FNUC Students Hold Rally, Plan
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 15:09
More than 150 students, staff and supporters of the First Nations University of Canada held a rally outside the Legislature in Regina earlier today.
The protesters want millions of dollars in government funding withdrawn from the school returned by the province and Ottawa.
They’re worried the FNUC might have to shut its doors on April 1st, when over $12 million in federal and provincial funding is cut off.
The university’s students’ association says the province needs to be reminded that the FNUC is the future of Aboriginal post-secondary education in Saskatchewan — a reference to a summit in Saskatoon today that’s being attended by Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris.
Meanwhile, students, staff and faculty at the campuses in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert are making plans to occupy those buildings round-the clock, beginning tomorrow.
The students’ association says the students will be studying for finals and writing letters to politicians during their peaceful demonstration, which they’re calling a “live-in”.
They are asking for donations of money, food, and camping supplies.
FNUC students’ association nursing rep Genevieve Godwin says the occupation will last until a resolution to the funding crisis is found.
Meanwhile, Norris says not much has changed with the situation facing the university.
He says the working group continues to meet, and as soon as he has a signed agreement between the University of Regina and the FNUC, he will meet with Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl.
Norris says there are 13,000 Aboriginal post-secondary students in Saskatchewan, but less than 1,000 of them are at the FNUC.
He says he still expects Ottawa to keep any money earmarked for the school here in the province.