Français The science of relationships and community - grounded in belonging, accountability, and repair.
All humans are wired to connect. Alongside food, shelter, and clothing, we also need strong, meaningful relationships to thrive.
Restorative practices is a transdisciplinary field of study focused on strengthening relationships between individuals and improving social connections within communities. In Canada, restorative practices are used in conflict resolution, to create dialogue, to bridge divides across groups, and to build cultures where everyone has a voice, can work effectively together, and can be more innovative.
Because education, health, justice, and social services are organized differently across provinces and territories, restorative approaches are often adapted to local communities and contexts. This work also intersects with the longstanding restorative traditions and teachings of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and should be approached with humility, respect, and a commitment to right relationship.
- In schools, restorative practices can positively influence student behaviour and school climate. They support a sense of belonging, reduce harm, and strengthen learning by helping students build skills to navigate complex challenges, self-regulate, manage conflict, and contribute as engaged community members. In many Canadian settings, these approaches are implemented through schools, school boards, and community partners to address root causes of conflict, support accountability, repair relationships, and identify practical solutions.
- In workplaces, restorative practices can help build diverse and resilient teams by emphasizing responsibility, respect, and inclusive participation—supporting psychologically safer spaces where people can collaborate, learn, and innovate.
- In communities, restorative practices can support complex conversations that help diverse populations collaborate. They can strengthen inclusive communities by addressing community health and well-being, relational harm, and cultural differences. This can contribute to systems change by energizing community members, supporting grassroots efforts, and empowering individuals.
Restorative practices have been influenced by many collective philosophical and theoretical perspectives, including Indigenous cultures and traditions from around the world. IIRP Canada seeks to respect the integrity and heart of traditional practices while connecting them with relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and a commitment to relationality and community.