Restorative Approach

As an organization opposed to gender-based violence and committed to intervening and supporting those who experience gender-based violence, we want to highlight a valuable resource from Women's Centres Connect and researcher Stacey Godsoe: "Connect Women’s Centres of Nova Scotia. (2024) A Synthesis of Action Plans for Ending Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Equity in Nova Scotia." It's a remarkable synthesis of five key reports -- MMIW, National Action Plan to End Violence, Mass Casualty Report, NS Equity and Anti Racism Strategy, Desmond Inquiry.

MMIW: Reclaiming Power and Place, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, June 2019

NAP: The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, November 2022

MCC: Turning the Tide Together, Final Report of the Mass Casualty Commission, March 2023

NS EAR: Nova Scotia Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, July 2023

DFI: Report of the Inquiry into the Deaths of the Desmond Family, January 2024

Knowledge Synthesis Leads to Action Plans for Ending Gender-Based Violence in Nova Scotia - Women's Centres Connect Knowledge Synthesis Leads to Action Plans for Ending Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Equity in Nova Scotia At Connect Women’s Centres (Connect), we are deeply committed to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) ... Read more

Our final Rainbow Rights workshop will be presented on Zoom, March 25th, 6-8 PM. We've had great groups again this round, and we'd love to see you for our last session!

All sign-up details for this FREE 2-hour workshop can be found by scanning the QR code in the event image or by following the link in the comments.

In the Rainbow Rights workshop, we review such topics as:
✨ human rights protections, including provincial and federal human rights legislation,
✨ how to self-advocate in grounded, sustainable ways

Our next Rainbow Rights workshop will be held in person at Acadia University Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm AST! We'll also offer an evening Zoom session March 25, 6-8pm AST. All sign-up details can be found by scanning the QR code in the event image or by following the link in the comments.

In the Rainbow Rights workshop, we review such topics as:
✨ human rights protections, including provincial and federal human rights legislation,
✨ how to self-advocate in grounded, sustainable ways

Two dates left:
Acadia University (in person): Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm AST
Zoom: Wednesday, March 25, 6-8pm AST

We’re proud to share this FREE offering in partnership with Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS), Restorative Approach, Valley Pride, and Acadia University’s Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, with funding from the Tegan and Sara Foundation.

Founder Shila LeBlanc recently spoke with CBC's Mainstreet about the latest round of Rainbow Rights workshops! We've dropped the link to the interview in the comments along with a link to the sign up form.

Upcoming dates:
Zoom: Wednesday, February 11, 1-3pm AST
Acadia University (in person): Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm AST
Zoom: Wednesday, March 25, 6-8pm AST

Thanks to new funding from the Tegan and Sara Foundation, we are pleased and grateful to share that we are continuing our work on the Rainbow Rights project! 🌈✨

Our goal is to support 2SLGBTQIA+ folks (and those who stand with us) in understanding our human rights and protections, and what resources are available when discrimination occurs. It's vital that q***r folks feel safe, respected, and protected in their communities.

In the Rainbow Rights workshop, we review such topics as:
✨ human rights protections, including provincial and federal human rights legislation,
✨ how to self-advocate in grounded, sustainable ways

Dates:
Zoom: Wednesday, February 11, 1-3pm AST
Acadia University (in person): Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm AST
Zoom: Wednesday, March 25, 6-8pm AST

Please share this with anyone who may benefit!

We’re proud to share this offering in partnership with Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS), Restorative Approach, Valley Pride, and Acadia University’s Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.

Navigating conflict with care builds integrity.

How we approach conflict has a tremendous impact on the way it unfolds. To bring care to harder conversations demonstrates a commitment to uphold and support a dignified space for everyone.

Competence in relationships is a skill.

Educational and coaching services equip individuals and groups to identify conflict, to open dialogue with care, and to rebuild trust so moving forward is possible.

If you’re experiencing workplace conflict, we’re equipped to help!

www.restorativeapproach.ca

Healing ripples outward.

One moment of restoration doesn’t just solve a problem—it turns setbacks into powerful opportunities for growth and connection.

Visit us at restorativeapproach.ca to learn how we can help!

Strong work relationships = organizational resilience.

It’s inevitable—when people feel respected and involved, trust grows!

We can help you navigate conflict in sustainable ways.

Book a free, 30-minute consultation at www.restorativeapproach.ca!

Why work hard to be right when you could work smarter and feel relief?

Relationships rooted in trust move from disconnection to collaboration.

Visit us at restorativeapproach.ca to learn how we can help!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a symbolic gesture — it requires the daily practice of upholding peaceful relations and repairing the harms we commit as we go, with our families, our friends, our colleagues, our communities. We must live our lives in ways that do not perpetuate tools of harm and oppression, and we must find a way to keep moving toward healing and love.

One resource we encourage others to connect with is the story Fatty Legs (Annick Press), the memoir of residential school survivor Olemaun (Margaret) Pokiak-Fenton, co-written with Christy Jordan-Fenton. This illustrated story follows 8-year-old Margaret who dreams of learning to read and who begs her family to take her to residential school. There, the rupture between Margaret and her culture begins. The 10th-anniversary edition contains new materials, including a foreword by noted Indigenous scholar Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo), founder of American Indians in Children’s Literature.

Restorative Approach founder, Shila LeBlanc, had the honour of working with Margaret and Christy on an art project related to Fatty Legs. Read her reflections on the blog: www.restorativeapproach.ca/journal/ntdr2025

Conflict is not the enemy—it’s the opportunity.

We help individuals and teams respond to conflict with accountability and clarity, so that trust and empathy become guides in community and collaboration.

Connect with us for a free, 30-minute consultation. Visit www.restorativeapproach.ca.

We’re here to help!