RJ Programs in Alaska

Alaska Native Tribal Court Restorative Justice Programs
“Restorative Justice Programs are programs used by tribes, ethnic groups and other communities using an often non-Western process that enables members of the group collectively to respond to and to repair the harm caused by a crime by talking about what happened, the crime's aftermath, and its implications for the future and then arriving at a consensus as to the appropriate consequences for the offender. Restorative Justice Programs include, but are not limited to, circle sentencing, family group conferencing, reparative boards, and victim/offender mediation.”

Fairbanks Community Restorative Justice Program
“FCRJI is a community project designed to divert minor offenses away from court to restorative process.”

Kenaitze Indian Tribe Ts’iłq’u Circle
“Accountability, respect and care are at the center of our Ts’iłq’u Circle, which means, ‘coming together as one.’ The Circle is administered at the Tribal Courthouse in Old Town Kenai and serves different purposes, but most simply is a place where people come to have important or difficult discussions in a good way. The tribe has operated the program since the mid-2000s. Many Circle participants are teenagers facing legal trouble who are referred from the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice or the state court system. The Circle gives these youth a chance to work with family, friends and community members on a plan to make amends for their offense and get on a good path, without the offense going on their record. But the Circle also serves others. It is available to employees, families, councils and any individual or group seeking a safe place to discuss difficult issues or make tough decisions.”

Nenana Peacemaking Circle
“We use restorative practices based on community and Native Alaskan values to address conflicts, crime, and trauma in ways that heal, repair harm, and create connection.”

Organized Village of Kake Circle Peacemaking
“The Kake Circle Peacemaking Program incorporates Tlingit culture into the justice system in the Organized Village of Kake, Alaska. Using a traditional circle peacemaking approach, the program seeks to address the underlying issues that lead to crime and conflict. Circle peacemaking focuses on healing relationships and preventing further disputes. The Circle Peacemaking Program focuses primarily on cases involving youth, but has expanded to handle adult cases as well. By reintroducing peacemaking in Kake, the program has led to a renewed appreciation for Tlingit culture in the community.”