Released on April 7, 1998
A major step was taken towards the constructin of a new facility for
the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) on the University of
Regina campus with the announcement today of funding from the
Government of Canada and an increased operating grant from the
Government of Saskatchewan.
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Federal Interlocutor for M‚tis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), and the Honourable
Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic
Diversification, today announced that DIAND and WD will each
contribute $5 million to the total capital project cost of
$21 million. SIFC will contribute the remainder of the financing for
the project, of which $3 million has already been raised through
fundraising.
The Government of Saskatchewan has increased the SIFC operating grant
by $866,000 in 1998/99 to $1.5 million. This will be sufficient to
allow SIFC to negotiate the financing required to cover a $5 million
mortgage. This relieves some of the financial pressure
associated with the provision of programs and services for non-First Nations students attending the college and will enable the
SIFC to complete its capital financing package.
"As one of the objectives outlined in our action plan, Gathering
Strength, earlier this year, the federal government reaffirmed
its commitment to invest in aboriginal peoples, communities and
economies," said Minister Stewart. "By using all our resources
in partnership we are improving the opportunities available to
aboriginal students and therefore contributing to a stronger
future for Saskatchewan."
"I am pleased that WD will be contributing to the construction of
this new facility to accommodate the Saskatchewan Indian
Federated College," commented Mr. Duhamel. "The new building
will give First Nations people access to the tools and
opportunities they need to take their place as key players in the
economy of Western Canada."
"Education is a shared responsibility of all the people of the
province," said the Honourable Joanne Crofford, Minister of
Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training. "We
look forward to working in partnership to meet the learning needs
of aboriginal people and to ensure accessibility to
post-secondary education."
"WD and DIAND are contributing to this project by helping the
Government of Canada pool its economic resources to ensure
aboriginal people benefit from improved educational and
employment opportunities through co-operative action with other
levels of government, First Nations organizations and the private
sector," added Minister Goodale.
"We are pleased with the increased level of funding from the
federal and provincial governments," said Federation of
Saskatchewan Indian Nations Interim Chief Morley Watson. "It
represents an important recognition of an investment in education
for First Nations students. From its establishment in 1976, with
an enrolment of seven students, the SIFC has grown into a
national institution with international recognition. This
funding will enable it to meet current developmental needs as we
approach the next millennium."
"SIFC is thankful for this tangible support for productive
educational partnerships between federal, provincial and Indian
government," said Leonard Hardlotte, Chairperson of the SIFC
Board of Governors. "It will give generations of students
greater opportunities to contribute to their families,
communities and societies."
The SIFC will now be housed in one building at the University of
Regina which will contain classrooms, lecture halls, research
facilities, professional offices and administrative space for its
on and off-campus programming offered in western Canadian
communities. The capital construction costs include furnishings,
machinery and equipment.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Joanne Mysak, Manager Lois Herback, Director
Consultations, Marketing and Executive Services and
Communications Communications
Western Economic Diversification Indian and Northern
Canada Development Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Region
(306)975-5475 (306)780-6442
WD Toll-Free No.:1-888-338-WEST(9378)
WD World Wide Web site: Ken Alecxe
English - http://www.wd.gc.ca Associate Deputy Minister
French - http://www.deo.gc.ca Sask. Post-Secondary
Education and Skills
Noreen Chaboyer, Director Training
Communications and Public Education Regina, Saskatchewan
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian (306)787-6056
Nations
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Dr. Eber Hampton
(306)667-1876 President
Saskatchewan Indian
Federated College
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306)779-6209
