By Kathy Gallant

Presentation talks gangs with local teens

Jan 24, 2018 | 4:10 PM

Connection, abuse, trauma, addiction, healing. These were some common themes heard by 400 local students from members of STR8 UP, a Saskatoon-based social organization dedicated to helping ex-gang members reach a healthier life path.

Junior high-aged students gathered at Jonas Samson Junior High to hear the presentation.

Stan Tu’Inukuafe, intake worker and presentation coordinator with STR8 up was joined by three members of the organization, who have all come from various paths, varying from criminal activity, unstable family life, surrounded by addictions and some who have been in gangs.

He said the main purpose of the presentations is to provide context and allow members to share their story of their own healing journeys. Those who become involved in gangs are often suffering, either from broken families, addictions, and gangs can provide a sense of family and belonging.

“Anyone that maybe doesn’t know anything about gangs can start to visually see how someone could be drawn to that path,” he said. “One of the ways that STR8 Up does prevention is through intervention. We believe that by our members sharing their stories will help young people know this is a reality.”

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He said the organization works with people in the community, correctional system and penitentiaries, offering four pillars of support, including outreach like getting services and housing, personal development, job assistance, and community engagement. While the organization is based in Saskatoon, presentations and supports are given throughout the province.

“We try to create connections, and support members in dealing with their trauma, because unless they deal with it, they’re always going to fall back into addiction,” said Tu’Inukuafe. “We involve the members in everything we do, in making connections and realizing there’s a lot of people out there that care. Here in Meadow Lake, we did an open gym with the students, we went and read to Grade 1-2 students.”

STR8 UP will be working with the Ministry of Justice in the coming months to establish a gang strategy, involving those who have been through the gang lifestyle.

Devon Napope joined STR8 UP in June 2017 after going through treatment for addictions after growing up in a life of violence. He was one of the presenters today, and shared his story and poems with the youth. He said he’s done about 12.

“Addictions, gangs, trauma, it’s something I can relate to,” he said. “I also know what people are feeling that have gone through similar issues as me. Breaking from that is something I’ve changed in myself but I also hope to inspire other people to do the same.” 

He said he felt it was important to talk with junior high aged students because they are in a pivotal point in their lives.

“They’re at that age where before becoming teenagers and their perspectives come in,” he said. “They believe they can make their own choices and are looking to find their sense of belonging. We’re letting them know that there are people out there looking to connect with other diversities and filling gaps, making more friendships and coming together as a community. And the kids are aware of gangs and addictions, they know it’s out there.”

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath