Transforming Justice: A Personal Journey and a Call to Action

ICPA2024 Presentation by Warren McDougall (ICPA2024-PID098)

Author

Warren McDougall

Counsellor, Consultant, Trainer, Way of the Raven

Warren McDougall comes from a background of blended Russian, Indigenous, and Irish ancestry and his childhood was tragically rich with generational and developmental trauma. His story illustrates the impacts of generational trauma on justice, and the reciprocal and perpetuating impacts of justice on trauma. Incarcerated four times for a total of 22 years in custody, his attitude and offending became worse rather than ameliorating under the pains of imprisonment – until a catalytic encounter with restorative justice became the genesis for his transformation.

Twenty years later, Warren has been on life parole for 14 years and has some of the least restrictive conditions available. He is self-employed as a transformational life coach, clinical counsellor, and consultant on restorative justice, trauma-informed practice, and cultural safety. His lived and living experience provides compelling insights on generational trauma and its intersections with justice, along with innovative ideas on how to foster desistance.

Warren has spearheaded pilot programs in delivering peer advocacy inside federal penitentiaries, restorative justice in the provincial adult correctional system, and clinical support services on Indigenous reserves. Key outcomes include prisoners having increased awareness and respect for pro-social avenues of conflict resolution, corrections staff having improved comprehension for client motivation and needs, and the reduction of stigma and lateral violence around accessing mental health supports in Indigenous communities.

His work blends traditional, experiential, and professional wisdom to support the creation and management of profound change while restoring and protecting dignity and autonomy.

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