Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre opens in Fort Frances as a service of First Nations tribal council
Ontario government press release
Dedicated Aboriginal Youth Custody Facility Opens - McGuinty Government Providing Aboriginal-Specific Programming For Youth
TORONTO, March 23 - Ontario is opening Canada's first secure custody facility for Aboriginal youth in Fort Frances today.
The Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre will help Aboriginal youth in conflict with the law through culturally appropriate programs and services.
Reconnecting Aboriginal youth in conflict with the law with their heritage and traditions can help them transition back into the community better prepared to make better choices. The new facility offers traditional teachings, Aboriginal history, cultural ceremonies, as well as education, anger management and life skills programs.
Operated by Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services, the new facility serves Aboriginal youth ages 12 to 17 years who require secure custody and detention in Northwestern Ontario.
Ontario is moving youth out of units in adult correctional facilities and into separate youth custody facilities (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/228585.html) to provide young people with more effective programs and more opportunity for rehabilitation.
QUOTES
"Aboriginal young people face unique challenges. Aboriginal youth in conflict with the law will no longer share a facility with adult offenders. They'll take responsibility for their actions while having access to culturally appropriate youth programming that will significantly reduce their risk of reoffending." - Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services
"The Ge-Da-Gi Binez Youth Centre demonstrates this government's commitment to finding and implementing innovative solutions to improve the lives of Aboriginal youth in Ontario. The Centre will enable Aboriginal youth to acquire and develop the life skills that will increase their opportunities as adults in a unique setting respectful of their culture." - Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"We are proud to be operating the first Aboriginal youth facility in Canada. One of the primary objectives in rehabilitating youth is to be inclusive of culture and not inconsiderate of it. As First Nations people, we understand the social and economic conditions that our clients are coming from. Our approach can help our youths turn their lives around and be positive contributors to society." - Chief Chuck McPherson, President of Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services
QUICK FACTS
- Ge-Da-Gi Binez means "spotted eagle" in the Ojibway language, which represents youth - young and learning.
- The facility has separate areas for male and female youth, eight beds for males and four beds for females.
- Approximately 40 new jobs have been created to operate the centre and more than 200 construction-related jobs were created during the facility's construction phase.
- The province opened a new youth centre in Sault Ste. Marie (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/228589.html) and a newly expanded facility in Ottawa (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/228591.html), and is completing construction on new youth centres in Brampton (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/228586.html) and Thunder Bay (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/228590.html).
LEARN MORE
Learn more about programs for youth in conflict with the law (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/law/index.html) in Ontario.
Find out about how Ontario is helping youth (http://www.gov.on.ca/children/english/programs/youth/oppotunities/index.html) achieve their potential.
FACT SHEET
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GE-DA-GI-BINEZ YOUTH CENTRE
The new Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre in Fort Frances is a secure custody facility that will accommodate up to 12 Aboriginal youth from Northwestern Ontario, who are being detained or serving sentences.
The centre is the first of its kind in Canada dedicated to rehabilitating Aboriginal youth in conflict with the law. Evidence-based rehabilitative programs will be provided in line with Aboriginal culture.
The Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre is owned by the Ontario government and will be operated in partnership with a consortium of Aboriginal and social service agencies. Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services is the lead agency and will manage the facility. Other community agencies in the consortium are: Seven Generations Educational Institute; Weech-it-ewin Family Services; Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services; Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre; and William W. Creighton Youth Services.
Secure Custody Facility highlights:
- Construction cost: approximately $13.2 million
- Facility size: approximately 18,711 square feet
- Designed by Paul Mitchell Architects in North Bay
- Architectural design reflects Aboriginal themes. Facility includes a ceremonial space so young people can practice Aboriginal traditions
- Will accommodate up to eight males and four females ages 12 to 17
- Created approximately 200 new jobs
- Approximately 40 full-time and part-time employees will work at the centre
- Capital funding to build the facility was provided by the Ontario government as part of its $30-billion five-year ReNew Ontario infrastructure investment plan.
The McGuinty government is committed to keeping Ontario communities strong, safe and vital by reducing the number of youth in conflict with the law.
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For further information: Laura Dougan, Minister's Office, (416) 212-3394; Anne Machowski-Smith, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, (416) 325-5156