Whole school restorative justice as a racial justice and liberatory practice: Oakland’s journey

I want to begin by acknowledging the Mik’maq, the ancestors of the land. In doing so we affirm this is a post-genocidal land upon which we stand. At the same time, we recognise that Canada acknowledges responsibility for this unspeakable harm and is taking first steps to address it through the historic settlement and Truth and Reconciliation process around Indian Residential Schools. I also honour the historic Africans of Nova Scotia and recognise the statesanctioned harms of institutional and structural racism they have endured, while also recognising that Nova Scotia is taking first steps toward repair through the settlement and Restorative Inquiry around the Nova Scotia home for coloured children.