Ember’s Story:
A Harassment Scenario
Scenario
Ember is an 8-year-old Indigenous girl who usually gets along well with others. One day during recess, Ember and another student, Lily, were both running to the same swing. They started arguing about who got there first.
Ember got really upset, and in the heat of the moment, she pushed Lily hard. When she was on the ground, Ember kicked Lily. Lily fell down, scraped her arm, and started to cry. A teacher saw it happen and came over right away. Lily had to go to the office to get a bandage.
Ember has been charged with assault, but instead of going through a formal punishment or court process, the school and Ember’s family have decided to have a restorative justice circle.
This circle will give everyone a chance to share what happened, how it made them feel, and how to make sure everyone feels safe again.
Characters in the Circle
Ember – The student who pushed Lily
Ember’s Kokum (Grandmother) – Who teaches Ember about calmness and respect
Lily – The student who was pushed
Lily’s Parent – Who came to the school to check on Lily
Recess Supervisor or Teacher – Who helped respond
Elder or Knowledge Keeper (If Available) – Who opens the circle with a cultural teaching
Circle Keeper – The Program Facilitator to help guide the conversation gently
“In our teachings, we know that even when we make mistakes, we are not bad people. We carry responsibility for our actions, and we come together to find peace, balance, and ways to heal. Everyone here is important.”
— Anonymous Elder