The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations knows the Wall government isn't bluffing and it’s doing something about it.
FSIN dissolved the First Nations University of Canada board of governors. The action is on the heels of the province cutting off over five million dollars in funding.
Chief Guy Lonechild says the decision was made with the interests and the education of the students in mind. "This is a step in the direction to rebuild the credibility and the reputation of the First Nations University."
He says the board is being dissolved so FNUC doesn't lose federal funding as well as provincial dollars. It's what students have been asking for since the threat was made by the Advanced Education Minister. "There were smiles from ear to ear all over the institution when we heard the news," said student spokesperson Cadmus Delorme.
The students are now calling on Rob Norris to reinstate the provincial funding. But the minister says that isn't going to happen just yet. He says the change is hopeful, but not enough to restore funding. "I don't think the activities of one afternoon are going to resolve these outstanding issues," Norris said.
FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild is due to address FNUC students at noon today. He's also on tap to meet with officials from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in Regina today.
