Saskatoon's Lighthouse shelter to get wild meat, Indigenous cultural training

The Lighthouse shelter in Saskatoon will get help developing First Nations cultural practices and donations of wild meat following the signing of an agreement Tuesday.

"This is our way of giving back," Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron told reporters following the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Under theagreement between the FSIN, the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Lighthouse, the downtown Saskatoon emergency shelter will receive donations of wild game throughout the winter months.

Cameron said he remembers what it was like to be poor and hungry. As a youth in North Battleford, Sask., he would often raid gardens and pick through the garbage bins behind grocery stores.

That's why he said he feels good about the project with the Lighthouse. Hunters from various First Nations across the province will contribute.

TheSaskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre will help the Lighthouse develop "culturally appropriate teachings, practices and principles," said SICCpresident Wanda Wilson.

Most of those who come to the Lighthouse are Indigenous,Cameron and Lighthouse officials said.