November 18 to November 20, 2021

Two-Eared Listening for Deeper Understanding: Restorative Justice in NL
Gathering/Conference

St. John's, NL

Sisters Anne and Rachel Cortez are secondary students in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. They created the beautiful visual representation of Two-Eared Listening seen above. When asked about their inspiration for the piece they wrote:

"When we thought of two eared listening, we visualized two ears joined together that forms a heart. We actively listen not only using our ears but our heart, with open-mindedness that will always work towards equality and reconciliation. The hands around the hEARt is a gesture that symbolizes the sharing of what we have understood and learned."

This Gathering/Conference is a collaboration between Miawpukek First Nation, Relationships-First Restorative Justice Consortium, and Memorial University

Two-Eared Listening for Deeper Understanding: Restorative Justice in NL is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Memorial University's Office of Public Engagement.

Please note: Proof of Vaccination is required to attend in-person.

We encourage you to attend the entire event. It has been intentionally designed to be a holistic, Two-Eared Listening experience.

Day 1

Join us for the Gathering/Conference opening, and meal, followed by an evening of Indigenous music, storytelling, and art presented in partnership with Spirit Song Festival.

Day 2

Indigenous leaders speak on injustice and justice in their communities. Followed by a keynote address in one of three Restorative Justice streams: Education, Justice, or Community.

Day 3

Culminating circles. Inside-Outside Restorative Justice healing circle with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders.

The goals of this Gathering/Conference include:

1. Deep listening to Indigenous experiences of justice & injustice;

2. Increasing understanding of past & present nation-nation relationships in NL;

3. Strengthening NL’s knowledge & practice of relational, restorative justice;

4. Informing Education, Justice, and Community policies seeking to infuse Truth & Reconciliation Commission recommendations 27, 28, 31, 42, & 60-63.