Past Events
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week
Supporting, Connecting, Evolving was the theme of this year's National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, taking place across Canada from April 26 to May 2, 2009. The Edmonton Restorative Justice Network organized two events to build greater understanding of the positive aspects of restorative justice for victims.
When Victims and Offenders Talk
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 .
Bruce Stanly and Myrna Roy shared their experience as participants in a restorative justice process. Myrna’s journey came about as a result of the death of her “little brother” Bobby in 2001. Bruce’s journey began in 2002 when his father Robert was killed when two teens dropped a boulder off on overpass. Both of these individuals chose to meet face –to –face with individuals whose actions changed their lives forever.
Myrna worked with trained community-based mediators from the Restorative Opportunities program for almost a year prior to her a meeting at Bowden Institution with the man who killed her younger brother. She shared with the group her desire to move beyond anger to a place of forgiveness, as place where she could begin to heal from the trauma of her experience. Myrna who works with families and children desired to be a true role model for those she works with and to live a life that was based on forgiveness not revenge.
Bruce and his family had the opportunity to meet the young offender who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Robert Stanley’s death. They used a community conferencing process that involved twenty – seven people facilitated by the Alberta Conflict Transformation Society. Family members from both sides, police, lawyers for the prosecution and defence participated in a seven hour process. For Bruce and his family, giving the youth a second chance was their way of honoring their dad.
What’s It Like To Be A Victim Multimedia Art Show
Thursday April 30, 2009
This multimedia art show offered 34 Edmonton youth artists a chance to express their perceptions of and experiences with violence and crime. There were 13 submissions for the event held at the Kids in the Hall Bistro. We want to thank the judges Michael Hutchinson, Amy Fung and Jean Tait and emcee Travis Boa as well as curator Brenna Knapman for their help in making this event a success. Approximately 80 people gathered to view the exhibits and live performances. The Edmonton Restorative Justice Network (ERJN) organized this show because of a prevailing public view that sees youth primarily as offenders rather than victims. This was an opportunity to involve youth in telling their stories as victims.
Below are the submission received:
1. Kelson, 13
Title: It Cuts Deep
Poem 2009
“Hi, my name is Kelson. I live in St. Albert. I'm 13. I love guitar and all music. I would like to write a poem because I have never written a poem before. I hope you enjoy it.”
2. Chase, 14
Title: Victim Awareness
Movie 2009
“My name is Chase, I am an upcoming director and screenplay writer. I am currently writing a movie script and I play guitar. I heard of this event and wanted to get involved. I hope this raises awareness of victims and will ultimately help to heal victims.”
3. Joshua, 12 (3rd place)
Title: Pain Watercolour, acrylic on paper
Size: poster size 2009
“I am Joshua, 12 years old. I was born in Vancouver and I currently live in Edmonton. People use weird, crazy, strange and freaky to describe me. When I am older I plan on going to Japan and being a fashion designer.”
4. Emaghea, 9
Title: The Truth of the Lotus Layers
Paper, ink, stone, crayon 2009
“My name is Emaghea. I live in Beaumont and I have one dog and a mom and dad. I also have one frog. I am 9 years old and I love dogs. I have a huge house. I go to two schools. On Friday I go to TRUST and every other day I go to Caraway School.”
5. Liam, 8 – No Photo
Title: Being a Victim - DVD / Movie 2009
“My name is Liam Jackson. I live in the Country. I have two brothers, a dad and one girl in the family (my Mama). I am 8 years old. I have two dogs named Badger and Wilbur.”
6. Kalen , 13
Title: Victim 2009 - Pencil drawing
Kalen is a grade 8 student at L.Y. Cairns school. This is Kalen’s first piece of ‘real’ artwork. She dedicated over 12 hours to this drawing. Her mother, Tammy , is an artist and they worked side by side on matching pieces so Kalen could learn the techniques. Kalen is taking Art in school this year but hasn’t really had much opportunity for this level of effort before. She’s very excited about her submission and is looking forward to seeing the other submissions.
7. 'Da Bom Squad' youth participants
13 – 17: Cole, Sabrina, Richard, Chad, Tanner, Justin, Savannah, John, Cody, Cole, Tim and Sammy
Title: Untitled 2009 medium: acrylic, pastel, chalk, sharpie on canvas 36" x 64" (twelve 12” x16” canvases submitted as one piece)
8. SWYC (Spoken Word Youth Choir)
15 – 21 Pita, Cindy, Jade, Erika, Sierra, Dakota, Maren, Lauren, Katrusia, Ben, Kati and Gail "Reena Virk" , "Wish for the World" Spoken word performance
9. Mary Lee, 14 (2nd place)
Title: victimized 2009
Medium: pencil and coloured pencil on plain paper 8.5 x 11 inches
“I have been drawing for as long as i can remember and maybe longer :) i cannot go a day without a pencil in my hand. i read horror novels in my spare time from art and love tim burton movies. i also love to write and have a thing for poems. thanks!”
10. Naomi, 25
Bloody, Naked Truth (photographs), Inside Out (acrylic on canvas) 2009
Bloody & Naked Truth “From the time I was a child I drew on walls and other surfaces trying to express myself or figure something out, I always found it easier to realize things if I could see them. These pieces are exact statements of that, my feelings of angst, hurt and deprivation written on my face. I painted myself and splashed the canvas with my feelings and emotions. Feeling lighter afterwards, I was able to examine the emotions that otherwise were expressing themselves as aggression and self-hurt… I strongly believe the paint is a tool for healing, allowing me to express my range of emotions violently but not harmfully.”
11. Sammy, 13 (1st place)
Title: Victimized ;
Medium: rap 2009
Sammy is 13, and a resident of the McCauley community. Sammy immigrated from Sierra Leone with his family, and has quickly connected with hiphop culture; rap is an outlet for Sammy; it provides a way for him to process and express the experiences that he has had!
12. Sylvia, 22
Title: Wind Struck 2004
Fired and glazed red clay 2004
Title: Have You Lost Your Head? 2003
Fired and glazed red clay
Title: Demons Within
2004
Chalk pastel on coloured construction
“Art and visual forms of expression have been a part of my life ever since I can remember. My inspiration draws from the beauty of all things around me, whether this stems from the earth, the human body or abstract form. Art is a means of refuge when I need to remove myself from the world. My hope is that those who see my work are able to feel its ‘aura.’ I want others to sense my state of mind, emotion and spirit when I produced work. To me, I do not make art; but rather, it is art which shapes, molds, and colors me as an individual.”
13. Kate, 14
Being a Victim
Poem 2009
“I chose to write this poem because I know what it’s like to be a victim and I love writing poems.”
Coffee Talk – May 6, 2009 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Join volunteer mediators from Edmonton area programs in an interactive discussion on Caucusing and Shuttle Mediation. This opportunity for learning and networking is offered by the Mediation Interagency Network. It will be held at McDaniel Manor 12840 67 Street – enter at back of building – room is in basement.
Communicating Through Conflict Workshop
This 3.5 hour workshop is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools for how to approach difficult situations. You will take away communication skills and strategies that can be implemented in your daily life.
Conflict can be uncomfortable. Come out and learn skills and tools that will help you in communicating with others about frustrating issues in a safe and supportive environment.
Saturday June 13
Edmonton Public Library, Main Branch – 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square ›View Map
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday July 11, 2009
Edmonton Public Library, Woodcroft Branch – 13420 114 Ave ›View Map
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
To register please contact Heather - cm.mrjc@mrjc.ca or 780.423.0896 ext. 201
“How we speak can open or close doors, heal or hurt, create joy or suffering, and ultimately determines our own degree of happiness.” - Marshall B. Rosenburg
Mediation And Restorative Justice Centre Annual General Meeting
On Thursday April 16, 2009, MRJC held it AGM at the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Members and guests enjoyed the ambiance of the Cellar Lounge prior to attending the meeting in the Valley View Room. Thomas Djurfors, Board Chair was emcee for the evening. Joanne Munro provided members with the opportunity to review and approve new bylaws that align with the organizations board governance style and strategic directions. Lana Burnstad lead the board election process during which Kim Sanderson, Faruq Vishram and Scott Brattly were elected as new board members and Steven Penney and Joanne Munro were elected for another term. Attendees were given a sneak peek at the new website. After the formal part of the meeting, members from the Non Violent Communication Work Group provide an overview of this communication technique as it relates to the practice of mediation.
Nonviolent Communication A Language of Life
Jim and Jori Manske of Peaceworks in Albuquerque, New Mexico facilitated a three day workshop April 17 – 19, 2009.
The Heart of Conflict: Third Presence Mediation was offered on Friday and Saturday. This workshop focused on the work of Marshall B. Rosenberg. Participants had the opportunity to learn a communication method for inspiring compassionate connection and action that helps prevent and resolve conflicts at personal, professional and political levels. The NVC process assists us to fully and honestly express
ourselves without any blame or criticism, and to empathically connect with others without hearing blame or criticism. Third Presence Mediation Advanced on Sunday offered participants the opportunity to gain more skill development in the area of nonviolent communication. If you want to explore this training visit their website http://radicalcompassion.squarespace.com
Conflict Resolution Day 2009
Conflict Resolution Day 2009 will be celebrated around the world on October 15. Inspired by ACR’s Board Resolution proclaiming every third Thursday in October for an annual celebration of Conflict Resolution Day, various national and international organizations will hold events on or around October 15.
Conflict Resolution Day was conceived in 2005 by ACR to:
- Promote awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation and other creative, peaceful means of resolving conflict;
- Promote the use of conflict resolution in schools, families, businesses, communities, governments and the legal system;
- Recognize the significant contributions of (peaceful) conflict resolvers; and
- Obtain national synergy by having celebrations happen across the country and around the world on the same day.
Municipalities across Alberta will be providing an educational lunch time workshop designed to inform attendees on the wide variety of conflict management process that can be used. Look back here closer to the date for information on locations of the workshops to be held in Edmonton.
In addition to this province wide initiative MRJC will also be hosting a Style Matters Workshop the three hour workshop is designed to identify your own predominant style of working through interpersonal conflict and to learn about the interaction of various styles.
October 15, 2009: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Stanly Milner Library – Room 27 6th floor
To register go to http://stylematters.eventbrite.com
How to Prevent and Resolve Business Disputes
Thursday October 15 (Conflict Resolution Day)
Are you being sued, or are you at risk of being sued? Have you received an invoice for services that were incomplete or unsatisfactory? Are you waiting to receive payment for services that you have provided? Are you having a dispute with your business partner that is threatening your business? Are you having a dispute with one of your employees? This session will cover the spectrum of options that are available to you. Topics will include business or commercial disputes, neighborhood disputes, workplace and employee disputes, divorce and separation, youth crime, and litigation.
Presented By: Four Dispute Resolution Professionals
Fee: Free
Locations
Edmonton - Business Link – Edmonton, 100 - 10237 104 Street NW
Register Online
St. Albert - Northern Alberta Business Incubator Society (NABI) - 13 Mission Avenue
Register Online
Stony Plain - Community Futures Capital Region- 5006 - 50 Street
Register Online
