Why Restorative Justice

Long before the language of “restorative justice” entered mainstream policy discussions, the Diné (Navajo) people were practicing a relational approach  to conflict that prioritizes harmony, healing, and community responsibility. Navajo peacemaking  — often enacted in circle-based peacekeeping or peacemaking gatherings — centers restoration of balance (hozhó) rather than assignment of blame. In the context of modern restorative justice practice, these gatherings offer both a deep cultural...

At Why Restorative Justice (WhyRJ), we’re honored to collaborate with facilitators whose lived experience and professional insight deepen the field of restorative work. Dawn Molitor  – a special educator of 24 years, founder of   Molitor Consultation , and a facilitator with WhyRJ  – recently published a powerful reflection on her journey toward restorative justice practice in special education. Learn more about Dawn’s background on her WhyRJ bio page . In her piece, Dawn traces her early...

In the context of Māori culture, the concept of relationship—both between people and between people and land—is central to understanding what restorative practice means, such as is found in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Restorative practices emphasize healing, accountability, and the strengthening of relationships rather than punishment and exclusion. In Māori tikanga  (societal practices) and the philosophy of whanaungatanga  (relationships and belonging), embeds core Māori beliefs that shifts our...