The Factors That Lead An Individual Towards Gang Involvement

Introduction On the surface, the criminogenic factors that can lead an individual towards gang involvement are similar amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal gang members. However, upon closer inspection, it is the experience of colonization that drastically sets these two groups apart. That is, the impact and the trauma caused by the colonization of the Aboriginal people of Canada is the predominant factor that exacerbates and intensifies criminogenic factors associated with Aboriginal gang participation (Totten, 2009, 137; Bracken, Deane Morrissette, 2009, 68; Peters, 2011, 83; MacRae-Krisa, 2013, 11; Goodwill, 2009, 12). The colonization process must be understood, and treated, as the originating source of Aboriginal gangs. It is†¦show more content†¦Although some of these practices no longer exist, such as residential schools, the impact and trauma inflicted by them remains intact. The active attempt of the Canadian government to abolish Aboriginal people is the divergen t factor that separates Aboriginal gangs from non-Aboriginal gangs. Through cultural genocide, the Canadian government attempted to destroy practices and factors that would allow the Aboriginal group to continue as a group (TRCC, 2015, 1). Cultural genocide is an experience that is unique to Aboriginal people. Colonization generally, and cultural genocide specifically, have created an environment in which criminogenic factors disproportionately burden Aboriginal people (Totten, 2009, 137). Aboriginal gangs and underlying criminogenic factors must be understood in relation to the trauma caused by colonization. Criminogenic Factors Systemic Racism The legacy of colonialism and racism in Canada are inherently linked together (Bracken, et al., 2009, 62). Racism is a particularly salient factor to consider when discussing Aboriginal gangs, because racist philosophies were used to shape and constrain the popular discourse around Aboriginal people from contact onwards. The colonizers perceived the Aboriginal population to be a lesser group of people, and these racist beliefs are what supported and