Saskatchewan’s STR8 UP Receives $1.1M to Combat Gang Involvement

The Saskatchewan provincial government has allocated $1.1 million to support STR8 UP, an organization dedicated to helping individuals disengage from gang life. This funding aims to enhance the organization’s services in key urban centers including Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. STR8 UP co-founder Stan Tu’Inukuafe emphasized the importance of hope in preventing youth from joining gangs, stating, “In our experience, young people join gangs because they feel that there’s no hope.”

STR8 UP focuses on providing comprehensive support to individuals aged 15 to 30 who are seeking to exit gang life. The organization offers various programs designed to foster community connections, which are essential for reducing crime rates in the province. Tu’Inukuafe noted that building relationships within the community can significantly influence individual behavior, saying, “Programs are a means for people to kind of get together and build relationships, so as people feel that they’re part of the community, they feel more included.”

In addition to direct support for individuals, STR8 UP engages with families to prevent younger members from falling into gang culture. Defense attorney Blaine Beaven, who has observed the program’s impact on his clients, remarked, “Most of the homicide cases I deal with are all gang members and it’s gang members killing gang members and that’s no way to live a life.” He underscored the necessity of alternatives like STR8 UP in the community.

Since its inception in January 2020, STR8 UP has assisted over 400 clients, with 120 clients served in the current fiscal year of 2024-25 alone. The organization provides various forms of assistance, including gang tattoo removal, housing support, life skills training, and employability resources, all aimed at creating pathways to a better future.

The renewed funding from the provincial government highlights a commitment to addressing the complex issue of gang involvement in Saskatchewan. By fostering hope and connection, STR8 UP continues to play a vital role in transforming the lives of at-risk youth and reducing gang violence in the region.