OTTAWA– With the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians' decision yesterday to turn financial control of First Nations University over to the University of Regina, federal New Democrats are today calling for Ottawa to reinstate its funding.

“With this new agreement, most of Minister Strahl’s reasons for cutting the funding have been resolved,” said New Democrat Aboriginal critic Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan). “A week ago today, the Conservative Government, in its Speech from the Throne, said that it was making First Nations' education a priority. Here's a chance for them to live up to that commitment.”

While not ideal, this new arrangement will provide certainty for students and faculty at First Nations University. Crowder hopes that with reinstated federal funding the unique qualities of First Nations University will be retained.

“This school is not like other post-secondary institutions in Canada,” said Crowder. “It offers a range of programs that are focused on rural and remote communities and on the skills students need to live and prosper there. We can’t just sit back and allow this school become a shadow of what it could be.”