Former Detention Centre Transformed into Indigenous Cultural Hub

A former youth detention centre in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, has been revitalized as a cultural and training space led by Indigenous organizations. The property, known as the Pineger Youth Centre, has been transferred from the North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) to Keepers of the Circle, an act representatives from both organizations describe as a significant step towards reconciliation.

Bertha Cormier, executive director of Keepers of the Circle, stated, “This is NEOFACS putting action into reconciliation.” The ownership transfer, which took place in January 2023, follows years of collaboration and was sanctioned by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Pineger site had been operational from 1993 until its closure in 2021, after a provincial restructuring of youth justice services left it vacant.

The building had become surplus property after its closure. According to Cléo Charlebois, executive director of NEOFACS, the organization had already established another facility in Kirkland Lake that met its service delivery needs. This led the board to prioritize repurposing the structure in a way that would benefit the community, particularly through reconciliation efforts.

“Several groups expressed interest in the property,” Charlebois noted, “but Keepers of the Circle was the only Indigenous organization to submit a formal proposal that aligned with our reconciliation commitments.”

Transforming the Space

Since the transfer, Keepers of the Circle has begun to transform the former detention centre into a space that offers culturally safe and responsive services. 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.”

In the early stages of the transition, the organization undertook renovations to convert six former cells into offices. The facility is now home to pre-employment and leadership training programs, including the Culture, Confidence and Competence (CCC) initiative, which attracts Indigenous women from across Canada both in-person and online.

Cormier announced that a new three-month masonry training program would begin in January 2024, offering three spaces for Indigenous women. Beyond training, the organization is also working on food security initiatives. With funding from the federal Natural Infrastructure Fund, Keepers of the Circle has planted a “food forest” with fruit-bearing trees, installed a freeze dryer, and is set to launch a community garden.

“Groceries are expensive,” Cormier explained. “Being able to plant, harvest, and share food helps the community and teaches people new preservation methods that keep the nutritional value intact.”

A Welcoming Community Space

The community has responded positively to the transformation of the facility. Cormier pointed out that the previous detention centre had little activity, while the new space is filled with carvings, benches, and the garden, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Plans are underway to remove the fencing that currently gives the property an institutional appearance.

Future aspirations for the site include integrating solar power, creating additional office spaces, and expanding its role as an 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 similar transformations elsewhere, stating, “I think it might open the door for others — government and municipal — to consider similar steps.”

The initiative represents a crucial step in addressing historical inequalities faced by Indigenous children and families, who have been disproportionately affected by the youth justice and child welfare systems. Charlebois emphasized the importance of moving beyond rhetoric, stating, “Reconciliation means moving beyond words. It’s about taking concrete steps to address historic inequalities.”

This transformation is seen not just as a repurposing of a building but as a meaningful commitment to fostering community connections and cultural resilience.