KENORA — A new approach to justice in Kenora has officially opened.
The province, along with Indigenous leaders, the Ontario Court of Justice and community partners, launched the Kenora Justice Centre on Monday.
The province said the justice centre "will hold individuals accountable for their offences, while providing community-led supports through health care, education, housing and other social-service providers. Wrap-around programs will be delivered by specialized teams that include Indigenous-led organizations, and mental health and addictions counsellors."
“"n many Ontario communities, we see a revolving door of repeat offenders struggling with poverty, mental health issues, addictions, lack of secure housing and unemployment,” Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey said in a news release issued by the province.
"The Kenora Justice Centre will offer community supports to address these challenges, hold individuals accountable, reduce the likelihood of future contact with the justice system, and help victims and communities heal from the effects of crime."
The centre is located in a building owned by the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, and includes a courtroom, elder and cultural liaison room, access to on-site social services, a health care room, and a technology room.
The province said the programs and services at the centre will focus on addressing the root causes of crime, while also supporting healing and growth for at-risk youth and young adults. The centre will also work with community partners and elders to provide Indigenous-led programs and services.
"It is critical for the criminal justice system to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the system," said Grand Council Treaty 3 Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh.
"The Kenora Justice Centre has been created in collaboration with Elders and community to prioritize Indigenous-led healing and wellness for youth, young adults and their families. It represents a new path forward for our community."
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Derek Fox said 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," Fox said.
"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."
