The Peacemaking & Probation Department is part of our Tribal Judicial Branch and deals with the concept of ‘Peacemaking’ or what is sometimes called restorative justice. The head of LRBOI Peacemaking is former Ogema, Patrick Wilson.
Former Ogema Patrick Wilson at 2013 Peacemaking Conference in Manistee, MI
Peacemaking
Peacemaking is not a new concept, it is part of our Tribal heritage. At the core of Peacemaking the process could be described as, “Restoring Balance.”
When there is a conflict, Peacemakers help address the problem and guide all those involved to reach an understanding and solve their problems. The key to achieving this is, Communication. Communication can be difficult, however the Peacemaking process gives each Participant a chance to be heard and opening up those lines of communication.
The Participants are Family members, married couples, employees, community members, school students, committees and governmental departments.
Peacemaking explores the issues and possible causes of the dispute, problem or issue and helps direct the participants understand and develop a new relationship, start healing, and define a new balance in their lives.
Peacemaker Training Information
Thinking about being a Peacemaker. But you have a few questions:
Like what would be my responsibilities and what can I expect?
Questions like that can seem a little daunting at first, but we would like to help reduce some of that stress.
The Peacemaking/Probation Department has a training process you will take part in. You will learn about the steps of conducting a Peacemaking Session and the skills and tools that will come in handy when you become a Peacemaker. In our own Peacemaker training you will learn about the work that happens before the Peacemaking session even starts, you will be given the background information of the Participants and their “issue, problem, or dispute.” Also, as part of your training you will sit in and observe a Peacemaking Session in action. Then you will be ready to actually take part in assisting with a Peacemaking Session.
Responsibilities of Peacemakers and Primary Peacemakers.
Peacemakers Responsibilities are as follow:
(a) To participate in ongoing trainings.
- To be timely for all meetings.
(c) To conduct Peacemaking sessions
(d) To ensure that the Participants comply with their Agreements.
(e) To keep all parties involved informed and document the progress of the Agreement’s goals and objectives.
Other responsibilities and duties:
(a) Be able to attend Peacemaking meeting on a regular basis.
(b) Be able to travel.
(c) Be able to work with professional and Paraprofessional service providers.
(d) Be able to access services, programs and develop other resources.
(e) Be able to apply the philosophy and the goals of Peacemaking.
(f) Be able to follow and understand the Peacemaking Guidelines.
(h) Be able and willing to increase your knowledge about Peacemaking.
(i) Be able and willing to teach and train other Peacemakers.
(j) Follow the rules of confidentiality
(k) Be able to complete all paperwork and perform record upkeep in a timely
Manner.
(l) Be able to be non-judgmental and keep an open mind throughout the
Peacemaking process.
(m) Inform the Supervisor of Peacemaking, or the Assistant of any conflicts of
interest that may arise in the Peacemaking process. Example: family members,
partnership in an economic venture, or personal knowledge in the issue,
problem, or conflict.
The Peacemaking/Probation Supervisor in most session will be the Primary Peacemaker. However, at times there may be a “conflict of interest” and in that case, another Peacemaker will be assigned the duties of the Primary Peacemaker.
If you are interested in in becoming a Peacemaker, please contact me; Phone (231)398—2239, E-mail [email protected] or stop by the office.