Aboriginal Based Organized Crime

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (December 2009)

This documentation is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. The following WikiProjects or Portals may be able to help recruit one: • WikiProject Ethnic groups • WikiProject Canada· Canada Portal If another appropriate WikiProject or portal exists, please adjust this template accordingly.(December 2009)

Gangs portal

Aboriginal peoples in Canada portal

General

Aboriginal Based Organized Crime (ABOC) 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]

Unique Features of ABOC

Support and Facilitation

ABOC-classified organizations typically support and facilitate the actions of other, usually larger organized crime groups such as the Hells Angels.

Less Sophisticated, More Violent

ABOC groups typically demonstrate less sophistication than other organized crime groups. Their members are usually younger, less educated and poorer than members of other organized crime groups. They are, however, very willing to use violence to achieve their aims. "Aboriginal-based street gangs are generally involved in opportunistic, spontaneous and disorganized street-level criminal activities, primarily low-level trafficking of marihuana, cocaine and crack cocaine and, to a lesser extent, methamphetamine. The gangs are also involved in prostitution, break-and-enters, robberies, assaults, intimidation, vehicle theft and illicit drug debt collection."^[2]

Aboriginal Recruitment

Recruitment typically takes place from Aboriginal populations in larger centres, correctional facilities and from First Nations.^[2]

Strategies

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]

ABOC Organizations

Warriors

Manitoba Warriors

The original branch of the Warriors, they are a biker 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 blue and are traditionally enemies of the Hells Angels.^[6]

Alberta Warriors

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 blue, white or yellow. 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 whom are mainly active in the prisons. ^[8]

Saskatchewan Warriors

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

Redd Alert is an Aboriginal street gang active mainly in Regina, Saskatchewan. It was "founded" in 2000 but were not largely active until 2005. They wear red bandanas and have a presence across institutions in the prairies.^[10]

Native Syndicate

Native Syndicate was formed in the 80s or 90s in the Saskatchewan correctional system. It covers the entire province of Saskatchewan but is apparently based in Regina. They supposedly have several hundred members with a relatively high proportion of them being woman. They utilize a Mafia style organizational structure but otherwise invoke Aboriginal imagery. There official colour is black and often have “NS” tattooed between the thumb and index finger. They are at odds with most other gangs in the region.^[11]

Indian Posse

Indian Posse, also known as the IP, is an aboriginal street gang set in Western Canada based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It began as a defence organization in Manitoban prisons. The Indian posse, also known as IP, is the largest street gang in Canada, and it has chapters in cities, reserves and corrections facilities from Northern Ontario to British Columbia.^[12] The first recorded incident from the gang took place in 1988. However, there is evidence the gang was active as early as the late 1970s. Co-founder Richard Wolfe stated that the Indian Posse would help Aboriginals “stand tall for what he or she believes in” before his conviction in 1996 for attempted murder and other crimes.^[13]

The Indian Posse was featured in the fictonal 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.^[14]

One of the alleged founders of the Indian Posse, Daniel Richard Wolfe, was murdered in the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary on the 5th of January, 2010.

Other Gangs

Other Aboriginal gangs active in the prairies include the Crazy Cree and the Terror Squad.

References

This crime-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e