In this text the Canadian truth and reconciliation commission is examined based on its relation to restorative and retributive justice. These forms of justice are part of a larger theoretical base, namely that of transitional justice. Using the method of a qualitative case study this text aims to examine two questions; firstly, in what way retributive and restorative justice had a part in the creation of the commission, and secondly, how the commission attempted to create justice in accordance to these two justice principles in its work process and the result thereof.    In order to answer these questions, the Canadian truth and reconciliation commission is analysed through books and scientific papers, using Mark R. Amstutz theories on retributive and restorative justice. The result of the analysis shows that the Canadian commission is influenced by both forms of justice. The creation occurred as a consequence of many retributive aspects and a need for restorative justice, whereas the work process and result aimed primarily towards restorative justice, with some retributive aspects present.