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.

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.