Release Date: February 4, 2010
Media Contact: Erin Limacher, External Relations
E-mail: Erin.Limacher@uregina.ca
Phone: 306-585-5632
Mobile: 306-536-4312
Fax: 306-585-4997
Statement from University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons:
Today I want to talk to you about the importance of First Nations education in this province.

The Minister of Advanced Education Employment and Labour, the Honourable Rob Norris, announced that the Saskatchewan government will withdraw $5.2 million in provincial funding from First Nations University of Canada, effective April 1, 2010.

As the Minister stated, this is a regrettable decision - and one that obviously creates a challenging situation for First Nations University.

Over the past few weeks a very public debate has taken place with regard to the future of First Nations University of Canada.

I would like to take this opportunity to state that the leadership team at the University of Regina is firmly committed to the founding mission of First Nations University - "to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations people."

The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College was originally established in 1976 - and on National Aboriginal Day, June 21 2003, became known as the First Nations University of Canada - for a very good reason. This institution was created as an acknowledgement that together as a society, we must ensure that through post-secondary education, Canada's First Nations peoples can define and realize their role in society.

Achieving that aim comes fundamentally from providing opportunities for First Nations people to assume greater direct control over their lives in building societies that reflect their values, their hopes and their aspirations for future generations. The creation of First Nations University of Canada was a bold acknowledgement that education has a foundational role in creating this new society.

The principle of respectful engagement underscores the independence of First Nations University in its federated relationship with the University of Regina.

Let me be clear - while First Nations University is academically integrated with the University of Regina, it is legally and financially independent. For that reason, the University of Regina respects the independence of First Nations University.

That being said, we are committed to supporting First Nations University as it works to ensure ongoing, effective and accountable administration and governance of its operations.

To support this effort, and with particular regard for the success of our students, the University of Regina will continue to work with the provincial and federal governments and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to build a positive future for First Nations students by supporting their academic studies.

In such matters, our primary responsibility - our duty of care - is to the students of First Nations University of Canada. The continuity of quality post-secondary education for First Nations peoples continues to be our first priority.

My understanding is that the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will deliberate on the Begay report once it is released on February 18. Dr. Begay has said that he believes this report will allow some sense of relief for concerned stakeholders - and I am optimistic that the report will provide a way for all partners to unite and rebuild the partnership that will uphold the principles upon which First Nations University of Canada was founded.

As I said earlier, the founding mission of an independent First Nations University includes a commitment "to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations people." This province has created a valuable resource in Indigenous knowledge through First Nations University - we must not lose this resource.

Working together with our friends at First Nations University, the provincial and federal governments and First Nations leadership as respectful partners committed to this common mission remains the goal of the University of Regina.

There is a saying that "true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not." That is the spirit that characterizes our commitment to the federation agreement with First Nations University, and this true friendship will continue to characterize our relationship in the future.