American Indian Law and ADR Sections
Peacemaking Circle Demonstration
Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Noon - 3:00 p.m.
State Bar of Michigan, Lansing
No Cost to Attend/Lunch Provided
In-Person and via Zoom
Agenda:
11:30 a.m. - Noon - Mingle/lunch
Noon -12:10 p.m. - Introductions
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Interactive Peacekeeping Circle Facilitation
2:30 p.m. - Q&A
RSVP for In Person Only: parks.maryanne@gmail.com
Location:
State Bar of Michigan, Room Two
301 W. Townsend St.
Lansing, MI 48933
The State Bar of Michigan American Indian Law Section and the ADR Section's Diversity and Inclusion Action Team are pleased to offer Part 2 of this dynamic event about Peacemaking Circles, a time-tested model for healing relationships and keeping them healthy. Based on indigenous teaching, the Circle process builds an intentionally safe space to discuss conflict resolution and is a concept that can be appreciated by many alternative dispute practitioners.
Part One, held on April 17 covered the history and the origins of peacemaking circles, the ground rules, and the process for peace makers.
Part Two, on October 16, will be a hybrid event (virtual and in person), and will include an actual peacemaking circle demonstration in which in-person attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the circle. Our demonstration will be conducted by two highly accomplished Native American circle keepers.
Moderator:
Stacey L. Rock (American Indian Law Section Chairwoman) Stacey is the Associate General Counsel for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Prior to her current role, she worked at the Pokagon Band Tribal Court for twelve years as Assistant Court Administrator where she was the lead support staff person for the Native Justice program. She is a proud graduate of WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she also interned for the Innocence Project. Stacey has a certificate in mediation and extensive experience in the development and utilization of peacemaking programs. She is a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the mother of two extraordinary young men.
Facilitators:
Jason Wesaw is Potawatomi (Turtle Clan) and is the Peacemaking Coordinator for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. He believes strongly in utilizing traditional culture to help the community heal, grow, and maintain healthy relationships. The journey of learning has helped him to understand how Circles can be utilized to restore balance in society at large, one small case at a time.
JoAnne Cook is an Appellate Court Judge at the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. JoAnne, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians, is from Peshawbestown, Michigan. Her previous professional experience includes one term on Tribal Council (2012-2016) and with Tribal Courts as a Tribal Court Judge for two tribal communities (1994-2011). JoAnne currently serves on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians Appellate Court as Chief Appellate Judge. She received her Business Administration degree from Ferris State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin School of Law.
JoAnne was involved in the organization and development of two alternative courts: Peacemaking and Healing to Wellness Court (Drug Court). The alternative courts utilize tradition and culture which allows for healing and restoring balance for those involved. She has begun consulting with native and nonnative communities who are either developing Peacemaking or a Healing to Wellness Court.
She believes tradition and culture is vital to the Anishinaabe way of life and has continued her learning about the 3 Fires people. JoAnne has presented to various communities on the way of life and culture of the Odawa. In addition, she previously taught Business Law for Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and a course at NMC Extended Education, titled Native Law and Culture. JoAnne is currently teaching a short course, History of the Anishinaabek for NMC Extended Education.