FSIN donates wild meat

Clients at Safe Haven will be enjoying some wild meat meals over the holidays thanks to a donation made to the local women’s shelter by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

“It’s going to benefit the women at Safe Haven,” said Yorkton Tribal Council Chief Isabel O’Soup.

Safe Haven is a shelter in the city which can house up to 25 women and children, in need of transitional housing, explained Nola Mahingen, acting director of the facility. She noted the need for the facility tends to rise during the holiday season, so the food donation is appreciated.

“We go through so much food,” she said.

Bobby Cameron, FSIN Chief, said the meat, elk, moose and wild boar, was attained through a traditional hunt of elders.

Hunts such as the pre-Christmas one, are   a right under treaty, noted Cameron, who said that by continuing such hunts, they are able to help their people.

Safe Haven in Yorkton was one of five organizations in five cities across the province to receive a meat donation.

“Growing up as a young boy in Battlefords I was hungry more often than not,” he said.

So having the traditional hunts to provide food where needed is something Cameron feels strongly about.

“It’s just our way of life,” he said.

The program began in 2014, with Safe Haven having received meat the last two years.

“We’re going to continue this on an annual basis,” said Cameron.