Guiding principles

The work of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy’s Steering Group and the co-authors of this report were guided by a set of deeply held values that inform our approach to achieving justice for Black communities in Canada. These principles are not only reflective of specific philosophical and ethical stances but also guide practical actions and policies.

• Sankofa: Originating from the Twi language of the Akan people in Ghana, Sankofa is a principle that underscores the importance of learning from the past to inform and improve the future. In the context of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, this principle emphasizes understanding the ways in which the justice system of today continues to perpetuate the injustices of the past. It encourages reflection on past mistakes and successes to build a more just future.
• Africentrism: This principle places Black people and communities at the center of policy-making and strategy development. It is based on the belief that Black individuals and communities should be actively involved in all processes that affect them, encapsulated in the phrase “nothing about us without us”. Africentrism challenges traditional Eurocentric perspectives and ensures that the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints of Black communities are acknowledged and respected in the justice system.
• Principle of Restraint: The principle of restraint acknowledges the often disproportionate impact of the justice system on Black communities and promotes approaches that avoid unnecessary criminalization and incarceration. It advocates for the use of the justice system as a last resort, and suggests that alternative methods of conflict resolution and community-based interventions should be prioritized over legal and punitive measures. If it is necessary for a matter to be dealt with in the justice system, incarceration should be used only if there is no other punishment or combination of punishments appropriate for the offence and the offender. This is especially relevant in sentencing Black offenders.
• Evidence-based Decision Making: This approach involves making decisions based on the best available research, data, and studies. It ensures that policies and strategies are not based on assumptions or biases but are grounded in factual and empirical evidence. This principle is crucial in addressing complex issues within the justice system, as it supports the development of informed, effective, and tailored strategies that can address the specific needs and challenges faced by Black communities.
• Reparative Justice: Focused on repairing harm, reparative justice seeks to address and remedy large-scale injustices inflicted upon collective groups, such as human rights violations, systemic racism, and poverty. This model goes beyond punishment, emphasizing healing, restoration, and reconciliation. It recognizes the long-term and widespread impact of injustices on Black communities and aims to create pathways to repair and restore those affected by such injustices.