Our Story

In 2002, Eva Marszewski, a respected lawyer with a deep background in the justice system witnessed firsthand the gaps and shortcomings in the way justice was served to young people. These experiences ignited a passion in her to seek out better ways to address the needs of youth and adolescents caught in the web of the justice system. This passion led to the founding of Peacebuilders. 

Eva’s approach to restorative justice was deeply influenced by her time spent observing the youth justice practices of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation in the Yukon. There, she saw how the community’s peace circles brought people together to address harm, promote accountability, and foster healing. These principles assist in the reparation of harm, accountability and responsibility, inclusion, empowerment and healing, and prevention and reintegration which became the foundation of Peacebuilders’ values. 

Peacebuilders employs restorative justice to not only repair the harm caused by individuals but also to mend relationships with persons harmed and the community at large. They provide alternatives to punishment for youth, offering rehabilitation and support groups that guide them toward healthier paths. By teaching conflict resolution skills, Peacebuilders helps young people navigate challenges and avoid criminal behaviour in the first place. The ultimate goal is to keep youth out of the criminal justice system, giving them the tools and support they need to build better futures.