On June 21, National Aboriginal Day, protesters outside MP Megan Leslie's community office denounced the cut funding to First Nations University in Saskatchewan. A letter, cosigned by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) and the Nova Scotia and the Halifax-Dartmouth Labour District Council, was presented at the office and forwarded to Stephen Harper and Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Chuck Strahl. The letter states "At a time when the gap between participation rates of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students is growing, the First Nations University plays an important role in encouraging Aboriginal students to pursue post-secondary studies. During a time when many institutions in Nova Scotia experienced a decline in enrolment, First Nations University experienced continued enrolment growth, signifying the demand for its programs...First Nations University employs practices that support Aboriginal students, providing them with greater opportunities to succeed. First Nations University also helps to promote the rich and vibrant Indigenous cultures and traditions by offering programs that are unique in Canada and, indeed world-wide."

• View the CFS press release here:
  http://www.cfs-fcee.ca/html/english/media/mediapage.php?release_id=1147