Our Story: Rooted in Community, Guided by Healing

Welcome to Giizhik Justice Solutions. Learn about our journey, our mission, and our unwavering commitment to restorative justice, advocacy, and community well-being in Ontario. We are dedicated to supporting Indigenous people and others facing profound challenges, helping them to heal, reconnect, and thrive.

The Story of Giizhik Justice Solutions

For many years we have worked alongside some of the most resilient yet marginalized individuals in our community. From shelters to correctional facilities, a common thread emerged: a cycle of trauma, disconnection, and systemic failure that too often defines the path for Indigenous people and others facing profound challenges.

Giizhik Justice Solutions, a not-for-profit advocacy and restorative justice organization founded in 2025, was born from this experience. “Giizhik” is an Anishinaabe word for cedar, a tree known as the protector of the people – resilient, medicinal, and interconnected. This embodies our mission perfectly.

The Inspiration: Bridging the Gap Between Harm and Healing

Our inspiration came from countless experiences:

  • As a Native Inmate Liaison Officer, witnessing the power of culturally relevant healing within correctional walls.
  • As a Justice Director, advocating for alternative sentencing and developing healing circles that address the root causes of harm.
  • As a Homelessness Services Worker, recognizing the critical intersection of mental health, addiction, poverty, and trauma.

Giizhik Justice Solutions was founded to break down silos and provide comprehensive support for individuals navigating complex systems.

What We Do

Giizhik Justice Solutions operates on multiple fronts:

  • Culturally-Grounded Restorative Justice: Facilitating healing and diversion circles for Indigenous and marginalized community members.
  • Advocacy & System Navigation: Acting as a fierce ally, ensuring clients' rights are respected and their voices are heard.
  • Reintegration & Wellness Support: Connecting individuals with housing, mental health and addiction services, and cultural Elders.
  • Community Education & Training: Offering training on trauma-informed care, Indigenous cultural safety, and restorative justice.

"Giizhik Justice Solutions is the culmination of a career spent believing in the power of compassion, the necessity of culture, and the human capacity for transformation. We are not just offering a service; we are planting cedar trees, working to protect our people and create a forest of support whose roots will strengthen our community for generations to come."

Sandy Crawford, Founder