The new Kenora Justice Centre has opened in Ontario to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the correctional system who may struggle with poverty, mental health, addictions and insecure housing.

The design process involved a community-needs assessment with Indigenous leadership, Elders, justice participants and Indigenous-led organizations.

Programs and services will be tackling the root causes of crime, with community-led supports through health care, education, housing and other social services. At-risk youth and young adults will have space for personal growth while working with Elders to heal from trauma.

“There are many barriers limiting access to justice for First Nations in the North. We need new, innovative approaches for our disadvantaged citizens that find themselves in the correctional system,” said Derek Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief.

“The co-development of this community justice centre with Grand Council Treaty #3 has created a new environment in Kenora where Indigenous youth, young adults and their families can access justice services in a culturally-inclusive and trauma-informed space. We look forward to building on this experience and working toward additional centres within the NAN territory.”

The Kenora Chiefs Advisory, who owns the buildings, is working with the province on creating various spaces within the centre including a courtroom that supports rehabilitation and dialogue, an Elder/cultural liaison room for participants to work with on-site Elders and interpreters to create healing plans, a primary health-care room for Indigenous-led health and treatment services, and a technology room for those who lack reliable access to internet services for court appearances, tribunal hearings or medical appointments.

Smudging is welcome in all justice centre spaces and a community room will prioritize opportunities for ceremony, workshops and training for all community partners