The Kenora Catholic District School Board is working on a restorative justice system for all of its students, including those at St. John in Red Lake.
Wanda Marshall who is the Youth Programs Team lead for Grand Council Treaty #3 says the program is different from other forms of punishment.
“The goal of using restorative practices is not to dole out swift punishment for bad behaviour,” explains Marshall.
“Instead it allows the offender to face the consequences, reflect on and answer to what they’ve done and then propose how they plan to repair the damage to the relationship in a safe supportive and respectful environment.”
She adds the victim can be involved or absent from the restorative justice process.
Paul White is the director of education and says they want to train all their staff in the process of restorative justice.
He says the practice has been in place for generations by Anishinaabe people and is a good alternative to corporal punishment.
