FSIN Chief Says Ottawa’s Funds For FNUC “A Step”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 14:33
The chief of the FSIN says he is optimistic about the federal government indicating it will provide some funds to the First Nation University of Canada — and is asking students and staff to remain hopeful.
Chief Guy Lonechild says the federal government’s announcement shows Ottawa is willing to work with the FNUC and its working group and partners.
According to a news release, Indian Affairs is prepared to invest up to $3 million through the Indian Studies Support Program until August 31st.
The ISSP only covers the cost of programming and is given out on a proposal basis.
Further conditions include that the money not be used for core funding, severance pay or debt payments and that the university maintains “a good standing.”
Lonechild says a letter is being drafted immediately to Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl that will provide him with a business plan for the school.
Lonechild hopes he will meet with Strahl some time in the near future, perhaps as early as next week, after Strahl has had a chance to look at the business plan.
The FSIN chief says the plan will look at sustaining the university, which means it will ask for at least the $7 million that was pulled by the federal government — but possibly more, as well.
Meanwhie, the FNUC board met with students and staff this morning in Regina regarding the school’s future — and to announce new leadership.
Dr. Shauneen Pete was announced as the interim president for the next six months
Pete says she has some “catching up” to do on the business side of the university and says her list is ever growing.
Pete has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arizona.
She was also previously the vice-president of academics at the school.
Meanwhile, FNUC board chair Joely BigEagle says there are some decisions ahead, especially with the looming April 30th deadline in the recent MOU signed with the University of Regina.
At this point, she says the board is developing strategies for different scenarios — but there is nothing to share with faculty and staff right now because those are still in the developmental stages.