Communities unite to fight gang problem
Onion Lake Cree Nation chief wants to ‘take back control’ in west-central area
The chief of the Onion SASKATOON Lake Cree Nation says his community is working with RCMP and other communities in the area to address growing gang activity in west-central Saskatchewan.
Gang activity in Onion Lake and the surrounding area resurfaced as an issue after family members of Brydon Bryce Whitstone, a 22-year-old man shot by police on Oct. 21 in North Battleford, said Whitstone was trying to leave a criminal organization called the Westside Outlaws before his death.
Chief Wallace Fox said representatives from Onion Lake and surrounding communities have gathered at forums several times to discuss the issue.
“We’re all taking it very seriously and we’re doing whatever it is we can possibly do to alleviate it and then to bring back harmony into the community,” he said.
The aim of the forums is to raise awareness and find solutions to address the issue with a unified front. Wallace said Onion Lake leaders have served eviction notices at homes where drug or gang activity is present, but the unwanted activity tends to move to nearby communities.
Sharing of information involves educating leaders and community members on what to be watchful for, he said.
“It’s not going to stop until we take control back of our community.
Participants are working with RCMP towards establishing an anti-gang strategy and network in the region.
Father Andre Poilievre, cofounder of Str8 Up, a group that helps people leave gang and criminal life, is a well-known advocate of street youth, prison inmates and former gang members. He called the effort in Onion Lake and its surrounding communities a “huge step.”
“The culture of the people over there would be a prime factor — and an important factor — in designing and developing strategies for dealing with the gangs,” he said. “They can learn from one another. They can support one another.”
He said if the model proves to be effective in Saskatchewan, it could be adapted by First Nations in other provinces like Manitoba and Alberta.
In a previous interview with Postmedia News, Stan Tu’Inukuafe, another co-founder of Str8 Up, said the Westside Outlaws resemble other gangs, with their own colours and structures.
He said gang recruitment “explodes” in jail when people arrested in remote communities are transferred to larger urban centres.
Fox also said he hopes to meet with Ministry of Justice staff about issues with the bail system. Many offenders are apprehended, appear in court, make bail and then return to the community until their next court date, he said.
In a prepared statement, Justice spokesman Drew Wilby said the province is “currently looking at the use of bail and remand and their impact on community safety as well as the justice system.”