Seven First Nations and northern community-based organizations are getting provincial funding aimed at reducing gang activity.

Each organization is receiving $20,000 as part of the Gang Violence Reduction Strategy, which aims to help prevent people from getting into gangs or transition out of gang life.

The seven groups are; File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Inc., Meadow Lake Tribal Council, North Saskatchewan Victim Services (La Ronge), Onion Lake Native Justice Inc., Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS), Thunderchild First Nation and the Yorkton Tribal Council – Tribal Justice Unit.

“This grant means that we will be able to develop gang intervention and prevention strategies in each of the nine First Nations in the tribal council,” Meadow Lake Tribal Council Senior Director of Programs Christine Derocher said.  “We expect positive engagement from the whole community including leadership, youth, elders, educators, justice and health staff.”

The Gang Violence Reduction Strategy seeks to prevent and reduce gang activity, and bolster community safety.

(Photo: File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council logo. Courtesy of the FHQ Facebook.)