Native Gangs

About two years ago, I went to a ceremony in Puyallup, Washington. I was told by an elder there that some nine young Indian men had been murdered in that town that year. Most of this was due to gang activity. Indian gangs going after other Indian gangs.

On Sunday, at the Native American Flute Festival, Shusli and I ran into a man I've been running into from time to time for the last several years, Frank Niso Caywood [at left]. I have had many conversations with Niso during these last several years and knew of his work with gangs. Niso informed Shusli and I of the work he does around gangs, especially Native gangs. We decided to invite Niso down to the next "Mitakuye Oyasin" radio program, Thursday, November 8, from 1:30 to 3:00pm PST. So tune in and hear a discussion between Niso, David Liberty, Shusli Baseler-Johnson and myself about Native gangs.

I have been fascinated with the energy of the youth since I first heard of Native gangs and gangs in general. I have always wondered what if they harnessed their energy that they use to fight each other to help their peoples and to struggle against the oppressive U.S. government. GODDAMN! I think even King Dick might piss his pants and shoot a few more of his friends if they did that.

So tune in to KBOO 90.7fm in Portland, 100.7fm in the Willamette Valley, 92.7fm in the gorge, and on the web at www.kboo.fm to listen live in your area.