"The following report is one of a series of 13 case studies being conducted by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) as part of the impact evaluation process. The case studies were selected to include representation from a variety of project types and other criteria. The criteria specific to this case study include all Aboriginal groups (Métis, Inuit, First Nation, and non-status), urban, east, incarcerated, healing circles, and professional training. The case studies are intended to provide a detailed, holistic view of the projects and their outcomes. For the most part, data collection, analysis, and synthesis were done by community support coordinators under the guidance of case study supervisors affiliated with Kishk Anaquot Health Research.

The project that forms the basis for this case study is entitled “When Justice Heals” (AHF-funded project 1291-ON) sponsored by the Odawa Native Friendship Centre. The primary purpose of the project is “to provide appropriate alternatives to the mainstream justice system for Aboriginal people in the Ottawa- Carleton Region referred to the Aboriginal Peoples Justice Circle (APJC) by the courts and to engage in a healing program and a Circle Sentencing process.”.” (Case Study Report: When Justice Heals, page 1).