A 24-year-old Native rapper who has spent time behind bars says he is proud to associate with Native gangs.

"I'm not going to deny it. I love gangs," Robin Favel told CBC News.

Favel, a member of the Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan, started a group called Dogz Lyfe [http://dogzlyfe.tripod.com] to rap about his gang experiences. He says the criminal justice system created Native gangs.

"The police organize us," he told CBC News. "We're all aboriginal and they all stick us in one place."

Favel, who raps under the name "Burden," says he wants to work with the youth. His group has performed at reserves and Native events.

Get the Story:
Rapper reflects the harsh realities of gang life (CBC 3/22)

Native Gangs Report:
2005 Intelligence Trends: Aboriginal-based Gangs in Saskatchewan (March 2005)

Related Report:
Aboriginal-based Organized Crime (Criminal Intelligence Service Canada 2004)

Relevant Links:
Criminal Intelligence Service Saskatchewan - http://www.cissask.ca Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations - http://www.fsin.com

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