First Nations Education Grants Focus Of Rally

First Nations Education Grants Focus Of Rally

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 14:38

A rally was held in Regina earlier today over the funding of First Nations post-secondary education.

The event took place at the First Nations University of Canada, and drew hundreds of students and other supporters.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo was a guest speaker this morning, and told those assembled that First Nations are now “hunters” of education, much like they used to hunt buffalo.

Atleo also said post-secondary education is a treaty right and this message must be sent to non-First Nations people.

The AFN is one of several groups that believe the federal government is preparing to replace post-secondary education grants for First Nations students with loans.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says funding shortfalls to the existing program mean about 1,000 First Nations students in the province who should qualify for the funding are being denied every year.

A similar rally will be held on Parliament Hill tomorrow.