Section 84 Conference Advances Indigenous-Led Restorative Justice Approaches

The Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, a leading Indigenous authority on Section 84 release planning, will host the Section 84 Kwanatul Conference in Vancouver from November 13-14, 2025, bringing together Elders, justice partners, people formerly in prison, and allies to demonstrate restorative justice in action. The gathering represents a critical movement toward Indigenous self-determination within Canada's justice system through Section 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which provides Indigenous people in federal custody the legal right to develop release plans with their communities and Indigenous organizations.

Merv Thomas, CEO of Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, emphasized that Section 84 represents more than just a program. Restorative Justice is our law in practice. Section 84 is not a program – it's a legal right that affirms Indigenous self-determination in the justice system. When Indigenous communities lead the way home, healing happens - not just for the person returning, but for families, neighbourhoods, and the systems around them.

The significance of Section 84 becomes particularly evident when considering Canada's prison demographics. Indigenous people constitute only 5 percent of Canada's population yet represent over 32 percent of those in federal prisons, with Indigenous women accounting for nearly 50 percent of incarcerated women. This systemic overrepresentation underscores the urgent need for community-led, culturally grounded approaches to reintegration that Section 84 enables. The approach directly fulfills the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 35 while reconnecting returning citizens with ceremony, culture, and community support – factors proven to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety.

The Kwanatul Gathering, meaning 'Together,' will feature Elder and Resident-Led Circles sharing lived experiences of healing and accountability, workshops on how Indigenous communities can implement or expand Section 84 planning, and policy sessions advancing community-led models aligned with Canada's new Indigenous Justice Strategy. Cultural ceremonies and shared meals honoring Coast Salish protocols will create space for meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among participants. Event details and registration are available at https://section84.com.

Circle of Eagles has operated on Coast Salish territory for more than 55 years, providing culturally safe halfway houses, Elder-led healing programs, and employment training for Indigenous people returning to community. The organization has supported over 1,300 individuals through its lodges and outreach services while delivering more than 36,000 meals annually through programs like Bannock on the Run and Unhoused Outreach. This extensive experience positions COELS as a national leader in demonstrating how Indigenous-led reintegration creates sustainable pathways to healing and community safety. Additional information about the organization's work can be found at https://circleofeagles.com.

The conference represents a pivotal moment in Canada's justice landscape, offering justice professionals, Indigenous organizations, and community members practical insights into implementing Section 84's legal framework. By centering Indigenous knowledge systems and community leadership in reintegration processes, Section 84 challenges conventional correctional approaches and offers a proven alternative that addresses root causes of incarceration while building safer communities through relationship restoration and cultural reconnection.