii Litskw/Txaa’huwoks, and originally from Laxgalt’sap (Greenville, BC). She brings a calm presence, deep cultural grounding, and intentional listening to every space she enters.
A trained sociologist with expertise in restorative justice, Indigenous law, employment, training, case management, and administration, Juanita is deeply committed to advancing equity and opportunity for First Nations and marginalized populations. Her work focuses on integrating Indigenous legal principles into justice, education, and workforce systems—aimed at reducing recidivism, stigma, and systemic barriers. With a passion for research, education, and community development, Juanita continues to advocate for transformative change, particularly in supporting youth and women through culturally informed, restorative approaches.
Dialogue Toward Reconciliation: In This We Journey Together
Presenters: Nacy Denham, hiwus Calvin Craigan, Donna Schmirler – RJ Program of the Sunshine Coast
Room: Tiffany B
As Restorative Justice Practitioners on the Sunshine Coast, we have spent over twenty years training restorative justice processes, facilitating Community Justice Forums and Community Justice Panels within schools, businesses, organizations and with the RCMP. In addition, over the past fifteen years, we have also been keeping Peace-Making Circles and Dialogue Circles. Since 2010, we have walked with the shishalh Nation and other Indigenous peoples living here towards truth-telling, understanding, and justice, with the aim of reconciliation. We have listened to one another, commiserated through the hard truths together, learned together, viewed films, lead book studies, held lectures from scholars and authors, and supported one another to build a just and supportive Community. Where there has been harm, we have sought to bring solace and healing. We have held those who have done harm to account and sought for their healing as well. We would like to share our stories and demonstrate how we have worked on this journey together. We shall present in Circle and invite Dialogue with Workshop Participants, demonstrating how we work in Community.
Nancy Denham
Nancy Budd Denham is a Wife, a Mother, and a Grandmother. During the late 60’s and 1970’s, she trained in Non-Violence and was involved in conflict resolution processes including Restitution and Mediation which she used extensively as a Special Education Teaching Assistant and Youth Care Worker in School District #46 and the Sunshine Coast Community Services; Special Services for Youth. She trained at the Justice Institute in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s which lead to her interest in community justice and helped others in the development of the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast. She trained as a Community Justice Facilitator, with Peace of the Circle, and as a Peace-Making Circle Keeper. Nancy has taught Restorative Justices Processes since 2017 throughout her community through the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast. She has been a Circle Keeper for Dialogue Circles Towards Reconciliation for the syiyaya Reconciliation Movement since 2010. Trainer and Mentor for the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast now, Nancy served on the Board in several capacities, including Board Chair. Nancy loves her family and friends, gardening, reading, & being in the waters…
hiwus Calvin Craigan
hiwus Calvin Craigan is Hereditary Chief for the stalashan Clan of the shishalh Nation. He is a retired Elected hiwus (Chief) of the shishalh People having served as hiwus or on Council most of his life, since his early 20’s. He was first elected less than ten years after being in Residential School from the age of 7 to 17. He was the youngest Elected Chief in Canada at the time. When he retired from being hiwus for the Nation, he attended the Justice Institute. Graduating in 2017, he became a Practicum teacher there for Spiritual and Cultural Healing. hiwus is a Knowledge Keeper and has presented to the Untied Nations, the Government of Canada, to many Indigenous Nations and Organizations, and in Longhouse Gatherings across Canada. He has negotiated justice for his People and Lands through many Court Proceedings. He has been a consultant, Board Member, and teacher of Indigenous Ways of Being for the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast since 2017. hiwus loves laughter, story telling, walking the land, and visiting all the village homesites within the shishalh swiya (homelands.)
Donna Schmirler
Donna is a retired School Counsellor having worked for 32 years in Secondary and Elementary Schools in the Sunshine Coast School District #46. She trained in Community Justice Forum Facilitation, in Peace of the Circle, and as a Peace-Making Circle Keeper. Donna served as a volunteer & Board Member for the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast (RJPSC) for 6 years, serving as Board President for 4. She is currently working as the Coordinator for RJPSC. Her passion has been in communication, justice, and healing relationships, especially with youth and families. Donna loves music, crafting, creating beauty, & her family and friends.
Gladue in the Nation’s Capitol: Gladue Reports with Ottawa’s Inuit population and the path to Restorative Justice
Presenter: Mich Belledent
Room: Tiffany C
I will discuss my 7 years of Gladue experience with Ottawa’s Inuit population and the differences in needs throughout the process compared to other Gladue programs for First Nations or Metis within Ottawa. I will then speak about how Gladue relates to the theme of Justice as Healing and describe some success stories, along with some hurdles or barriers I’ve encountered. Themes and discussion on inter-generational trauma specific to Inuit, the types of crimes often associated with urban Inuit in Ottawa and how Gladue contributes to their healing plans. I will speak about Ottawa’s Indigenous People’s Court and how when accompanied with a Restorative Justice approach such as Gladue, how we are working towards lowering the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada’s justice system.
Mich Belledent
With a strong passion for helping others, Mich has over 15 years of experience in the social services field. From working in group homes with at-risk inner city youth, adults with cognitive delays, to halfway homes for designated Dangerous Offenders and Sexual Deviants; he has worked with every age group of Ottawa’s vulnerable populations. For the last 7 years Mich has been working as a Gladue Writer for Tungasuvvingat Inuit, an organization serving Ottawa’s urban Inuit. Mich has presented on Gladue for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Police, and annually in front of Carleton University’s Criminology students where they have the opportunity for work placements. Mich is an active member of Ottawa’s Indigenous People’s Court, supporting Inuit while championing to address colonial inequalities.
Empowered through Spirituality: Healing and Restorative Justice for Authoritarian Violence in Bangladesh
Presenter: Muhammad Asadullah and Nousheen Sharmila Ritu
Room: Waterford I & II
In this presentation, we will explore how spirituality can empower victims of authoritarian violence in terms of healing and restoration through the development of unique coping mechanisms. We conducted a study that explores the faith of Islam as a source of restorative healing and justice for victims of state violence in Bangladesh during a decade of authoritarian violence, as well as the Revolution that followed in August 2024. Our study posed the following questions: How can communities heal from long-term trauma of fear, impunity and authoritarian control? How can victims and families heal from ‘ambiguous loss’ and physical harms caused by state violence? Based on our qualitative interviews with victims, we examine how Islamic values such as taqdir (decree of God), tawaqqul (reliance upon God) and akhirah (belief in afterlife and divine justice) provided meaning, created protective mechanisms and fostered conditions of recovery and empowerment for the victims.
In this session, attendees will gain a decolonial and grounded perspective on how faith-based healing can be employed in restorative transitional contexts, challenging the hegemony of formulaic Eurocentric healing paradigms and approaches. The recognition of victims’ exercise of agency through Islamic beliefs can also challenge the binary and reductive depiction of victims as vulnerable and passive. These insights can contribute to newer discussions about restorative justice and healing for victims based on locally-grounded knowledge and experience.
Muhammad Asadullah
Dr. Muhammad Asadullah is a leading scholar in transitional justice and restorative justice. He serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at the University of Regina. A recipient of the 2024 CTL Teaching Award, he has also been recognized as a President’s Teaching Scholar at the University of Regina. Most recently, he received the Best Paper Prize from the Restorative Justice Working Group of the European Society of Criminology. Prior to joining the University of Regina, Dr. Asadullah taught at Simon Fraser University, the University of the Fraser Valley, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He holds a PhD and MA in Criminology from Simon Fraser University and an MA in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University. His numerous honors include the Neekaneewak Indigenous Leadership Award, the Contemplative Social Justice Scholar Award, the Liz Elliott Memorial Graduate Scholarship, and multiple Law Foundation Scholarships.
Nousheen Sharmila Ritu
Nousheen Sharmila Ritu is a PhD student in the faculty of Law at University of Warwick, UK. She currently serves as a National Consultant for Programme Support at the Human Rights Office in United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office. She is also the Executive Director of Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative, a UK based think tank organisation aimed at conducting research and policy advocacy in key strategic areas related to Bangladesh.
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch
1::00 – 2:30 pm | Keynote Panel | Crystal Ballroom 2 & 3
Transformative Justice
This thought-provoking keynote panel convenes leaders in the field of Transformative Justice (TJ) to delve into its core principles, radical potential, and practical applications. Moving beyond individual acts of harm, the panelists will explore how TJ aims to address and dismantle the systemic roots of violence, oppression, and injustice that contribute to conflict and harm in our communities.
This panel will offer a nuanced understanding of the differences and complementarities between RJ and TJ. The discussion will illuminate how TJ initiatives strive not only to respond to immediate harm but also to fundamentally change the social, economic, and political conditions that allow such harm to proliferate. The panel will explore community-led approaches, abolitionist frameworks, and the complex process of building sustainable alternatives to carceral systems.
Ardath Whynacht
Ardath Whynacht (she/her) is a queer feminist, researcher and activist based in K’jipuktuk. Her work explores connections between mental health & wellbeing and movements for social transformation. She has more than 20 years of experience in the family violence sector, including a decade working with lifers in the federal prison system in Atlantic Canada. She wrote a book on transformative justice and de-colonial approaches to domestic homicide, and she continues to work with survivor groups and community organizations to build capacity for risk assessment and community-based rehabilitation. She is currently an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Health Studies program at Mount Allison University, with an adjunct appointment in the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine. You learn more about her work on violence and mental health at: www.ourpublicsafety.ca
Audrey Huntley
Audrey Huntley (she/her) is of European settler and Indigenous ancestry. She grew up an ‘army brat’ between Calgary, Alberta and Germany. As a young adult she lived in Europe for almost 20 years. She studied, worked and became part of anti-authoritarian social movements fighting racism, fascism and gender-based violence in Germany, France and Italy before returning to Turtle Island in 1998. She has been involved in anti-colonial struggles in BC and Ontario ever since. Audrey is a licensed paralegal who works with survivors of violence at Aboriginal Legal Services. She is a filmmaker/storyteller and co-founded No More Silence, a community group that has been working with Indigenous women, trans and two-spirit people to end gender based violence and colonization. In 2023 they created a fully accessible sweat lodge, the Raónraon/Hummingbird Healing Lodge. The lodge now includes a wellness centre, a sacred space for respite, relaxation, and restoration supporting Indigenous people, MMIW2S families, survivors of state violence, co-conspirators and all those resisting colonial violence.
Shannon Perez-Darby
A founding member of the Accountable Communities Consortium, Shannon Perez-Darby is a queer, mixed Latina, anti-violence advocate, author and organizer working to create the conditions to support loving, equitable relationships and communities. With 20 years of experience Shannon Perez-Darby centers queer and trans communities of color while working to address issues of domestic and sexual violence, accountability and abolition.
Mimi Kim
Mimi Kim is Associate Professor of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach and a long-time advocate and activist working on issues of gender-based violence in communities of color. She is a co-founder of Incite!, an organization influential in the development of abolition feminism. In 2004, Mimi established Creative Interventions which created collective, non-criminalizing approaches to address domestic and sexual violence, now known as community accountability and transformative justice. Mimi’s research on the historical development of carceral feminism includes “The Carceral Creep: Gender-Based Violence, Race, and the Expansion of the Punitive State, 1973-1983” (2020). She has continued practice-based research with The CHAT Project in Northern California and documentation of grassroots transformative justice practice through a relaunch of the StoryTelling & Organizing Project. Mimi co-edited Abolition and Social Work: Possibilities, Paradoxes, and the Practice of Community Care (2024). In 2023, Mimi was recipient of the Marguerite Casey Freedom Scholar Award.