Circle Peace-Making in Alaska

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors explore the re-emergence of peace-making in a Tlingit community, its renaissance, and its value as a contemporary method of dispute resolution in rural Alaska. The circle peacemaking process (herein “circle peace-making”) works in collaboration with the State of Alaska judicial system, as a local restorative practice addressing misdemeanors and juvenile offenses. Local law enforcement and families within communities can refer misdemeanor and young offenders to circle peace-making. Local schools can also refer students who are in need of guidance and direction to address misbehaviors.

Addressing Domestic Violence through Circle Peacemaking in Alaska: Reflections on Building Tribal-Researcher Capacity

“…Kake's experience with Circle Peacemaking gained national recognition when it received High Honors from Harvard's JFK School of Government Honoring Nations (n.d.) project, which promotes Best Practices in Indian Country within the United States. Kake's Circle Peacemaking Program staff have also assisted in the publication of articles and other written materials (for example, see Hyslop (2012), Hyslop (2018), Jarrett and Hyslop (2014), and Kake Circle Peacemaking Handbook ( 2013)).…”