OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 23, 2010) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians:

"Our government remains committed to helping First Nation students access and complete their education. At the same time, we need to be accountable and transparent to all Canadians, including First Nations.

I have met with the First Nation University delegation and provincial officials many times and repeated our position that the current funding for FNU ends as of March 31^st 2010.

INAC's decision follows that taken by the Government of Saskatchewan, which is responsible for post-secondary education services delivered in the province.

I understand that these are difficult times for students and faculty. My primary interest is to ensure that students are able to complete their academic year. I am pleased with the immediate measures that the province and partner post-secondary institutions are taking.

Of course we will continue to help First Nation and Inuit students directly through our post-secondary programming, and post-secondary institutions through our Indian Studies Support Program.

I will also continue to keep in close contact with provincial Minister Rob Norris through this transition. My departmental officials are working with their provincial counterparts, the University of Regina and other stakeholders to find practical solutions that will help students and faculty in the weeks ahead."