IntroductionAcross Canada, the issues surrounding youth gangs have become a major issue not only for members of the authority, but for the judicial system. Youth gang activity, which can be defined as direct or indirect participation in gang-related crimes or incidents, occurs in almost every province or territory in Canada, primarily in urban areas, but is in decline. increase in other regions. In Canada, there are 434 youth gangs with approximately 7,000 members in total (in lecture notes). Not only do youth gangs exist in Canada, but they exist in other countries around the world. There is some controversy over the definition of the term "youth gang", but there is a general definition of the term. A youth gang can be defined as a “self-formed group of individuals who engage in antisocial and/or profit-motivated criminal activities” (from course notes). Youth gangs operate within a certain community and cause a feeling of fear and intimidation in others. Who are the members of youth gangs? Youth gang members come from diverse backgrounds. They come from different geographic, ethnic, demographic and socio-economic backgrounds (course notes). The majority of young people who are already involved in a gang or at risk of becoming involved tend to come from groups that experience high levels of inequality and lack many things socially. Youth of Indigenous origin are more likely to be recruited into gangs and involved in organized crime than non-Indigenous youth. 21 percent of all youth gang members in Canada are First Nations and the majority of them come from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Young people who become involved in gangs are likely to use drugs and already participate in serious or violent crimes. Who is at risk of being affiliated with a gang? People with transmitted diseases and infections risk beatings by the leader or other members of the group, as well as arrest. http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/InfoBooth/Violence-and-Abuse/Gangs/Girls-in-Gangs.aspx. Men in gangs are often abused, neglected, discriminated against, and experience racism at some point in their lives. The majority of youth gang members, 24%, are African American. http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/gngs-cnd/index-eng.aspx. Some male gang members are minorities or have recently immigrated to the country or certain areas of the country. They often lack another male figure that they could look up to and have as a positive role model and associate with other delinquent peers. The feeling of not being recognized by others and thinking that one does not fit in with the majority of people.