Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

OTTAWA, CANADA, June 24, 2003 - The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations hailed the establishment of the First Nations University of Canada as a positive step to address issues of First Nations post-secondary education and as an exemplary model of governance and self-determination by First Nations for First Nations.

Born out of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, the First Nations University of Canada had the grand opening of its new building on June 21,2003, National Aboriginal Day.

"The launch of the First Nations University is an exciting and important step in the development of First Nations-directed and First Nations-led institutions," says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Matthew Coon Come. "It is an example of how First Nations can design and implement their own institutions, while working in partnership with the federal, provincial and local governments, as well as business and other organizations.

"The First Nations University of Canada will help address the lower rates of post-secondary completion among First Nations students, as addressed in the AFN report Investing in Our Future", says the National Chief. "It will provide a place to nurture our youth and allow the to grow. This is a proud day for First Nations, a proud day for the people of Saskatchewan and a great day for all our First Nations youth."

"Many have worked very hard over the years to see this dream of a First Nations' controlled University come to fruition," Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations stated. "We now have a permanent home and institution that will assist in taking our people into the future fully trained in the academics as well as in our own First Nations ways - this is the good balance we all strive for and one that will ensure continued success and positive growth for our people and Nations for generations to come."

The Assembly welcomes the launch of the First Nations University of Canada, and hopes it will be part of a movement to First Nations-led institutions and towards First Nations self-governance.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada, including those living in rural and urban areas and those living in First Nations communities.