In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

First Nations University of Canada shutting down

(The Globe And Mail) Canada's only aboriginal-run university will likely be closed next month after the government announced provincial and federal funding cuts to the world-renowned university. Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, released a statement on Monday vowing to end the federal government's $7.3-million annual commitment to the Regina-based school. Strahl said the cuts were overdue, referring to troubles with university management and financial scandal over the last five years. Aboriginal and education advocates criticize the decision, saying it discredits other aboriginal schools across the country and creates a gap in aboriginal relations and education.

1.

The First Nations University of Canada

First Nations University of Canada
This website, run and maintained by the Regina-based First Nations University of Canada, provides information about the school and its programs. The university was first established in 1976 as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and offers undergraduate and graduate programs within an environment of First Nations culture and history. There is no information in the news and events section of the website about plans to shut down the university.

2.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada education policy

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Federal government-run website for the ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs. The website includes information about INAC's policy on First Nations education as well as links to education and employment opportunities for aboriginal people. From the website; "the government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal peoples enjoy the same education opportunities as other Canadians."

3.

First Nations education action plan

The Assembly of First Nations
The Assembly of First Nations, based in Ottawa, Ont., details the history and relationship of First Nations people with Canada on their website. Information on organizational structure, First Nations policies and issues, native status, and the First Nations Assembly charter is also included. Read the First Nations education action plan in which the assembly calls for First Nations control over aboriginal education.

4.

First Nations post-secondary education findings from the StatsCan 2006 census

Statistics Canada
This federal government study found that two out of five First Nations adults, aged 25-64, had a post-secondary education in 2006. That's 42 per cent of First Nations people compared with 61 per cent of the non-Aboriginal population in the same age group. The study did not specify where post-secondary education was obtained (aboriginal or non-aboriginal institutions) but is still a useful tool for measuring cultural differences in education. The report also outlines statistics regarding First Nations employment and income.

5.

What Australia is doing for aboriginal education

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
Take a look at what another country is doing with education among their aboriginal population. This website is run by the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education. The school was established in 1999 and emphasizes a learning approach, "which enables exploration of Indigenous Australian traditions of knowledge and Western academic disciplinary positions and cultural contexts."