What is Onashowewin?

The name “Onashowewin” is an Ojibway term that can be translated in several ways, depending on its context and how it is used.  One way to describe the term “Onashowewin” is “the process by which we see justice”.  Onashowewin Inc. supports the belief that “by restoring, repairing and dealing with responsibility, accountability, learning and healing, we empower ourselves and our community”.

Onashowewin is an aboriginal justice program that works with victims and offenders, as well as community members and elders.  It accepts referrals from a number of sources for both youth and adults who have been charged with a variety of offences.  In addition to a case development model, Onashowewin utilizes a number of processes to resolve conflict where charges have been laid and these include victim/offender mediation, Community Justice Forums and conciliation as well as specific programs for offenders.

The approach of Onashowewin is to try and address underlying issues that have led to criminal behaviors and make the offenders accountable for their actions.  The offenders may participate in one of the in-house programs or may be referred to other community programs, services or assessments.  We accept both young offenders as well as adults at various points in the justice system.  The objective of Onashowewin is to help restore, heal and transform relationships and the community.

What Do We Do?

Onashowewin accepts referrals from a number of sources for people who have been charged with a variety of offences.  We accept both young offenders as well as adults at various points in the justice system.  We offer victim/offender mediation, Community Justice Forums, conciliation as well as programs for offenders.

Our program is not retributive, as is the mainstream justice system.  We do not punish, even though we do hold offenders accountable for their actions.  We do not judge people based on a single criminal incident.  Our approach is to try and address underlying issues that have led to criminal behaviors.  Our objective is to help restore, heal and transform relationship and the community.

When we meet with an offender, we help identify issues that may be contributing to criminal behaviors.  In cases in which the victim is willing to participate we also work with the victim to help them deal with issues stemming from the incident.  We may facilitate victim-offender mediation, peacemaking circles and conciliation.  These may lead to agreements in which the offender provides a formal apology, pays restitution, performs community service, etc.

We may also have the offender take on of our in-house programs or we may refer them out to other community programs, services or assessments.  We also have a list of community Elders that clientele may request to be referred to.

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