Update - First Nations University faculty, student and Aboriginal leaders travel to Ottawa to press for funding

Revised Time for News Conference: 1:30 p.m. Thursday

OTTAWA, March 9 /CNW Telbec/ -

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    Event:         News Conference

    Time:          1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2010

    Location:      Room 130S, Centre Block, Parliament Hill

    Participants:  James Turk, Executive Director, Canadian Association of
                   University Teachers

                   Guy Lonechild, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan
                   Indian Nations and Regional Chief for the Assembly of
                   First Nations

                   Diane Adams, President, First Nations University Students
                   Association

                   Professor Randy Lundy, Chair, First Nations University
                   Faculty Council
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The Canadian Association of University Teachers is facilitating a visit to Ottawa this week of First Nations University of Canada faculty, student and Aboriginal leaders who, along with the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Assembly of First Nations, want the federal government to reverse its decision to end funding - at the end of this month - for the only Aboriginal university in Canada. The announcement came just after steps had been taken to fix the problems at the institution.

Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Chuck Strahl, has now agreed to meet with the delegation on Thursday morning. Meetings are also scheduled with opposition leaders Gilles Duceppe, Michael Ignatieff and Jack Layton as well as critics for Aboriginal affairs and post-secondary education.

For further information: Kerry Pither, CAUT's communications officer at [phone] or mobile [phone]