Chief Lonechild Optimistic About The Future Of The FNUC
Thursday, 11 February 2010 16:49
(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild is pleased the Provincial Government has raised some options that will help students continue their education at the First Nations University of Canada. Chief Lonechild met with Post Secondary Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris Wednesday evening in Saskatoon to discuss the progress of the changes taking place at the First Nations University of Canada.
“During the meeting Minister Norris shared some ideas he had on the future of the First Nations University. Some of the ideas held promise,” says Chief Lonechild. “Soon the discussion became more than sharing ideas and became about working out a partnership with another publicly funded institution that would direct provincial funding to the First Nations University.”
The Federation believes the Provincial Government’s idea holds some promise adding it is one step closer to restoring Provincial and Federal funding to the FNUC. Minister Norris used the University of Regina as one example for the partnership but the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the University of Saskatchewan also remain as viable options.
“Many of the Chiefs I spoke with during a break in the meeting felt encouraged about the offer by Minister Norris,” says Chief Lonechild. “The university’s autonomy is very important to First Nations. Equally important is the future of our young people. These options have the potential to ensure the concerns of the students, faculty and staff are addressed for the remaining school year and the coming year.”
The FSIN and Chiefs of Saskatchewan are committed to ensuring the new Board of Governors will bring much needed stability to the operations of the FNUC.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
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