First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) has been a leader in Indigenous education for over 30 years and has experienced continued enrolment growth, signifying the demand for its programmes. Many First Nations students in Ontario look to study at FNUC since it is the only First Nations university in Canada, along with having the highest concentration of indigenous programming in the world. The university has produced over 3,000 graduates, with over 32,000 individuals who have taken courses from the institution.

In February 2010, the Saskatchewan government announced that it would not renew its funding contribution to the First Nations University of Canada-$5.2 million per year-after April 1, 2010. Shortly after this announcement, the federal government announced that it would also be withdrawing its $7.2 million in annual core funding to the First Nations University of Canada. The provincial and federal funding cuts represented over half of the university's budget.

After a groundswelling of support from community members, students, faculty and individuals across the country and the world, the Saskatchewan government announced on March 23 that it would restore the $5.2 million in funding to FNUC and pledged to pressure the federal government to do the same. Students, faculty and community members continued to mount pressure on the federal government for restored funding. On April 30, the federal government announced a commitment of $3.0 million in one-time funding to FNUC, in order to keep the institution open for the rest of the academic year. However, this funding did not address the funding shortfall for the university, which has had to sell its Saskatoon campus due to the cuts.

The funding commitment to keep the university's doors open for another year has bought time for students at FNUC, but it still leaves an uncertain future for many Aboriginal students. Students across the country are continuing to pressure the federal government to restore permanent funding for FNUC and continue to recognise the importance of students' ability to access an education that is rooted in Indigenous knowledge. 

A blog for the supporters of First Nations University:
Fund First Nations University Now!

Read the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario letter of support:
Letter to the Minister of Indian Affairs, Chuck Strahl