Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch, announced the launch of the Peacemaking Diversion Program, a restorative justice initiative that incorporates traditional Navajo peacemaking into Arizona’s state criminal justice system.
The partnership is believed to be the first formal collaboration in the United States to incorporate the Navajo Nation’s Peacemaking Program into a state criminal diversion program, creating a new pathway for eligible criminal cases to be resolved through accountability, healing and restoration.
The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.
“Justice is about more than punishment, it is about restoring what has been broken,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “This partnership recognizes that accountability and healing are not competing values. Through this program, we hope to hold people accountable, give victims a voice and build stronger, safer communities. I believe it represents an important step forward for justice in Arizona.”
“Navajo Peacemaking has long restored harmony through accountability, dialogue and respect,” Interim Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation Eleanor Shirley said. “We are honored to partner with the Coconino County Attorney’s Office to share these traditional teachings in a way that benefits our communities while honoring the values that have guided the Navajo people for generations.”
Participation in the program is limited to carefully screened cases and remains at the discretion of the Coconino County Attorney’s Office after consideration of public safety, victim input, the nature of the offense and other relevant factors. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals may be eligible to participate. Serious violent offenses and other disqualifying cases are not eligible.
The Peacemaking Diversion Program reflects a shared commitment between the Coconino County Attorney’s Office and the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch to protect public safety while recognizing the power of accountability, healing, and restoration.
Finding Healing Through Peacemaking is a 12-minute documentary that follows Rachel Cox, whose young son was killed by a distracted driver, as she shares how participating in a peacemaking process helped her move from grief and anger toward understanding and healing. The documentary also features Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker, Rose Toehe, Indigenous Affairs Administrator and Rosiene Charley of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch, who discuss the restorative principles that inspired the Peacemaking Diversion Program.