First Nations University mulls offer of one-time aid

REGINA -- The halls at troubled First Nations University were eerily quiet on Wednesday as news circulated about the federal government's one-time offer the day before to help students finish their academic year.

"We're still in the discussion phase," said Joely BigEagle, chair of the FNUniv Board of Governors when asked about Ottawa's announcement that it is willing to channel up to $3-million through the Indian Studies Support Program.

Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl confirmed that it is one-time funding but warned that no more funds will be available for FNUniv until an agreement on the university's long-term governance and program structure is reached.

Those concerns prompted the federal and provincial governments to suspend $12-million in funding for the school several weeks ago, although Saskatchewan has since reinstated its share.

Ms. BigEagle said the federal government and the university are "kind of" on the same page when it comes to the students. She said her job has been to ensure the students could complete their winter semester, but she said the one-time funding does not allow a future plan for the students.

"It doesn't provide any security for those students registering in the fall, unfortunately," said Ms. BigEagle.

She said the university remains committed to the memorandum of understanding, which was signed by FNUniv, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the University of Regina and the province.

Ms. BigEagle explained that it's not a lump sum of money and that no funds are flowing directly to FNUniv. It would be up to the U of R to apply for the funds on behalf of FNUniv.

"We're working with the U of R to determine our next steps," she said. "We do have funds in place to meet the current payroll. We're doing what's necessary to secure the funds in the upcoming weeks based on the province's commitment (of $5 million)."

She said the worst-case scenario would mean layoffs would have to take place.

"We need assurances past August so that our liability issues are addressed," said BigEagle.

Canwest News Service