FSIN Chief Lonechild Comments on $3.0 Million Federal Commitment to First
Nations University

SASKATOON, April 30 /CNW/ - The announcement that the federal government has approved $3.0 Million in funding for First Nations University (FNUniv) represents yet another significant step forward.

"Minister Strahl's announcement yesterday afternoon underscores the importance of First Nations University," said Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild. "We are very pleased to hear this news. FSIN is equally pleased that the significant improvements in governance, accountability and financial stewardship at First Nations University have been acknowledged. We are appreciative of Minister Strahl's recognition of that significant progress."

The role of FSIN has been to support, to encourage and to assist First Nations University. Chief Lonechild noted that FNUniv had made a compelling case for full federal government funding of an institution that is important to First Nations people across the country, and in fact, to all Canadians.

"On behalf of FSIN, I would like to commend the Interim Board of Governors and Administration of First Nations University as well as the University of Regina for their diligent work on the ISSP application and the business case. Together they have created a framework that ensures accountability and sustainability," said Chief Lonechild.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will continue to assist First Nations University in seeking an additional $4.2 Million in long term, sustainable funding under its business plan application.

"We will work with First Nations University in the determination of the benchmarks to be addressed in the next stage. We will continue to speak to federal government leaders about the importance of this institution. And we will continues to offer our strong support to First Nations University in this important endeavour," concluded Chief Lonechild.

For further information: Contact information for media: Communications Director, Mervin Brass, [phone], [email protected]