“Turning points” are life events that can positively or negatively change the trajectory of one’s criminal behaviors, attitudes and lifestyle (i.e., persisting, accelerating or desisting from crime). Through research, gang membership is a turning point that not only affects one’s trajectory into offending but also has detrimental effects on one’s health and well-being. Due to the historical and contemporary placement of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas brought on by settler colonialism, there are health and well-being disparities that negatively affect these populations. However, current research shows how Native Americans can use resiliency and strength as tools in combatting these disparities through cultural connection. The present study seeks to understand the relationship between Native gang members and their cultural ties while also seeking to better understand the impact gang membership may have on Native youth’s health and well-being. Using binary logistic regressions, the present study did not find support that gang membership and culture are connected, or that gang membership increases the likelihood of self-harm, suicidal ideation and school dropouts. But the results support previous literature that emphasize culture ties and strength as a buffer for Native health and well-being disparities which encourages further efforts to enculturate Native youth in their Native ways of life. Also, evidence shows that location (i.e., full-time on/off or part-time on tribal lands) may matter for Native youths’ engagement in gang activity which encourages further exploration of Native youth’s living arrangements in relation to their behaviors and identities. In conclusion, it is important to understand how historical trauma and current oppression have not only impacted Native youth’s health and well-being but in addition, have limited the cultural protections available to Native youth, especially those involved in gangs.
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