The Iron Range

Located in Northern Saint Louis County, Minnesota

What are Restorative Practices?

History of Restorative Practices

  • Restorative practices are not new—they are rooted in the wisdom of Indigenous communities around the world, who have long used collective, relational approaches to address harm and maintain harmony.

    In many Indigenous cultures—including those of the Navajo (Diné), Maori, Anishinaabe, and many African and First Nations peoples—justice has traditionally focused not on punishment, but on restoration. These communities have long held practices like peacemaking circles, truth-telling, and community dialogue that prioritize accountability, healing, and the reintegration of those who have caused harm.

    These traditions often center elders and community facilitators who guide people through structured processes of listening, storytelling, and reconciliation—always with the aim of restoring balance, dignity, and right relationship.

  • While restorative approaches have long existed in Indigenous cultures, the 1970s marked the beginning of their formal recognition and adoption within Western legal and institutional systems. This period is often identified as the emergence of modern restorative justice—a movement that began challenging the punitive, offender-centered focus of criminal justice systems.

    One of the earliest and most cited cases occurred in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, when a probation officer named Mark Yantzi and a Mennonite community justice advocate, Dave Worth, facilitated a meeting between two young offenders and the victims of their property crimes. Instead of traditional sentencing, the two youths were asked to meet with the people they had harmed, listen to the impact of their actions, and come to an agreement on how to repair the harm. This encounter—later known as the first victim-offender reconciliation program (VORP)—became a cornerstone of the restorative justice movement.

    At the same time, Indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand were advocating for the recognition and reintegration of their own justice traditions. In New Zealand, the Maori pushed for the use of family group conferencing, which eventually became part of the country's youth justice system in the late 1980s. These models were deeply influenced by traditional Maori values of collective responsibility, inclusion, and restorative accountability.

    Meanwhile, in the U.S., Native American peacemaking courts, such as those used by the Navajo Nation, quietly continued their relational forms of justice, even as mainstream systems remained adversarial. Over time, their models began to gain attention and respect as communities looked for more humane, effective alternatives to incarceration.

    Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the ideas behind these programs began expanding beyond justice systems into schools, workplaces, and communities, evolving into what is now broadly referred to as restorative practices—a field that emphasizes proactive relationship-building, conflict prevention, and community accountability.

  • Restorative practices have grown far beyond the justice system. Today, they are used across schools, workplaces, communities, and families as a way to build connection, respond to harm, and create cultures rooted in empathy, accountability, and care.

    In schools, restorative practices help shift away from punitive discipline by fostering community, addressing conflict through dialogue, and supporting youth development. Circles, peer mediation, and restorative conversations are used to build trust and reduce suspensions and disparities.

    In workplaces and organizations, restorative practices are used to strengthen team relationships, address harm with transparency, and create equitable, inclusive cultures. Leaders are turning to restorative approaches to navigate conflict, hold space for repair, and support sustainable change.

    In communities, restorative practices provide pathways for healing after harm, especially where systems have failed. They’re used in housing, reentry, policing alternatives, and grassroots initiatives to repair relationships and support reintegration.

    What remains consistent is the heart of the practice: listening deeply, honoring lived experience, and choosing relationship over punishment. Whether in a classroom, a circle, or a boardroom, restorative practices invite us to lead with compassion, embrace accountability, and reimagine justice—together.

Restorative practices have deep roots in Indigenous traditions around the world, where communities have long used circle processes and communal dialogue to address harm, restore balance, and uphold relationships.

In modern contexts, restorative justice emerged in the 1970s as an alternative to punitive systems, focusing on repairing harm through accountability and healing. Over time, these principles expanded beyond the justice system into schools, workplaces, and communities—evolving into what we now call restorative practices.

Today, restorative practices are used globally to build trust, strengthen communities, and create cultures rooted in empathy, equity, and connection.

Pillars of Restorative Practices

  • Relationship

    This emphasizes that positive relationships within a community are essential. When harm occurs, the community must unite to address the damage and create an environment that encourages the responsible party to accept responsibility and make amends.

  • Respect

    Respecting our differences fosters a safe environment for open communication, which is essential for understanding the root causes of conflict and harm.

  • Responsibility

    Restorative Practices seeks to address the questions:

    Who is responsible for the harm?

    Who was all harmed?

    Accountability involves acknowledging one's own role in a conflict and taking ownership of the harm caused.

  • Repair

    Creating space to focus on actively working towards addressing the harm done and restoring positive relationships.

  • Reintegration

    Seeks to facilitate the reintegration of individuals into the community after they have taken responsibility and made efforts towards making amends for their actions.

Applying Restorative Practices

  • Restorative practices work by creating intentional spaces for connection, accountability, and healing—whether in response to harm or to proactively build community. Instead of focusing on punishment, they ask: What happened? Who was affected? What needs to be done to make things right?

    At their core, restorative practices are grounded in the belief that relationships matter. When harm occurs, those most impacted come together to talk honestly about what happened, how it affected them, and how to move forward—often through circles, dialogue, or conferencing.

    Here's how they work in practice:

    • Building Relationships: Circles and regular check-ins help build trust, empathy, and understanding before harm ever occurs.

    • Addressing Harm: When conflict or harm happens, restorative conversations give everyone a chance to be heard, take responsibility, and participate in repair.

    • Repairing and Rebuilding: The goal is not punishment, but restoring trust, healing relationships, and supporting accountability that leads to growth.

    • Empowering Communities: Restorative practices involve everyone affected—not just the harmed or the harmer—so that healing and justice are shared, not imposed.

    Restorative practices work because they center people, not punishment. They hold space for truth, recognize dignity, and offer tools for lasting change—personally, relationally, and systemically.

  • Educators & Schools

    To build trusting classroom communities, reduce disciplinary disparities, and create safe, inclusive spaces for learning and growth.

    Families & Caregivers

    To strengthen communication, resolve conflict without punishment, and foster connection rooted in empathy and accountability—especially through tools like restorative parenting.

    Community Leaders & Facilitators

    To host dialogue, repair harm, and promote healing in neighborhoods, grassroots movements, or across generations.

    Organizations & Workplaces

    To shift culture toward collaboration and care, address conflict with integrity, and support belonging, equity, and mutual respect.

    Justice Systems & Reentry Support

    To create alternatives to punitive systems by offering meaningful accountability, healing for survivors, and pathways for reintegration.

    Youth & Peer Leaders

    To build leadership, support conflict resolution, and deepen self-awareness and empathy in peer groups, schools, or after-school spaces.

    Everyone

  • Improved Communication & Relationships

    Encourage open, honest dialogue that strengthens trust, deepens understanding, and fosters mutual respect in any setting.

    Meaningful Accountability

    Support individuals in taking responsibility for their actions—not through punishment, but by repairing harm and learning from mistakes.

    Healing & Emotional Well-Being

    Provide space for people to be heard, validate lived experiences, and process harm in ways that promote healing and growth.

    Stronger, More Connected Communities

    Build a culture of care, connection, and collective responsibility—whether in schools, organizations, neighborhoods, or families.

    Improved School Climate & Youth Outcomes

    Reduce suspensions and discipline disparities, while promoting inclusion, belonging, and leadership among students.

    Trauma-Informed Conflict Resolution

    Create safe, supportive environments that respond to harm in ways that acknowledge trauma and promote resilience.

    Equity & Systemic Change

    Center the voices of those most impacted, challenge punitive systems, and help build just, inclusive cultures that are rooted in empathy and repair.

  • Circles are a foundational practice in restorative work—used to build trust, address conflict, and nurture community through intentional dialogue.
    They offer a safe, equitable space where every voice matters. By gathering in a physical circle—a symbol of unity and shared humanity—participants are invited to speak, listen, and reflect without interruption or judgment.

    Core Elements of a Circle:

    • Talking piece: An object passed around to ensure one voice at a time and respectful listening.

    • Facilitator/keeper: A trained guide who creates a supportive space and upholds the structure.

    • Agreements: Shared values or guidelines created by the group to maintain safety and trust.

    • Rounds: Each participant is invited to respond to prompts or questions in turn.

    Circles are powerful because they honor every person’s dignity, encourage deep listening, and allow for collective wisdom and healing to emerge. They are a space where truth can be spoken, harm can be acknowledged, and connection can be rebuilt.

  • Community-Building Circles

    Used proactively to strengthen relationships, build trust, and create a culture of belonging. These circles often explore values, identity, gratitude, or shared experiences.

    Purpose: Connection before correction.

    Harm or Conflict Circles (Responsive)

    Facilitate healing and accountability after harm has occurred. They include all those impacted—those who caused harm, those affected by it, and relevant community members.

    Purpose: Repair relationships and promote understanding and accountability.

    Reintegration Circles

    Support the return of someone to a community after absence or conflict (e.g., returning from suspension, incarceration, or illness), helping rebuild trust and welcome them with support.

    Purpose: Foster safe, supportive transitions.

    Problem-Solving Circles

    Used to address challenges or make group decisions. Everyone contributes perspectives, and collective wisdom guides the next steps.

    Purpose: Inclusive, collaborative decision-making.

    Youth-Led or Peer Circles

    Empower young people to lead dialogue with their peers, often in schools or community settings. These promote leadership, agency, and shared responsibility.

    Purpose: Elevate youth voice and leadership.

    Celebration or Affirmation Circles

    Used to honor milestones, achievements, or individuals. These build positive culture and reinforce community values.

    Purpose: Celebrate, uplift, and affirm.

    Restorative Parenting Circles

    Create supportive spaces for caregivers to reflect on their parenting practices, deepen emotional connection with their children, and learn to approach discipline through empathy and accountability.

    Purpose: Strengthen family bonds, model restorative values, and foster healing-centered parenting.

    Each type of circle reflects the belief that healing, accountability, and connection are most powerful when people are invited to share and listen in an intentional, respectful space.

Applying restorative practices means weaving healing, accountability, and relationship-building into the fabric of everyday life. Whether in homes, schools, workplaces, or communities, it invites people to pause, listen deeply, and respond with empathy and care.

It’s about creating spaces where harm can be acknowledged, trust can be rebuilt, and everyone has a voice. Restorative practices aren’t just tools—they’re a way of being that centers connection, shared responsibility, and the belief that transformation happens in relationship.

Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub

For years, the communities of Minnesota’s Iron Range have faced challenges that tested both relationships and resilience: shifting economies, historical trauma, cultural divides, and the everyday tensions that ripple through families, schools, and institutions.

Amid these struggles, a quiet recognition began to emerge: our region needed more than quick solutions — we needed healing.

What started as honest conversations grew into a shared vision: a regional space where people could learn, connect, and utilize the tools of restorative practice.

The Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub was born from that vision. It exists to support individuals and families, train practitioners, hold space for authentic community dialogue, and help organizations build cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and equity.

Rooted in the Iron Range’s legacy of hard work and mutual aid, the Hub blends tradition with transformation. Just as iron is forged by fire, so too can relationships be strengthened through open dialogue, deep listening, and shared repair.

Types of circles

currently being offered

Community Circles

  • You don’t have to pay to be heard.

    You don’t have to earn your way into healing.

    You don’t have to go through it alone.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are free and open to anyone who wants to listen, share, and be part of a supportive community.

    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, young person, neighbor — or someone carrying something heavy — there’s a place for you here.

    No cost. No judgment. Just connection.

  • You don’t need to have the right words.
    You don’t need to be in a certain place in life.
    You just need to show up.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are open to everyone — every background, every experience, every story.

    Whether you’re coming with a question, a burden, or simply a willingness to listen, you are welcome here.

    No barriers. No requirements. Just a space to connect.

  • Meeting information coming soon

  • Community Circles are gatherings where people come together in a spirit of respect, openness, and shared humanity. Rooted in restorative practices, these circles create a safe and inclusive space for participants to listen deeply, speak honestly, and build stronger relationships with one another.

    The purpose of Community Circles is to:

    • Foster connection across differences by honoring each person’s story and experience.

    • Create trust through structured dialogue that encourages empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

    • Build community resilience by addressing tensions, celebrating strengths, and nurturing collective well-being.

    • Support healing from harm, isolation, or disconnection by making space for people to feel seen, heard, and valued.

    Whether participants are navigating conflict, seeking community, or simply looking for a space to be real with others, Community Circles offer an open invitation: to come as you are, and to grow together.

  • This Community Circle is free to attend thanks to grant funding that supports accessible restorative practices in our region. As part of this support, a third-party evaluator is helping us understand the impact of these circles — your participation helps shape the future of this work.

Community Circles are spaces of connection, reflection, and healing. Rooted in restorative practices, these circles bring people together to share stories, listen deeply, and build trust across differences.

Each circle creates a safe and welcoming environment where every voice is valued. Whether we are navigating conflict, celebrating milestones, or simply holding space for one another, Community Circles foster belonging, understanding, and collective care.

Community Circles offer a powerful path forward—one rooted in empathy, accountability, and the wisdom of community.

Restorative Parenting

  • You don’t have to pay to be heard.

    You don’t have to earn your way into healing.

    You don’t have to go through it alone.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are free and open to anyone who wants to listen, share, and be part of a supportive community.

    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, young person, neighbor — or someone carrying something heavy — there’s a place for you here.

    No cost. No judgment. Just connection.

  • You don’t need to have the right words.
    You don’t need to be in a certain place in life.
    You just need to show up.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are open to everyone — every background, every experience, every story.

    Whether you’re coming with a question, a burden, or simply a willingness to listen, you are welcome here.

    No barriers. No requirements. Just a space to connect.

  • Meeting information coming soon

  • Restorative Parenting Circles offer caregivers a supportive space to reflect, connect, and grow in their parenting journeys. Rooted in restorative practices, these circles invite honesty, empathy, and shared learning — without judgment.

    The purpose of Restorative Parenting Circles is to:

    • Create community among caregivers who often feel isolated in their challenges and triumphs.

    • Build skills for communication, emotional regulation, and repair — with children and with ourselves.

    • Offer reflection on how our own upbringings and life experiences shape how we show up as parents.

    • Support healing by providing space to be vulnerable, ask questions, and feel seen.

    • Strengthen relationships through connection, compassion, and shared understanding.

    These circles remind us that no one has to parent alone — and that by listening to each other, we become more grounded, more patient, and more capable of leading with love.

  • This Community Circle is free to attend thanks to grant funding that supports accessible restorative practices in our region. As part of this support, a third-party evaluator is helping us understand the impact of these circles — your participation helps shape the future of this work.

Restorative Parenting is a relationship-centered approach that nurtures connection, accountability, and healing between caregivers and children. Rooted in empathy and restorative principles, it moves away from punishment and toward open dialogue, mutual respect, and emotional growth.

By centering trust and understanding, Restorative Parenting supports caregivers in building stronger, more compassionate relationships—where harm can be acknowledged, needs can be met, and children can thrive.

Community Circles Teen Edition

  • You don’t have to pay to be heard.

    You don’t have to earn your way into healing.

    You don’t have to go through it alone.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are free and open to anyone who wants to listen, share, and be part of a supportive community.

    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, young person, neighbor — or someone carrying something heavy — there’s a place for you here.

    No cost. No judgment. Just connection.

  • You don’t need to have the right words.
    You don’t need to be in a certain place in life.
    You just need to show up.

    At the Iron Range Restorative Practice Hub, our circles are open to everyone — every background, every experience, every story.

    Whether you’re coming with a question, a burden, or simply a willingness to listen, you are welcome here.

    No barriers. No requirements. Just a space to connect.

  • Meeting information coming soon

  • Community Circles are chill, respectful spaces where people come together to talk, listen, and connect.
    They’re rooted in restorative practices, which means they’re all about honesty, healing, and understanding—not judgment or drama.

    In a circle, you can speak your truth, hear others out, and build real trust—even with people who are different from you.
    No one has to be perfect, and everyone’s voice matters.

    Why We Do Circles:

    • To connect across differences by listening to each other’s stories and respecting what makes us unique.

    • To build trust through open and real conversations that help us understand where others are coming from.

    • To strengthen community by talking through tough stuff, lifting each other up, and celebrating what’s good.

    • To heal from hurt, stress, or feeling alone—because being seen and heard can make a huge difference.

    Whether you're dealing with conflict, wanting support, or just looking for a place to be real, Community Circles are an open space where you can come as you are—and grow with others.

  • This Community Circle is free to attend thanks to grant funding that supports accessible restorative practices in our region. As part of this support, a third-party evaluator is helping us understand the impact of these circles — your participation helps shape the future of this work.

Community Circles are real, honest spaces where you can show up just as you are.
They’re built to help people connect, talk things through, and understand each other better—whether you’re dealing with drama, stress, or just life in general.

Instead of judging or fixing, we listen.
We slow down, share stories, and build trust—across differences, backgrounds, and experiences. In circles, every voice matters. No one’s forced to talk, and nothing gets shared outside the space without permission.

Sometimes we come together to work through conflict.
Other times, it’s just about checking in, celebrating each other, or holding space for whatever’s real that day. It’s a way to build community that feels safe, open, and supportive.

Circles give us what we don’t always get in our day-to-day lives:
Respect. Belonging. Accountability. Empathy. A chance to be seen.

And the best part? You don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out.
You just need to show up.

Don’t see the circle you’re looking for?
We recognize that each community, family, and organization has unique needs. If you’re seeking a specific type of restorative circle or support that isn’t listed, we’d love to connect.

Reach out to us to explore how we can co-create a circle experience that honors your goals and values.