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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2007)
Smoke Signals Tribe, Services Department Host Gang Awareness Training "Gang activity in Grand Ronde is low-level but emerging." 6 JUNE 1, 2007 "V, -wCi' r k "It's clear that evidence of the gang ster mentality is present. However, it is not nearly as problematic or entrenched as it is in some other Tribal communities." Grant explained that gang activ ity occurs in cities of any size. And while the national age range for for him to fathom. "It doesn't make sense," said Grant, "in Native American cul ture, females were historically treated with respect and honor. In the gang culture, females are often viewed as nothing more than objects of ego-enhancement and National Native American Gang Specialist Christopher M. Grant By Toby McClary On May 23-24, the Tribe welcomed Christopher M. Grant, National Native American Gang Specialist, to the community. Grant is also the former Chief of Detectives of the Rapid City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division and the former commander of the Rapid City Area Gang Task Force. Grant's objective was to train staff, community members, and ed ucational leaders on gang culture, early signs of gang activity, and how gangs have an impact on the community. Grant also spent time touring the community and did an evaluation of the gang activity in and around Grand Ronde. "I would characterize Grand Ronde gang activity as being low level, but emerging," said Grant. "It's clear that evidence of the gangster men tality is present (in Grand Ronde). However, it is not nearly as problematic or entrenched .as it is in some other Tribal communities." Christopher Grant, National Native American Gang Specialist gang members is approximately 13-24 years old, Grant stated that in Indian Country, the age range descends to about 11-19 years old. One problem that helps influence gang mentality is adults not taking warning signs seriously or thinking that a group of kids "gang-banging" are just "wannabes" said Grant. "Juveniles with this mentality often want to be recognized as real 'gangstas,"' explained Grant. 'They want to be seen as real gang mem bers and will act out on it." Also as part of Grant's aware ness seminar, he pointed out the fact that females currently make up about 10-15 percent of the gang population, a fact that seems hard sexual gratification." There are approximately 24,000 different gangs in the United States with about 800,000 active members belonging to them. Grant explained that where there is a lack of social, cultural, educational, and economi cal opportunities, gang activity will flourish. "I see Grand Ronde as a healthy Tribal community," stated Grant. "I see some very distinct advantages within your community. Tribal staff members honestly and sincerely care about Tribal youth. I see a healthy community infrastructure including pride in community re sources for Tribal members young and old," he continued. "I also see a clear and obvious dedication to the advancement of traditional culture which is an important bar rier to gang activity. However, the community is not immune from the negative influences that spawn the growth of gangs and drugs." In closing, Grant offered the community a list of recommen dations to help prevent any fur ther gang activity in the Grand Ronde community: A small community coalition involving a cross-section of the community to address gang is sues as they emerge. The development of a mentoring program to identify Tribal youth who are on the path of gang and drug behavior and to help change the course of their direction. G.R.E.A.T. (gang resistance educa tion and training) training for local law enforcement in order to deliver this gang resistance curriculum at the middle school level. Continuity of culturally-based activities with specific prohibi tion of gang activity or gang representing. Tracking of any and all gang in volvement in the community Finally, the enactment of a Tribal gang ordinance designed to ad dress criminal issues involved " with gang behavior. "While it's clear that gang activ ity is low in the area, the same cannot be said about drug activ ity," said Grant. "And where drug activity occurs, gang activity often follows." r , i h i ,; . : . t ;, " ' 1 ' j i r i" ; V : 1 1 ' ( ! t 7 ' o r v y (- '''i"- rr jj -- (i " - 1 -Aim M'Mi -A - -inrmmrmmmmimmiimmmmmimmmimH4mmmmmmmimmmi- I Q- Christopher M. Grant served as the guest speaker for the "Healthy Thursday" luncheon which was held on Thursday, May 24.
