HALIFAX--On National Aboriginal Day students in Nova Scotia presented a letter to Halifax MP Megan Leslie's community office for delivery to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Chuck Strahl, calling on the federal government to extend stable and long-term funding to First Nations University of Canada (FNUC). The Halifax Dartmouth District Labour Council, which represents 24,000 unionized workers in the Halifax Regional Municipality, has also endorsed the letter.

"First Nations University was designed to be the home of treaty education and is the only institution of its kind in Canada," said Elise Graham, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Nova Scotia. "We are here today to show the federal government and the students of First Nations University that Nova Scotia students and our allies are willing to fight to keep this unique institution open."

In February, the federal and Saskatchewan governments cut funding to the university following internal difficulties. Despite an institutional restructuring, the decision by the provincial government to restore funding and a 76-day live in by FNUC students, the federal government has refused to commit to funding beyond March 2011.Currently 23 per cent of non-Aboriginal people in Canada have a university degree while the same is true for only 8 per cent of Aboriginal peoples. FNUC plays an important role in encouraging Aboriginal students to pursue post-secondary studies.

"Ending federal funding for First Nations University in March of 2011 would have severe consequences for students across the country and Canadian society as a whole," said Graham. "The federal government must end the uncertainty and commit to sustained long-term funding for First Nations University."

At a recent national meeting of the Canadian Federation of Students, students voted unanimously to campaign for long-term and stable funding for FNUC. Campaign materials include post cards addressed to the Minister and "SAVE FNUC" buttons.