Funding must be restored to First Nations University

OTTAWA -- The Green Party is calling for Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl to restore funding to the First Nations University immediately. Unless funding is restored, the Saskatchewan University will have to close at the end of March, affecting 900 students and putting staff and faculty out of work.

"Admittedly, the university's governance has struggled in the past, but just as they were making large strides to put things to right, they are faced with loss of their funding. It isn't right.  The university has an extremely valuable role to play in supporting First Nations youth and it is deserving of funding," said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

Strahl blames the cut of $7.2 million on "systemic problems related to governance and financial management," however the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is strongly opposing the cuts.  CAUT says that the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations had decisively resolved the problems with the university governance structure at a recent meeting.  Only three days later, the funding cuts were announced.

"This drastic and sudden funding cut is another shameful act in an ongoing disgraceful history of relations with First Nations in Canada," said Elizabeth May. "Any government that truly wants to repair the damage done to First Nations communities in Canada would see the immense value of the First Nations University. On behalf of the students, staff and faculty, these funding cuts must be reversed."

- 30 -

Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca