Removal Of Elders From FNUC Class Irks Students

Removal Of Elders From FNUC Class Irks Students

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 14:03

Some students at the First Nations University of Canada say something is missing in their Indian Social Work program.

The students are complaining that elders who used to teach at the Saskatoon campus were removed from the classroom last November.

Cowessess band member Kara Daniels is one of several students who signed a petition demanding the elders be restored to their teaching duties.

She feels the husband-and-wife duo have been mistreated, but are reluctant to speak out due to their spiritual beliefs.

Daniels adds the school is essentially breaking the social work program’s own mandate by not having elders in the classroom.

Her concerns are echoed by fellow student Linda Shirley, who says the elder’s direction was key to her growth.

So far, no one from the FNUC has commented on the matter.