Ginoogaming First Nation hosts first-ever Special Court Sitting in Community

Ginoogaming First Nation, ON – Ginoogaming First Nation is marking a historic milestone today as the Ontario Court of Justice holds its first-ever Special Court sitting in the community, taking a Community Restorative Justice approach that brings justice directly to Ginoogaming and its members.

The Special Court sitting is being held at the Ginoogaming Training Education Centre, 100 Balsam Road, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The court will address cases involving individuals from Ginoogaming First Nation. A sacred fire will be lit outside the Training Centre for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Before the court sitting, community leadership and justice partners gathered to discuss ways to work together to improve community safety. Chief Sheri Taylor invited Council, the Chi Anishnawbe Anaknegawyin Elders Council, and the families of those appearing in court to be present for this landmark occasion.

“Our community has been through an incredibly difficult period, and we have fought hard to keep our people safe and supported. Today marks something different – a step toward justice that is rooted in healing, accountability, and community. I am proud that we were able to make this happen, and I want to thank Justice Gibson and our partners for their commitment to working with us in a good way. This is what it looks like when the justice system meets us where we are,” said Chief Sheri Taylor.

The sitting was made possible through the leadership of Regional Senior Justice David Gibson of the Ontario Court of Justice Northwest Region and the work of Indigenous liaison Darrell Mandamin, along with the commitment of Ginoogaming First Nation Chief and Council to bring justice closer to home.

A Community Restorative Justice approach focuses on healing, accountability, and community involvement rather than purely punitive measures. Holding court in community allows for a more culturally appropriate process that reflects the values, relationships, and traditions of Ginoogaming First Nation.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca