Students Support Recommendations for First Nations Post-Secondary Education

OTTAWA, June 21 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, launched a discussion paper entitled 'Taking Action for First Nations Post-Secondary Education: Access, Opportunities and Outcomes.' The paper outlines recommendations made by a panel of post-secondary education experts to improve First Nations education outcomes, including the federal role in funding and supporting First Nations post-secondary students.

"Students strongly support the ideas presented for strengthening support for First Nations education," said Tina Robichaud, Chairperson of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. "The federal government has a responsibility to ensure full and sustained support for First Nations post-secondary students. Not only will such support help First Nations communities, but it will ensure the prosperity of Canada's economy."

CASA shares several policy recommendations with the Assembly of First Nations. These include the need to lift the 2% cap on the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), which would help provide funding for every First Nations student wishing to achieve a post-secondary education, and the need to create a separate budget for the administration of PSSSP, which would make certain that the First Nations post-secondary education programs are First Nations-driven and administered.

"CASA will continue to work diligently with the Assembly of First Nations and other post-secondary education stakeholders, to develop strong policy for improved First Nations post-secondary education outcomes," concluded Robichaud.

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 25 student associations, representing over 300,000 students from coast to coast.

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Jillian Flake, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, Tel.: [phone] ext. 224, (c) 613-868-6605, Email: [email protected]