With the wounds still fresh, Saskatchewan's Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations is getting some emotionally charged, heated feedback from the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Angry delegates say First Nations University of Canada funding cuts are yet another example of the how the Provincial Government is standing in the way of progress of First Nation communities. Minister Bill Hutchison began his address by echoing what Minister of Advanced Education Rob Norris said earlier this week. Hutchinson says the provincial government cut F-N-U-C $5.2 million funding because it has responsibility to protect students, and taxpayers.
"For years there has been uncertainly surrounding the institution, and instead of getting better over-time, we've seen they intensification of this trouble."
English River First Nation Chief Ralph Paul was one of many Chiefs to respond. He did so by giving the minister a message to take back to the premier.
"Your Premier has no interest in Aboriginal people. You came here with all these platitudes about how good your government is doing for us. We are not fighting governments. We don't fight governments. The government fights us."
However some did give the minister credit for one thing, being brave enough to show up and face them. Some F-S-I-N delegates are vowing to continue to keep F-N-U-C alive, with or without provincial government help.
