‘It’s kind of like redemption,’ Crazy Indians Brotherhood chapter forms in Saskatoon | Warrior Publications

29.9.15

‘It’s kind of like redemption,’ Crazy Indians Brotherhood chapter forms in Saskatoon | Warrior Publications: “Crazy Indian: It was such a negative name,” Brotherhood member Christopher Merasty said.

“It was a name given to Aboriginal people dated back in the early time like ‘you crazy Indian’ or ‘you crazy drunken Indian.’ So now we’re using this name to turn it into something positive.”

The Brotherhood started in Winnipeg in 2007. There are now chapters extending across Canada and south to places like California and Oklahoma. The Saskatoon chapter is an extension of one already established in Prince Albert.

Membership is not exclusive to Aboriginal people. Many members are fathers, working full-time jobs, but prior to joining the Brotherhood, life was complicated for many who grew up in poverty or have former gang affiliations.

“We hope to get more people involved and to show that we are a positive support group and positive role models,” said Merasty, who was in and out of gangs when he was younger.