Bridging the Gap between Truth and Reconciliation: Restorative Justice and the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Authors

Jennifer Llewellyn, Dalhousie University Schulich School of LawFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Keywords

Human Rights Law, truth, reconciliation, restorative justice, residential schools

Abstract

As suggested by the title Bridging the Gap between Truth and Reconciliation: Restorative Justice and the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this essay examines the potential gap between truth and reconciliation and suggests that the principles underlying restorative justice provide the necessary bridge. With respect to the goal of reconciling relationships, the author makes it clear that she is speaking of social relationships, not personal relationships. Restorative justice “is not about getting parties to hug and make up; rather, it strives to create the conditions of social relationships in which all parties might achieve meaningful, just, and peaceful co-existence.”

Comments

From the selected works of Jennifer Llewellyn.

Recommended Citation

Jennifer Llewellyn, "Bridging the Gap between Truth and Reconciliation: Restorative Justice and the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission" in M. Brant-Castellano, L. Archibald & M. DeGagne, eds, From Truth to Reconciliation: Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools (Ottawa: Aboriginal Healing Foundation, 2008).