Acts as an alternative pre and post-charge diversion program that offers community-based, culturally inclusive support services for Indigenous people involved with the criminal justice system
Community Council Model:
- Offers a Community Justice Circle with Council members
- Provides an opportunity for the community member to enter into a mutually agreed Medicine Wheel Healing Plan which will be taken into consideration by the Judge upon sentencing
- Elders, Band officials, victims and community service providers may attend and provide insight to the community member during the Council process
Some typical Healing Plans may include, but are not limited to:
- Volunteer hours at cultural events, such as Pow Wow
- Healing ceremonies such as sweat lodges and sacred pipe ceremonies
- Some form of restitution as recommended by Elders and community members
- Educational sessions regarding historical trauma, emotional triggers etc
- Addictions assessment, treatment and follow-up if needed
Also provides:
- Mediation between the victim and offender to allow each party to be seen, heard and believed in order to repair the harm done to all who were affected