It is becoming more and more evident that for First Nations people to
be financially supported to attend post-secondary programs and
institutions via INAC programs may soon come to an END.

The
evidence is mounting. There are STRONG rumours that INAC is getting out
the “Post-Secondary business” and that this support will no longer be
managed by our communities via INAC programs, EFFECTIVE APRIL 2009.
What would this mean?

* Our people may have to apply for funding, much like non-native students apply for post-secondary loans and bursaries.

* Communities may not have the opportunity to get support to develop
local programs through the Indian Studies Support Program.
* First Nations Post-Secondary institutions may not receive funding to operate.



Following
these relentless INAC off-the record comments concerning the planned
transfer of the Post-Secondary Support Program (PSSSP) to a third
party, Kitigan Zibi and the FNEC have combined their effort to prepare
a petition for the future of Post-Secondary education.

The
objective is to obtain over 10 500 signatures across Canada, which
corresponds to the number of projected students that did not access to
Post-Secondary education funding support between 2001 and 2006, due to
a lack of funding.

Your collaboration is precious, that is why we invite you to sign the petition at http://www.cepn-fnec.com/index_e.as..px and to distribute the link to all your contacts.

Thank you for your precious collaboration,

Thanissa Lainé

Conseil en Éducation des Premières Nations

First Nations Education Council

95, rue de l'Ours, Wendake (QC) G0A 4V0

Tel.: 418-842-7672

Fax.: 418-842-9988

Site Web CEPN