Some Chiefs in Assembly took aim at the Executive and Board of the First Nations University today during Legislative Assembly while discussing a resolution to renew the terms of four board members.
Concerns were raised about the perceived lack of First Nations employees and board members, as well as ensuring First Nations cultural practices are consistently used in the classroom and governance.
Acting president Juliano Tupone defended the hiring practices of the university, saying if two equally qualified people apply, the First Nations applicant is always hired.
However, he says First Nations graduates have a lot of opportunities, making it difficult to recruit them.
“We have approximately 110 positions in our university. We don’t have as much to offer as other potential employers do. We’re competing with the crown corporation sector, we’re competing with the resource sector and mining companies, we’re competing nationally. Some of our graduates are as far away as Toronto working at places like RBC and what have you, others are working at other chartered banks.”
Tupone says additionally, some recruits ask questions about the credibility of the university, wondering if it will still be around in a few years.
Tupone’s explanation did not sit well with at least one of the chiefs.
Thunderchild Chief Delbert Wapass felt he was being talked down to.
“All we wanted was some answers to our questions. I didn’t need anyone to come here and tell us ‘what for and a little more’ and to walk away chewing gum.”
Tupone says enrolment is up 20 per cent compared to last year, and he says Alberta First Nations have approached them to deliver programs in their communities.
The university is currently hiring its next president.