Sky’s Story:
A Harassment Scenario
Scenario
Sky is a 9-year-old Indigenous girl who lives in a small town and goes to school with a close-knit group of classmates. Lately, Sky had been feeling left out when some friends started playing a game at recess without her. One girl in particular, Maya, had been especially mean to Sky.
Sky began sending unkind messages through a group chat. She called Maya names like “ugly,” “stinky,” and “stupid,” and told others not to talk to her. Sky was saying mean things about Maya and Maya’s family in the group chat and at school for several days. Maya felt really hurt and didn’t want to come to school anymore.
The school found out and called Sky’s caregiver. Sky has now been charged with harassment.
The community decided this incident was best fit for a restorative justice circle instead of going through the court system. This circle is a chance for everyone involved to share how they feel, understand each other better, and decide together how to make things right.
Characters in the Circle
Sky – The student who sent the mean messages
Sky’s Auntie – Who helps raise her and teaches her about kindness and community
Maya – The student who was bullied
Maya’s Older Brother – Who saw how upset she was
School Principal or Teacher – Who noticed something was wrong
Circle Keeper – The Program Facilitator will guide the conversation respectfully
Elder or Knowledge Keeper (If Available) – Who opens the circle with a teaching
“In our ways, we know that words have power. They can lift people up or bring people down. When someone is hurt, we come together to listen, to share from the heart, and to find a path forward in kindness.”
— Anonymous Elder