Nisga’a Lisims Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Bert Azak as the new Yuuhlimk-’askw coordinator. Bert joined NLG on February 26, 2009.

Restorative Justice is a holistic approach to correcting wrongful actions an individual has done in the community. The objective is to provide an alternative to the court system that will enable a person to make a positive change in behavior. The process begins with a referral process from front line Community Resources or concerned individuals. A referral might come from the RCMP, Crown Counsel, Nisga’a Child and Family Services, House Chief/Matriarch or the Schools.

All those who have been affected in the wrongful actions participate and contribute to a resolution.

Four key principles of Restorative Justice are:

• Encounter: creates an opportunity for victim offender and community to meet and discuss the crime and its aftermath.
• Amends: Offenders take steps to correct or repair the harm or wrongful actions that they have caused.
• Reintegration: seek to restore victims and offenders ability to participate and contribute as members of society.
• Inclusion: Provide opportunities for parties with a stake in a specific crime to participate in its resolution.

Taking responsibility for the wrongdoing is the starting point to correcting the wrongful action.

Networking is important in this process and I look forward to working with each Nisg-a’a community in promoting Yuuhlimk-’askw, a Nisg-a’a approach of counseling, guiding, cautioning and supporting. Please join us in welcoming Bert to our team.