Former Detention Centre Revitalized as Indigenous Cultural Hub

A former youth detention centre in Kirkland Lake has been transformed into an Indigenous-led training and cultural space. The North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) officially transferred ownership of the property at 175 Government Road, formerly known as the Pineger Youth Centre, to the Keepers of the Circle. This milestone represents a significant step towards reconciliation, according to both organizations.

Bertha Cormier, executive director of Keepers of the Circle, emphasized the importance of this transfer. “This is NEOFACS putting action into reconciliation,” she stated during an interview with TimminsToday. The transfer is the culmination of several years of collaboration between the two organizations and received the necessary approval from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

The Pineger Youth Centre operated from 1993 until its closure in 2021 as part of a provincial restructuring of youth justice services. After its closure, the facility remained vacant until Keepers of the Circle proposed a new vision for its use. NEOFACS executive director Cléo Charlebois noted that the building had become surplus property, and the organization already had another facility in Kirkland Lake that met its service needs. He said, “Our board prioritized repurposing the building to benefit the community — specifically, in the spirit of reconciliation.”

As the only Indigenous organization to submit a formal proposal for the site, Keepers of the Circle presented a plan that aligned with NEOFACS’ reconciliation commitments. In January 2023, the organizations held a ceremonial handoff of the keys, allowing Keepers of the Circle to begin transforming the space into a cultural hub while preparing for full ownership over the next two years.

The transformation process has been remarkable. Charlebois remarked, “It’s amazing how they were able to transform a setting that was once for custody and detention into a place that delivers culturally safe, culturally responsive services.” He referred to the initiative as “reconciliation in action,” emphasizing that it represents tangible steps towards addressing historical inequalities faced by Indigenous communities.

Reconciliation goes beyond mere acknowledgment of past wrongs. “Indigenous children and families have been disproportionately affected by the youth justice and child welfare systems. We know that has resulted in trauma, displacement, and loss of connection to their culture and community,” Charlebois explained. The transfer of the building is a concrete step towards fulfilling commitments to the calls for action.

The response from staff, Indigenous partners, and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive. Cormier highlighted that initial plans to utilize the space for housing were reconsidered after consultations with elders and wisdom keepers. She stated, “Many of the youth who came through that centre were Indigenous. Turning it into housing could have re-traumatized people. Instead, we saw it as the perfect facility for our training centre.”

Under a lease agreement with NEOFACS prior to the transfer, Keepers of the Circle’s young Indigenous women’s construction team renovated part of the building, converting six former cells into six offices. The facility now hosts pre-employment and leadership training programs, including the Culture, Confidence and Competence (CCC) program, which attracts Indigenous women from across Canada, both in person and online.

Looking ahead, Cormier announced a new project aimed at Indigenous women: a three-month masonry training program set to commence in January 2024, offering three spaces for participants. Beyond training, Keepers of the Circle is implementing food security initiatives on the site. Utilizing funding from the federal Natural Infrastructure Fund, they have planted a “food forest” featuring fruit-bearing trees, installed a freeze dryer, and plan to establish a community garden.

“Groceries are expensive,” Cormier noted. “Being able to plant, harvest, and share food helps the community and teaches people new preservation methods that keep the nutritional value intact.” Community members have responded enthusiastically to the revitalization efforts. Cormier added, “Before, the detention centre didn’t get much activity. Now people can see the carvings, the benches, and the garden. It feels welcoming.”

Future plans for the site include integrating solar power, creating additional office spaces, and expanding the facility into a comprehensive Indigenous hub where other organizations, such as the Métis Nation of Ontario, can offer services and restorative justice programs. Cormier expressed hope that this initiative will inspire other agencies and municipalities to rethink how unused spaces can be reimagined for community benefit. “I think it might open the door for others — government and municipal — to consider similar steps,” she said. “It’s just the start, and it’s a long time overdue.”