FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron and U of S President Peter Stoicheff. Photo courtesy of Mervin Brass.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the University of Saskatchewan have signed an agreement to improve the academic success of First Nations students.

The agreement was signed today by FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron and U of S President Peter Stoicheff.

With 20 per cent of the population in Saskatchewan expected to be Indigenous in less than 20 years, Cameron said it is necessary for post-secondary education institutions to address this demographic shift, as the U of S is doing through this agreement.

“Our young people are seeking educational opportunities that will lead to productive careers,” said Chief Cameron. “The agreement signed today will strengthen communications between the FSIN and the University of Saskatchewan.”

The agreement commits the U of S president, on an annual basis, to present to the FSIN Chiefs in Assembly about strategies and programs that the university is undertaking to support and serve Indigenous students.

The agreement also calls on the FSIN Chief to report annually to the U of S on activities and initiatives that are directed at serving First Nations students.