Native youth in Saskatchewan are becoming more militant and more violent in response to racism in Canadian society, according to a top Native lawyer.

Donald Worme, a Cree from the Kawacatoose First Nation, said more and more young Natives are joining gangs and resorting to crime. A recent report said Saskatchewan is a hotbed of Native gang activity, something Worme knows by personal experience.

"How do I know this? Because I defend these young people on a daily basis for killing one another and other people," he said at a conference CBC News reported. "Over what � nothing. Twenty bucks, you name it � they'll kill you sooner than talk to you. If that isn't a crisis, I don't know what it is."

Worme said more Native people need to be involved in the law enforcement system. Gerald E. Morin, a Native provincial court judge, also spoke at the conference and warned of "legislative genocide" that is slowly chipping away at Native rights.

Get the Story:
Aboriginals facing 'legislative genocide,' conference hears (CBC 6/15)

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