Project: Identifying Dialogue Approaches to Support Equity and Reconciliation
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lisa Richlen, Lead Instructor, Centre for Collaborative Conflict Resolution
Research team: Janelle Acquaah-Harrison and Angela Millar.
Research Reviewers: Jennifer Jasper, Program Director, Centre for Conflict Resolution; Nina Bennett, Program Manager, Work Integrated Learning; Dave Smulders, Senior Manager, Faculty Development; Michal Fideles, Faculty, Centre for Conflict Resolution; Alan Simpson, Faculty, Centre for Conflict Resolution; Vanessa Lesparance, Faculty, Centre for Conflict Resolution.
Project Dates: January 05, 2025 - April 30, 2026
Project Funding: $5,000
Project Summary: This project explored how facilitated group process dialogue can support JIBC staff and faculty in fostering equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and Truth and Reconciliation. Recognizing that skills training alone may be insufficient when faced with contentious social justice issues, this literature review investigates how facilitated group dialogue -- used successfully in contexts such as Israeli-Palestinian dialogue programs and North American initiatives like the University of Michigan's Program on Intergroup Relations -- can complement skills-based approaches. Review findings are based on academic literature, websites and organizational reports. The plain language report explains what this methodology is, provides research-based support for its outcomes, outlines ways in which it is implemented in practice and aligns this methodology with JIBC's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan commitments to Living Indigenous Ways of Being and Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Outcomes and benefits: The primary objective was to evaluate the value of facilitated group process dialogue as a complement to skills training for advancing EDI and Truth and Reconciliation commitments at JIBC. The project culminated in a research document which includes a synthesis of academic and grey literature on the efficacy of facilitated group process dialogue; an overview of existing methodologies, structures, and target audiences and a detailed narrative on ways in which this methodology complements and can enhance JIBC strategic commitments. It also outlines some best practices. The project can benefit JIBC faculty, staff, students, and institutional leadership by building a stronger foundation for meaningful dialogue about challenging social issues. Broader impacts include enhanced faculty capacity to address EDI topics confidently, contributing to safer, more inclusive learning environments in justice and public safety education.
Funding and Support: SSHRC Institutional Grant (SIG) - Explore Stream
Project Status: Completed
Deliverables: Identifying Dialogue Approaches to Support Equity and Reconciliation 2026 Final Report
