Indigenous-Led Restorative Justice Conference to Showcase Section 84 Reintegration Success

The Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, one of Canada's leading Indigenous authorities on Section 84 release planning, will host the Section 84 Kwanatul Conference in Vancouver from November 13–14, 2025, bringing together elders, justice partners, and people formerly in prison to demonstrate restorative justice in action. The gathering represents a critical movement toward addressing the severe overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada's federal prison system, where they constitute 32 percent of the incarcerated population despite representing only 5 percent of the general population.

Section 84 of Canada's Corrections and Conditional Release Act provides Indigenous people in federal custody with 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 is not merely a program but a legal right that affirms Indigenous self-determination within the justice system. When Indigenous communities lead the reintegration process, healing extends beyond the individual to families, neighborhoods, and surrounding systems, creating a public safety solution rooted in culture rather than corrections.

The conference comes at a pivotal moment as Canada implements its new Indigenous Justice Strategy and works toward fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 35. The Kwanatul Gathering, meaning 'Together,' will feature elder and resident-led circles sharing lived experiences of healing and accountability, workshops on implementing or expanding Section 84 planning, and policy sessions advancing community-led models. Cultural ceremonies and shared meals honoring Coast Salish protocols will underscore the importance of cultural reconnection in reducing recidivism and strengthening community safety.

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, delivering more than 36,000 meals annually through initiatives like Bannock on the Run and Unhoused Outreach. The conference will showcase success stories from individuals like Johnny Mattice and Ruby Harry, who have rebuilt their lives through Indigenous-led Section 84 planning, pursuing entrepreneurship, career paths, and family reconnection.

This gathering invites justice professionals, Indigenous organizations, and community members committed to reconciliation to shape a new future for Indigenous reintegration. By centering Indigenous leadership and cultural practices, Section 84 represents a transformative approach to justice that addresses historical inequities while creating safer communities for all Canadians.