FSIN Executive Communique February 16, 2011
First Nations University of Canada - Meeting with Stakeholders - February 16, 2010
Taking my direction from the Chiefs in Assembly, and with the directive from the FSIN Convention to promote the treaty position, I have always strongly asserted our sovereignty and autonomy to determine the best course of action with regards to promoting the treaty right to education. We continue to honour the legacy of our past leaders who established the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, now the First Nations University of Canada.
The First Nations University of Canada has grown during its thirty four year history and is engaged in many partnerships nationally and internationally. During the past five years the First Nations University of Canada has withstood many challenges and recently with the help of the Chiefs in Assembly a resolution of those challenges is in sight. I commend the Chiefs in Assembly for their support of the First Nations University at the 2010 Winter Assembly and for their dedication to the promoting the learning of First Nations students. The success of First Nations students is our success as First Nations leaders. As Chief of the FSIN I hold the portfolio for the First Nations University of Canada and I have endeavoured to respond to any and all issues pertaining to FNUniv in a timely manner.
As Chief of the FSIN I have always stated emphatically that we have not and will never relinquish the treaty right to education. In this regard I attended a stakeholders meeting on February 16, 2010 at the invitation of Vianne Timmons, President of the University of Regina (see attached letter dated February 10, 2010). Also in attendance were the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education and Riel Bellegarde, Regional Director General, INAC.
The purpose of that meeting, in light of FNUniv’s current funding status, was to discuss possible alternatives that would enable students to continue attending First Nations University beyond March 31, 2010. As you may be aware, the federal and provincial governments have terminated funding to FNUNiv citing alleged governance, financial and management improprieties. President Timmons shared with those in attendance the impacts that termination of approximately $12M in funding, effective March 31st, will have on FNUniv and the University of Regina. Many of our students have registered for September 2010 classes and it is imperative that FNUniv continues to remain open as it is the university of choice for First Nations students.
President Timmons informed meeting participants that many U of R students are required to enrol in Indigenous Studies courses and that only FNUniv delivers. Should FNUniv not be in a position to continue offering those courses both First Nations and non First Nations students will be negatively affected.
That meeting was the first opportunity for stakeholders to meet the interim Board of Governors. Interim Board of Governors Chair, Joely Big Eagle and Interim Chief Operating Officer, Del Anaquod were also in attendance. We were informed that the interim Board has now met and that the interim Chair will be prepared to provide a report to the Chiefs Special Assembly on March 8 - 9, 2010.
In order to address the funding cuts challenging FNUniv, a Technical Working Group was proposed. Final membership on the Working Group will be announced once the Terms of Reference have been finalized and the Working Group is established. FNUniv Board of Governors will take an active role through Joely Big Eagle and Del Anaquod. Overall the stakeholder meeting was positive although no commitment to restoring funding was made. The stakeholders will provide representatives to the Technical Working Group.
The Technical Working Group work with stakeholders to ensure FNUniv continues to offer culturally specific and relevant post secondary education for all students. The Technical Working Group will meet this week to develop a go forward position that ensures FNUniv has administrative and operational support necessary to offer courses beyond March 31, 2010.
In order to ensure the Treaty Right to Education is not diminished by the federal and provincial governments, FSIN will monitor and report on the progress of the FNUniv revitalization through regular communication and from our position as portfolio holder.
Respectfully submitted,
FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild
Download the Letter from the University of Regina