A Manitoba woman arrested for online comments that threatened violence against Indigenous people has asked for forgiveness and says she has learned valuable lessons.

Destine Spiller read her apology yesterday during her final mediation circle in front of elders and First Nations leaders in Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba.

Spiller and another woman were arrested on suspicion of uttering threats and public incitement of hatred after comments appeared on Facebook in 2018. Spiller had posted photos of a vandalized car to social media and proposed a 'shoot an Indian day.'

Instead of formal charges, Spiller went through a restorative justice process with local First Nations that included hours of community service, education on First Nation history and anger management courses.

"I uttered the statements out of anger and realized too late that these comments were hurtful," Spiller says. "I have over and over wished I could take the statements back."

Elders involved in the process say the meditation circle is focussed on education and restoration.

The second woman charged in relation to the comments quit attending the mediation circle last year.