How does restorative justice work in practice?
The Circle. There are many forms of restorative justice processes. An important form is the sentencing circle. The form of the circle is instructive of many elements important to the restorative justice process. Its use also has historical significance, and demonstrates how modern justice practices are now being informed by historical aboriginal practices. Using a circle process to resolve issues amongst the people was not a new idea. Circles were a part of ancient aboriginal histories and are at the core of many traditional beliefs, laws and spirituality. The circle was a reflection of all aspects of life, including community peacemaking. (30) Berma Bushie, the coordinator of Community Holistic Circle Healing in Hollow Water, Manitoba, which deals with sexual abuse and family violence issues, described the meaning of the circle in Ojibway tradition: [T]he circle has a very significant role in our traditional way of life. Our whole culture is based on the circle. You look at the cycle
