Roster for Mediation ServicesWe have made the difficult decision to end the Roster for Mediation Services program effective March 31, 2024.
SFNS remains committed to offering regional mediation training workshops to continue to build the capacity of our member First Nations in this critical area. If you’re in need of mediation services, please see below for alternative local programs. For more information about the successes of the Roster for Mediation program,
click the button below to read the Summary Report. 
SFNS’ Roster of ADR Trained Facilitators provided interest-based negotiations to member First Nations. SFNS coordinated and supported every request for mediation and supported the Roster members.
The Roster and its Facilitators were not a decision-making body. Each facilitated dispute resolution session resulted in a nonbinding decision left to the discretion of the parties involved. Each session was voluntary, therefore it is the parties responsibility to uphold their agreed upon resolution. Background
Southern First Nations Secretariat’s Roster for Mediation Services began as a 2-year pilot project, July 1, 2015 -June 30, 2017. Funding costs were shared between SFNS and Legal Aid Ontario. During the pilot project, information sessions were held, and training opportunities were offered to SFNS member First Nations. SFNS used the training opportunities to recruit a Roster of ADR Trained Facilitators to facilitate third-party, interest-based negotiations as service support to member First Nations. Following the pilot project, SFNS found the service to be effective and continued to solely fund the program. Purpose
- Restore peace and harmony to damaged relationships affecting the community; - Defuse disputes before they become legal matters; - Work with community members to address conflicts in a restorative manner; - Increase the capacity of member First Nations to resolve disputes; - Create a roster of appointed representatives who will be trained as facilitators to resolve disputes; and - Provide training and on-going support to the appointed facilitators Who Had access
Potential Situations Where Service Could Be Utilized 1. Administrations: where there was a dispute because of personality clash or communication breakdown between employees or between community member and employee 2. Community: where there was a dispute between families or neighbors because of lifestyle clashes, harassment, separations, divorces, and estates 3. Council: where there was a dispute because of communication breakdown and personality clashes between council members, or council and service providers or community members Types of unsuitable issues
- Issues that consist of substantial legal rights and party desires a judgement ruling in their favour, the best recourse would be a court of law - If there is a power imbalance or abusive elements related to the relationship of parties - Any criminal matters |
ResourcesDispute Resolution Centre (Western Law)
Address: Room 136, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7 Phone: 519-661-4044 London Family Court Clinic
Address: 254 Pall Mall St., Suite 200, London, ON, N6A 5P6 Phone: 519-679-7250 Toll Free: 1-855-220-9393 |
