Aboriginal-based organized crime is a term used to refer to Canadian criminal organizations with a high, statistically significant percentage of Aboriginal members. These organizations are primarily found in the prairie provinces - geographical areas which statistically hold a higher concentration of persons of Aboriginal descent.[1] Aboriginal Based Organized Crime is unique and is defined distinctly by the Government of Canada.[2]
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There is confusion about how to properly intervene in preventing the growth of these gangs. One approach in Winnipeg has seen an all-Aboriginal school board recommended in the face of increased gang involvement by Aboriginal youth.[3] These schools are viewed as a means of increasing respect for traditional Aboriginal values while giving youth the opportunity to avoid involvement in gangs. There is caution toward such strategies due to the fear that these schools - purely as an anti-crime initiative - will lead to ghettoization.[4] The thought of creating an Aboriginal school system struck some as reeking of segregation. Similar initiatives have been discussed in Saskatchewan, leading to a recommendation by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in late 2009.[5]
The original branch of the Warriors, they are a street gang that is distinct from other Aboriginal gangs in that it is largely made up of adults. It was founded in 1992 and by 2000 had had over 400 members serve. They are identified by the colour black and white and are traditionally enemies of the Hells Angels.[6]
The Alberta chapter of the Warriors gang arose after individuals from Alberta spent time in a Manitoba correctional facility in 1997. Their colour is alternatively stated to be black and Blue. According to the Calgary Herald, "the Alberta Warriors are most active in Edmonton, but maintain a relatively low profile"[7] Rivals include the other ABOCs, the Bloods and the small Asian Crazy Dragons also the scrub Ass Indian posse whom are mainly active in the prisons.[8]
British Coloumbia Warriors A nomad chapter with no main base. They have highprofile members who are directly linked to the original Winnipeg Chapter. They are known to be associated with the criminal elite of the West Coast and they have members in Vancouver .
The Saskatchewan Warriors were an offshoot of the Manitoba chapter of the Warriors. A special unit was set up in Regina to stop the Manitoba Warriors from setting up a chapter in that city. The unit took a very directive approach toward stopping the gang from setting up anything formidable in Saskatchewan.[9]
Redd Alert is an Aboriginal street gang active mainly in Edmonton, Alberta and Regina, Saskatchewan, as well as a presence in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was "founded" in the mid 1990s but was not largely active until 2005. They wear red bandanas and have a presence across institutions in the prairies.[10]
Native Syndicate is an aboriginal gang, it was formed in 1994 and is still active.Formed in Regina. It's Canada-wide, but more members are in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The number of members are unknown. They utilize a Mafia style organizational structure but otherwise invoke Aboriginal imagery. Their official colours are white and black, but they wear a white bandanna. Their tattoos often resemble “\Z\” (symbolizing "NS", or "Native Syndicate"), marked between the thumb and index finger. They are at odds with most other gangs in the region.[11]
Indian Posse, also known as the IP, is an aboriginal street gang set in Western Canada based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.[12] The first recorded incident from the gang took place in 1988. Originally, they were mainly active in Lac La Biche, Alberta and known as a high threat gang. The Indian Posse was featured in the fictional film Stryker by Noam Gonick which presents a positive portrayal of the gang "armies of resistance” to poverty and other problems. The film dealt with conflicts with the rival gang the now-defunct Asian Bomb Squad. The main character was referred to as “Stryker” a slang term for prospective recruits.[13]
One of the alleged founders of the Indian Posse, Daniel Richard Wolfe, was murdered in the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary on 5 January 2010.[12]
Other Aboriginal gangs active in the prairies include the Crazy Cree, 204 crew (NSK, former N.S. members mainly), the Terror Squad, Native's Looking To Protect (NLTP), Central (CTL), Deuce, Mixed Blood (Métis adult gang), Junior Mixed Blood (Métis youth gang), Guerillas Of Death (GOD), Mad Kowz and the Stinky Chiefs snd Indian Outlaws.
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