Programs benefiting Aboriginal learners see funding cuts in SK, BC

A funding dispute is behind the closure of the Aboriginal Mentoring and Training Association (AMTA) in BC, an organization that helped more than 1,000 First Nations members get jobs in BC’s mining sector. The federal government withdrew funding from the program citing “questionable expense claims” and unaccounted-for spending. “We are confident we have followed through on all our commitments to First Nation communities, companies and the government,” said AMTA Executive Director Laurie Sterritt. Program officials will attempt to seek alternate funding to continue the program in future. Government cuts are also affecting a program in Saskatchewan designed to get First Nation students in northern communities interested in science. Global News reports that the provincial government has cut $10,000 in funding to the Science Ambassadors Program, which involves students from the University of Saskatchewan educating youth about science. The program is relying on other donors to continue. Globe and Mail | Global News