PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION, Ont. — A new, first-of-its-kind transition home means that residents of Pikangikum First Nation no longer have to travel to Kenora for a bail hearing.
According to a news release Tuesday from Indigenous Services Canada, the Kii-we-yan Bail Bed and Transition Home will provide temporary shelter and healing services for Pikangikum members, including those on bail or serving intermittent sentences.
The federal government contributed more than $675,000 to the cost of the 18-bed facility.
Collaborators also included the First Nation, the Indigenous Services Corporation, the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General's Indigenous Justice Division, Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation, the OPP, and Habitat for Humanity.
The transition home features gathering spaces and a range of amenities including a full kitchen, dining room and lounge.
The federal government says it provides community-based and culturally appropriate support, supervision and accommodation to people who have been arrested in the remote, fly-in First Nation.
Until now, accused individuals have had to be flown hundreds of kilometres to Kenora for a bail hearing and possible detention.
"This displacement can cause significant trauma to them, their families and dependents," the news release stated. "Separation from family, community and crucial support systems during this time has been known to increase the likelihood of being rendered homeless and vulnerable to human trafficking, drug trafficking, gang recruitment and a heightened risk of repeating criminal behaviours."
The new facility, the statement said, will provide holistic supports and cultural practices to address social and mental health issues.
It will also promote community-based policing and help to address the disproportionately high representation of First Nations members in the criminal justice system.
Pikangikum Chief Dean Owen said "For far too long, our members have had to leave our community and be away from their families to be locked up in the provincial bail-bed system. This has created irrevocable traumas and other issues."
Owen said he was grateful for the support of the federal and Ontario governments, Habitat for Humanity and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said there is a long-standing need for community-based, culturally relevant services to decrease the trauma experienced by on-reserve members forced to leave their communities for minor sentences.
"We will continue to advocate for more projects and partnerships that support community-based policing and traditional forms of justice," Fiddler added.
