Indigenous People in the Court System – Healing and Restorative Approaches

Russell Purdy, Dr. Michael Tibollo, Justice Karen Crow Shoe

Panel 6 – Indigenous Health Stream Corrections and Justice

September 24th Day Two – Exhibition Hall C North Building 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Indigenous People in the Court System – Healing and Restorative Approaches

Justice Karen Crow Shoe

Session Description

The presentation will provide information to participants surrounding the unique challenges and circumstances effecting Indigenous people involved in the court system, including the effects of historical trauma rooted in colonialism and the legacy of residential schools that has led many Indigenous people before the court. Participants will learn about the development of healing to wellness plans that are culturally relevant and designed to address the unique circumstances and needs of Indigenous persons before the court. The presentation will also touch upon restorative approaches that provide opportunities to Indigenous people to regain their sense of cultural identity while striving to live a healthy balance in their life cycle.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the historical and systemic factors—such as colonialism and the legacy of residential schools—that contribute to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the court system and affect their interactions with the justice system.
  • Understand the principles and application of culturally relevant healing and restorative justice approaches, including the development of Healing to Wellness Plans, that support Indigenous individuals in regaining cultural identity and achieving holistic well-being within the legal process.

References:

  • The development of the content for my abstract is based upon my work as a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice.

Bio

Justice Crowshoe was born and raised on the Piikani Reserve in southern Alberta. She is proud of her Piikani ancestral roots and carries the Blackfoot name “Niitsi-ta-pap-owi” or “Standing Alone”. She is the first Blackfoot woman to be called to the Alberta Bar and in December of 2017 she was the first First Nations woman appointed as a judge to the Alberta Court of Justice.

Justice Crowshoe received her Bachelor of Management Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1989, her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia in 1992 and became a member of the Alberta bar in 1994. Her legal career focused largely on providing counsel for First Nation governments and agencies while her community work included serving on organizations committed to the preservation of Piikani ways of knowing and those furthering youth and education matters. She continues to support Traditional Knowledge Keepers who practice Blackfoot culture and traditions.

Other Panel Members

Join us for the Alberta Recovery Summit, hosted by the 9th Annual Recovery Capital Conference taking place on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2025.

 Session Streams

  • Health Care and Recovery
  • Indigenous Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

 Key Details

  • DAY ONE September 23rd – 5:30 pm 6:30: Early Badge Pick Up and Networking Reception, 6:30 pm to 8 pm Pre Conference Presentation
  • DAY TWO September 24th – 8:45 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions
  • DAY THREE September 25th – 9 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions

 Hotels

Book your hotel at one of our host hotels and save money. Click on the links for the discount rates and book early as rates will go up, and they always sell out.

Schedule

Speakers

Registration

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