Funding for FNUC won't be restored immediately, says Premier Wall

The withdrawal of the province’s $5.2-million contribution to the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) probably influenced the decision to dissolve the school’s board, says Premier Brad Wall.

“I think it at least helped precipitate a good move and good decision from (FSIN) Chief (Guy) Lonechild,” Wall said at a press conference Friday in Saskatoon.

But Wall wasn’t sure just how much influence the funding withdrawal contributed to the board restructuring decision made by chiefs of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN).

“It may or may not have happened if the provincial government didn’t take the step it did,” he said.

The FSIN will appoint an interim, and a smaller, FNUC board at a meeting on Monday evening, Lonechild confirmed Friday.

Despite the quick decision at Thursday night’s assembly of chiefs, the province will not immediately restore the funding it withdrew from the school, said Wall.

There are other options for First Nations education spending, including the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and Saskatchewan’s two universities, said Wall.

“There will be the opportunity for other institutions to more than take up what they may need to take in light of decisions that might be made around the First Nations University,” said Wall.

“If we have $5.2 million or more to spend, we want to see $5.2 million or more maximized to provide post-secondary education and training for First Nations people. We want to see as little as possible diverted to administration, good or bad administration.”

On Thursday, the chiefs of the FSIN voted to dissolve the FNUC board and placed senior management on administrative leave.

Last month, former FNUC chief financial officer Murray Westerlund, who is suing for wrongful dismissal, made allegations of inappropriate spending and payment to various board and administrative officials.

Wall congratulated Lonechild for his work on education at the FSIN assembly and is encouraged by the move to restructure the FNUC board.

The funding issue should be resolved quickly after new appointments are made to an interim FNUC board of governors, said Lonechild.

“We’re keeping our commitment to put students first,” he said. “(The province) has that obligation as well. Restoring funding would demonstrate their commitment to students.”

The board included 25 voting and non-voting members before it was dissolved.

Lonechild expects a smaller number appointees, in the range of seven to 12.

“It’s time for politicians to step back and let academics and students lead the way,” said Lonechild.

“We want to ensure First Nations University funding is restored — not for the administration, but ensuring professors and students continue their work in classrooms.”

jjwarren@sp.canwest.com