Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Alternatives to Gangs

Program Name:

Regina Anti-Gang Services (RAGS)

Organization/Community:

The North Central Community Association of Regina

Location:

Regina, Saskatchewan

Website:

www.nccaregina.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To reduce criminal activities committed by young Aboriginal gang members.

Target Group Description:

Aboriginal Youth (male and female) involved in gangs, their families and partners.

Program Description:

The program provides the opportunity for Aboriginal youth to develop life skills and overcome the prejudicial gang attitude toward Aboriginal male and female members. The Circle Keeper Program is designed specifically for female youth gang members involved in the sex trade, offering facilitated groups to assess safety needs, addictions and provide connections to support and therapeutic resources. The Gang Exit Strategy engages federal and provincial partners and builds expert knowledge on the appropriate methods of gang exit safety and programming including geographical relocation. Aboriginal Elders are hired to participate and facilitate regular weekly cultural events and activities such as Sundances, sweat lodges. Most activities are begun with a smudging ceremony.

Program Successes/Impact:

80% of participants have completed the gang exit strategy and left the street gangs, reducing their vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

The challenge of helping female gang members leave the sex trade. The challenge of helping male participants accept and admit responsibility for forcing women into the sex trade.

Program in operation since:

2007.

Program:

Ongoing (dependent on funding renewal in March of 2012).