KIRKLAND LAKE, ON (November 5, 2025) — North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) has transferred ownership of its property at 175 Government Road in Kirkland Lake, situated in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, to Keepers of the Circle, an Indigenous organization that fills a services gap for Indigenous women and their families and communities. This transfer represents a meaningful step towards ReconciliACTION to address historical and ongoing injustices.
The property previously housed NEOFACS’ Pineger Youth Centre, a closed custody and detention facility for youth in conflict with the law. The program was permanently closed on April 30, 2021, following a provincial restructuring of youth justice services. With a second property in Kirkland Lake at 6 Tweedsmuir Road that meets its local service delivery needs, NEOFACS prioritized finding a solution for the vacant property that would benefit the community.
In August 2022, NEOFACS received approval from its program funder, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, to gift the property to an Indigenous non-profit organization. NEOFACS then worked closely with Keepers of the Circle to make the Land transfer possible. In January 2023, a tour of the property was held, followed by a ceremonial handoff of the building’s keys.
For the past two years, Keepers of the Circle has used the space for programming while preparing for full ownership. Today, the property supports their employment training programs and has been transformed into a welcoming space that reflects Indigenous culture and values. Enhancements include artwork and wood carvings inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, as well as office spaces, training classrooms, an industrial kitchen, and an outdoor garden space. Future plans include food security initiatives, such as canning and preservation training.
“The journey of transferring our former Pineger property to Keepers of the Circle was made possible by the commitment and diligent work of our respective boards and management teams,” said Don Anderson, Board President of NEOFACS. “We are pleased to see how Keepers of the Circle are transforming the space and continuing to make a positive impact in the community through their important work.”
As an integrated agency that provides various programs for children, youth, and families, including child welfare and youth justice services, NEOFACS acknowledges its responsibility to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to these systems. Through its current strategic plan, NEOFACS is committed to working with First Nations communities and urban Indigenous organizations to build new relationships and strengthen services.
“Given the historical and ongoing impacts of the youth justice and child welfare systems on Indigenous children, youth, families and communities, it was important for NEOFACS to take meaningful and tangible reparative action with our vacant property,” said Cléo Charlebois, Executive Director of NEOFACS. “Transferring the Land to Keepers of the Circle affirms our commitment to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and advancing reconciliation.”
As the new property owner, Keepers of the Circle can now invest more in the space and continue expanding its training initiatives offered on-site and in communities to foster economic stability and career advancement for Indigenous Peoples.
“This transfer will continue to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ community members,” said Bertha Cormier, Executive Director of Keepers of the Circle. “The space will serve as a place of growth, healing, and connection – ensuring that our people and our community continue to benefit for generations to come.”
Pictured in front of the property in Kirkland Lake (Left to Right): Cléo Charlebois, Executive Director of NEOFACS, Bertha Cormier, Executive Director of Keepers of the Circle, and Don Anderson, Board President of NEOFACS.
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About Keepers of the Circle:
Keepers of the Circle is operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (TNWSG), a non-profit organization incorporated in 1997 to fill a services gap for Indigenous women and their families. Keepers of the Circle is guided by a traditional Council of Wisdom Keepers with representation from each First Nation in the territory and the District of Temiskaming Métis Community Council. Our services include Early Learning and Childcare; Family Support and Cultural Activities; and Pre-employment Training with a focus on Indigenous Women’s Leadership and economic security. For more information, please visit http://www.keepersofthecircle.com.
About NEOFACS:
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is an integrated agency, providing services to children, youth and their families in the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. Our Agency provides Child Welfare, Child and Youth Mental Health, Youth Justice, Prevention and Community-Based programs. Our client-responsive programs and services are innovative, evidence-based, and designed to meet the unique needs of those we serve. For more information, please visit https://www.neofacs.org.
Media Contacts:
Keepers of the Circle
Bertha Cormier, Executive Director
(855) 647-7874 x 2060
b.cormier@keepersofthecircle.com
North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services
Mélanie Watson, Communications Coordinator
705-360-2121
melanie.watson@neofacs.org