FSIN Instructed To Implement FNUC Reforms

FSIN Instructed To Implement FNUC Reforms

Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 13:45

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has been given an ultimatum regarding the future of the First Nations University of Canada.

In a statement, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada has expressed its “deep and continuing concern” about the situation at the troubled university.

The association says it will set up a committee to look at whether the FNUC should remain accredited if the FSIN doesn’t implement recommendations for the school at its next legislative assembly in late May.

Those recommendations from a special task force include drastically reducing the size of the university’s board and limiting the number of First Nations politicians that can sit on the board.

FSIN vice-chief and FNUC board chair Morley Watson said it won’t be his call to make — and while he supports a smaller board, he feels chiefs should still play a role in the university’s governance.

The FSIN was expected to address those issues at last month’s legislative assembly, but Watson felt there was a need for more consultation.

He says the FSIN fully intends to make a final decision on the matter at its next assembly, scheduled for May 30th and 31st in Prince Albert.