Incident Circles

Incident / Harm Circles:

“The Native peacemaking process involves bringing together victims, offenders and their supporters to get to the bottom of a problem. While contrary to traditional Eurocentric justice, this parallels the philosophy and processes of the modern restorative justice movement.” 

   -The Honorable Robert Yazzie, Chief Justice Emeritus of the Navajo Nation Supreme Court

In 2018 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed General Law c.276b-ss-2. It is provided that citizens are able to choose Restorative Justice as a means to address civil and criminal cases outside of the court process. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c276b-ss-2)

These Circles are a means of re-entry to a context such as a work space, a classroom, a family or a community after harm has been done or separation due to incarceration or suspension. The Circle allows for the harm to be recognized and for the impacted individual or individuals (victim/victims) to guide the process of what obligations can and need to be met by the responsible party (offender) in order to move forward. 

Together, the Parties and members of their support systems come together to design a plan to ensure accountability and invite healing.