College of New Caledonia alumnus brings lived experience into restorative justice with Inside-Out course
Christina LaBerge, a College of New Caledonia (CNC) alumnus, has brought her personal experiences into restorative justice through the Inside-Out course. This program connects incarcerated students with campus-based students to foster mutual understanding and repair harm within communities. Christina, who had a challenging childhood, credits the support she received for helping her turn her life around. Her involvement in the course, which emphasizes Indigenous roots and restorative justice principles, has deepened her belief in the potential for recovery and positive change when individuals are given the right resources and opportunities.
The Inside-Out program at CNC was adapted to an online format due to geographical constraints, with instructor Marc Sinclair ensuring that both "inside" and "outside" students were treated equally. Christina and her peers engaged in discussions about the gaps in the current justice system and its impact on individuals. The course's unique approach, including handwritten assignments to accommodate incarcerated students, provided valuable insights into the justice system's shortcomings and the importance of dignity and respect in fostering change. Christina's journey highlights the transformative power of education and restorative justice in creating a more inclusive and empathetic society.