Renewed Hope For Future Of FNUC
Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 17:29
The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he feels optimistic about the future of the First Nations University of Canada.
Guy Lonechild describes meetings between himself and Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris earlier this week as fruitful.
He also says the University of Regina is not the only institution that is being talked about as an overseer for the FNUC.
He says the other two being discussed are the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and University of Saskatchewan.
The University of Regina says it is committed to the principles behind the FNUC, namely that First Nations people are the ones to define how education will be provided.
An official at the U of R says a meeting between that university and the FSIN is set for Tuesday.
Barb Pollack, the vice-president of external relations, says the current agreement between the U of R and the FNUC won’t change unless her institution receives some direction from the FSIN.
More than 250 students, faculty and supporters of the First Nations University of Canada gathered outside the Legislative Building today in Regina.
The rally was held to pressure both the provincial and federal governments to reinstate millions of dollars in funding.
Cadmus Delorme says he isn’t sure of what’s being planned but believes autonomy will be a key issue.
Delorme says, “I haven’t heard the full report of how this is going down. As far as I heard the money will be channelled through the University of Regina. It will be placed back into the First Nations University so as far as autonomy, we want autonomy. Indian right to Indian Education is what we’re doing this for.”
However, Delorme says he stands beside whatever deal Lonechild decides to make because he believes he has the best interests of students at heart.
Similar rallies were held in Saskatoon and Prince Albert.