Ottawa to discontinue funding to FNUC

Federal Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl announced yesterday that after assessing the long-term sustainability of the First Nations University of Canada, his department will not renew its current funding to the institution, effective March 31. The decision follows the Saskatchewan government's move to end its funding to FNUC, which will take effect April 1. Strahl has instructed INAC officials to work with their Saskatchewan counterparts, the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, and other stakeholders to find practical solutions to help FNUC students and faculty in coming weeks. INAC News Release

Postscript: Feb 10, 2010
The Canadian Association of University Teachers condemns Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's decision to end its funding to the First Nations University of Canada and urges the department to "reverse this destructive decision." The funding cut follows the dissolution of FNUC's board of governors and indication by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to implement recommendations of an all-chiefs' task force, a move long called for by CAUT and the Saskatchewan government. CAUT executive director James Turk says if the decision is not reversed, the government is shutting the doors of FNUC at the same time that positive change is finally underway. CAUT News