INAC restores $4 Million in funding to the First Nations University for 2010-2011 school year
AFN Press Release
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo welcomes announcement on First Nations University
OTTAWA, June 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo welcomed an announcement by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Chuck Strahl that he will restore $4 Million in funding to the First Nations University (FNUniv), which will cover expenses from Sept. 1 to March 31.
"This is good news for students, and First Nations across Canada who deeply value the First Nations University and who, until now, have been concerned about the future of this institution," said National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. "It's an acknowledgement from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Chuck Strahl that many improvements have been made to ensure the future accountability and sustainability of the First Nations University."
The National Chief also congratulated students, the Interim Board of Governors, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and AFN Regional Chief Guy Lonechild for their clear and strong commitment to FNUniv.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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For further information: Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, (613) 292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca; Jenna Young, Communications Officer, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
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CAUT Press Release
Federal government announcement on funding for First Nations University a good first step, but long-term core funding is essential
Ottawa, June 2 - The organization that represents more than 65,000 academic staff at 122 universities and colleges across Canada is pleased with today's federal government announcement that it will provide up to an additional $4 million in funding for the First Nations University of Canada, but warns that a commitment on long-term core funding is essential to the institution's survival.
Indian and Northern Affairs minister Chuck Strahl announced today that the "transitional" funding would be provided through the Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP).
"We are pleased that the federal government has stepped in with enough funding for this vital institution to survive until March 31, 2011," said CAUT's executive director James Turk.
"But the only way First Nations University can be assured of any real future is with a federal government willingness to restore long-term core funding," he added. "No university can survive short-term project funding, which makes it impossible for the institution, faculty and students to plan ahead."
"It is simply impossible to ensure four year student programs when you don't know what funding you will have from year-to-year," he added.
Turk said he was disappointed that despite today's announcement, significant lay-offs will still be taking place.
This spring more than 2,000 academics signed onto an open letter circulated by CAUT calling on the federal government to fully restore funding for the university.
For further information: James L. Turk on mobile, (613) 277-0488