August - 2008
Community intolerant with gang activity
Thomas J Bruner
Sweetgrass Staff Writer
HobbemaGang violence is on the rise on Hobbema, with as many as 13 rival gangs battling for control of the drug trade, and other matters. Some members of these gangs are shockingly as young as eight-years-old.
The most notable gangs include the Indian Posse, Redd Alert, and the Alberta Warriors. Unfortunately, there seems to be precious little to deter the criminal behavior; not even the tragic, albeit accidental shooting of 23-month-old Asia Saddleback.
On April 13, Asia Saddleback was eating supper with her family when a bullet tore through the house and hit Asia in the liver and spine. Although she did recover, it remained traumatizing for Asia and her family. Furthermore, it demonstrated the shocking but serious issues that the Hobbema community continue to face. With the bullet unable to be removed it will be a lifelong reminder for Asia and her family about how unsafe it was and still is to live in their community.
The shootings did not cease there, as in late July, two shootings occurred within the same week.
First, Billy Buffalo was murdered in what police are calling a gang related shooting. Then less than a week later, Dale Dechamps body was found in a back alley.
Many residents are up in arms about what direction to take.
With the recent outburst of violence, Chief Marvin Yellowbird views it as a setback, after the progress made following the Asia Saddleback incident.
"We will continue to do whatever we can to work collectively with the RCMP and with the community to make sure we are dealing with safety issues."
Just recently an anti-crime program was unveiled. Part of this program will involve a gun amnesty, allowing residents to unload their guns within a timeframe that stretches from August 1 to Nov. 30.
Unofficially, one idea that has been put forth is a vigilante collaboration.
Like-minded citizens of the Samson Cree Nation have mused that vigilante justice would be more swift and forthcoming in lieu of government law.
Others have considered the notorious Guardian Angels that have implied varying levels of success in other communities. President of the Indian Association of Alberta and Hobbema area resident, Mel Buffalo said these talks may have to be taken seriously if violence persists.
For now, the RCMP and the community have armed themselves with a curfew, a gun amnesty, and a crime reduction program. Only time will tell if these efforts will be enough.
Positive steps towards taking the community back have also included, community members ridding themselves of the remnants of crime.
Cleaning away old gun shells, abandoned cars, crack pipes, and graffiti. Furthermore, tearing down dilapidated old houses commonly used as a safe haven for gangs has already begun. However, the turning over of guns to the proper authorities is the most prevalent measure to alleviate deaths in the communities.
"Just think about it: guns off the street will mean less crime. That's pretty simple," said Justice Minister Alison Redford. She also expressed that this will obviously not be an overnight fix.
"All of the answers aren't here today, but we're trying to be very proactive in talking with communities about how they want to define themselves and how they want to live."
Elder Roy Louis further illustrated that it will be some time before differences are noticed.
"The gangs have been ingrained in our community for some time now, so it's not going to change overnight. The naysayers are going to say, 'See, we told you so. It's not going to work; it's something negative again.' But I am firmly convinced we can do that right thing. "
Many wonder how a community of 12,000 First Nation community members foster so many youths inclined towards gang associations. Allegedly, Hobbema has the unfortunate distinction as one of Canada's highest per-capita concentration of gangsters, and there are a plethora of theories.
First Nations are haunted by memories of residential school, and forced into colonization. According to a report the high number of gang activity incidents is suggested that it boils down to a number of concerns including, the unemployment rate, which is nearly 30 per cent below the Canadian average; it is a young community with a median age of 18 (with 40 per cent of the population being 14-years old or under compared to 19 per cent for Alberta); INAC issuing cheques up to $200,000 to First Nation youths reaching the age of 18 and an indifferent society or government.
The theories are plentiful, and the problems are profound. However the community's resilience knows no bounds. It was Arundhati Roy who said
"Not only is another world possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing."
With the 10 p.m. curfew for teenagers, the community clean-up projects, the gun amnesty, and Hobbema's cadet corps boasting a membership of hundreds of youths; the community has openly refused to be overrun by the Indian Posse, the Redd Alert, or whatever gang that attempts to inflict their illusion of power. It is a positive change that many have deemed as long overdue. Especially Candace Saddleback, mother of young Asia Saddleback.
"That's good, that's good that they're trying to get rid of it, and doing it that way where they won't get in trouble with the law, or get in trouble with themselves. I feel that that's what has to be done around here."
Community members are asked to turn in any weapons, which include guns, pellet guns, replicas, and knives by contacting the Hobbema RCMP at 780-585-3893 and an officer will pick up the weapons at the residence.
