Federation Of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Takes Further Steps To Ensure Exemplary Governance And Accountability At The First Nations University Of Canada

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 00:00

(Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) Chief Guy Lonechild, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), announced today that the Chiefs-in-Assembly have taken further steps to ensure exemplary governance and accountability at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC).

“I am encouraged by the decisions made by the Chiefs-in-Assembly over the past two days,” stated Chief Lonechild, “And I am confident that the First Nations University of Canada’s Transitional Board of Governors will ensure that the necessary work is undertaken to restore administrative and financial integrity within the university’s governance.  I am particularly encouraged by the willingness of the University of Regina to partner with the First Nations University of Canada to ensure its viability now and into the future.”

The next step will be for the University of Regina and the First Nations University of Canada to develop and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will lead to a shared management contract for the FNUC with the U of R. The Chiefs-in-Assembly have also shown their commitment to stabilize the governance of the First Nations University of Canada by extending the terms of the Transitional Board of Governors to March 31, 2011.

Their work will be informed by the Dr. Manley Begay report which was received by the Chiefs-in-Assembly at this meeting.  The Begay Report presents a governance model for the First Nations University of Canada which not only defines professional standards and processes but is aligned with First Nations traditions, spirituality, culture and governance to ensure the university’s long term stability.

“The federal and provincial governments have rightfully demanded that concrete steps be taken to restore the integrity of the governance and administration of the First Nations University of Canada," continued Chief Lonechild, "And the Chiefs-in-Assembly have made the right choice.  Now, it is incumbent upon the federal and provincial governments to restore the funding as the First Nations University of Canada works in partnership with the University of Regina to implement the administrative arrangements which will ensure openness, transparency and accountability.”

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

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