From a Letter to the Editor by Marc Spooner published in the Globe and Mail on April 2, 2010.
The federal government’s lack of support for First Nations University Canada (FNUC) is embarrassing and shortsighted (First Nations University Still In Crisis Despite $3-Million In New Funding – April 1). The government has demanded accountability and FNUC has responded: 1) the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) has dissolved the former board of governors and appointed an interim board along the lines recommended by the All-Chiefs Task Force; 2) the interim board has dismissed the former president and the former vice-president of administration and finance; 3) the FSIN, the First Nations University, and the University of Regina have reached agreement on a four-year transitional arrangement to ensure appropriate financial management.
Now the question is: Where’s the government’s accountability? Where’s the commitment to healing? By drastically cutting federal support, the government is precipitating the almost certain demise of the First Nations University.
Marc Spooner is an Assistant Professor at the University of Regina.
