Hobbema band leaders frustrated by gang violence

Band leaders in Hobbema, Alta.,say they are grappling with how to stop gang violence plaguing the community of 15,000 residentssoutheast of Edmonton after the latest killing.

"We've done a lot of good, successful things in terms of bringing in gang expertise into our community, working closely with the schools, and Ithought we had a pretty good handle on it," said community leader Roy Louis. "Obviously it really hasn't worked."

Policemet with the chief and band councillorsTuesdayto talk about the violence on the Samson reserve, about90 kilometres from Edmonton.

One idea under discussionisa bylaw where residents sign a contract and if they break the rules of the community, theyaretold to leave, said Coun. Elroy Strawberry-Rain.

"That's that. No more ifs, buts," he said. "If you want to live this style you have to do it somewhere else. I can't have you here, regardless of who you are."

Victim was Ethan Yellowbird's aunt

An autopsy is scheduled Tuesdayfor the latest shooting victim, a23-year-old woman killed outside ahouse party in the Samson Cree townsite Monday.

The woman, identified as Chelsea Yellowbird, was shot in the neck at 3 a.m.in the backyard ofa house known for gang activity.

Shots were fired a short time later at a second house a few blocks away, but police don't know if the two shootings are linked.

The Samson reservehas seen dozensofdrive-by shootings on the reservethis year, saidLouis.

"How can anyone live in safety when we have drive-by shootings?" he asked. "It's mind-boggling what's happening right now."

Police had taken some people into custody for questioning Monday over thelatest shootingsbut no charges have been laid.

Monday's killing happened next-door to the house where five-year-old Ethan Yellowbird was killed in a drive-by shooting in July.

Ethanwas the son of Chelsea Yellowbird's sister. He was shot in the head while he slept.

That shooting prompted calls by community leaders for residents to break the code of silence surrounding gang activity on the reserve.

Asmall group of residents held an impromptu march through the community Tuesday to call for an end to gang violence.

"We need some peace in the reserve," said Joe Northwest. "We need the people to feel more secure. This violence is getting out of hand."

But few joined the protest. Residents say there is a price for speaking out.

"Just scared," said Theresa Boysis. "Because their house is going to be damaged."

Boysis said she met Chelsea Yellowbird for the first time at the memorial for the young woman's nephewin July.

"That's what is sad about it," she said. "Two months later and she's gone now. Twenty-three years old. Just starting to live."