Our History

Our
Story

The Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution (CICR) owes its legacy to many dedicated individuals whose contributions have shaped our programs and broadened our impact. Since its inception, CICR has pioneered approaches in conflict resolution that prioritize non-violent, constructive solutions across communities and nations.

In February 1988, a visionary group comprising Ernest Tannis, Greg Kells, Maureen Morton, Dr. Kenneth Melchin, and Robert P. Birt, established CICR. These founders formed the organization to promote conflict resolution through innovative, peaceful methods.

Their commitment to fostering awareness and building skills in alternative conflict resolution laid the foundation for CICR’s mission to this day.

CICR has since developed training methodologies and a Community-Based Conflict Resolution (CBCR) approach to equip participants to intervene in conflict situations through key interpersonal skills and coaching, mediation, group facilitation, community dialogue and other peacebuilding competencies, that help restore dignity and trust, and address the sources of deep-rooted and identity-based conflict.

First Nations Influence/
Partnership

CICR’s work is deeply influenced by partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Our cornerstone Third-Party Neutral program grew from a collaboration with the Akwesasne Mohawk community in 1990. This partnership led to the founding of Skennen Kowa, a mediation center grounded in Mohawk traditions and ADR principles, which served as a model for CICR’s Community-Based Conflict Resolution (CBCR) approach.

Today, CICR continues collaborations with Indigenous communities.

Since 2005, our REsolve project in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, has promoted community-based conflict resolution. We also work with First Nations communities, applying TPN methodologies in restorative justice models, and supporting cultural awareness and conflict resolution training for healthcare providers and social services.

Since 1988, CICR has delivered conflict resolution training, interventions, and consultations for government agencies, private sector organizations, unions, INGOs, and community organizations.

In 1997, CICR expanded its mission to implement international programs across 13 countries, spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to foster peace and resilience in conflict-affected areas.

Our approach integrates conflict analysis, training, and capacity building to empower local communities. Working in local languages and respecting cultural contexts, CICR provides:

Conflict Analysis: Evaluating and understanding the root causes of conflict.
Training and Capacity Building: Equipping individuals and institutions with skills in mediation, facilitation, and local conflict management to ensure sustainable peace.
Institutional Support: Developing frameworks for court-annexed mediation and conflict resolution within judicial systems.

CICR’s international interventions have supported inter-ethnic reunification in post-conflict settings such as Rwanda and Bosnia, facilitated shuttle diplomacy in East Timor, and contributed to judicial reforms in the Balkans.

We have trained election monitors in Bosnia, developed conflict resolution centers in Taiwan, and trained NGOs, community workers, government officials, and lawyers across several nations. Our projects also support the introduction of court-referred mediation in Bosnia and Serbia.

In collaboration with partners such as the Danish Refugee Council, MINUSCA, Danish Demining Group, and Lawyers Without Borders Canada, CICR has led training, community dialogues, and trainer development to restore trust in communities in the Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Kenya, Uganda, and Afghanistan.

Our Third-Party Neutral training in Canada has empowered community leaders from Syria, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria, who carry their skills and insights back to their communities.

Global Impact & International Interventions

Working Across the Globe

A Lasting Legacy

CICR’s journey is marked by our commitment to fostering non-violent conflict resolution, guided by the dedication of our founders, partners, and supporters.

As we look to the future, we remain devoted to our mission of building peace, empowering communities, and nurturing respectful, sustainable solutions to conflicts worldwide and in Canada, with our clients, partners and members.