First Nations University of Canada has its main campus in Regina, seen here, and satellite campuses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. 
First Nations University of Canada has its main campus in Regina, seen here, and satellite campuses in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. (CBC)

Five days after dissolving the board of governors of First Nations University of Canada, new — interim — appointments were announced Tuesday by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, which controls the institution.

However, not long after the announcement of the appointments was released, two of the people named said they could not sit.

Lawyer Donald Worme told CBC News that he is providing legal advice to the board and can not also sit as a member.

Another person announced — George LaFond — informed FSIN that despite being a candidate to sit on the board, he was declining the appointment.

The previous board of FNUC was dissolved Feb. 4.

"This Board will ensure the student can focus on their studies," Lonechild said in a statement accompanying the list of appointments.

The people announced as board members are:

  • Diane Adams
  • Dr. Bonita Beatty
  • Joely Big Eagle
  • Sidney Fiddler
  • Don Pinay

Adams is a current student of FNUC and president of the Students' Association at the Regina campus. She is studying Environmental Health and Science. She has worked as a reporter for CBC News in Regina.

Beatty is described as an experienced administrator.

Big Eagle holds degrees in science and engineering. She is listed as a graduate from the days when FNUC was known as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

Fiddler is from the Waterhen First Nation. He is a former chief of that community and served in the past on FNUC's board, including in 2006 when the number of board members was 32.

Pinay is the director of education for the Yorkton Tribal Council.

The FSIN release said four more people would be added to the interim board. The notice said there would be a total of 11 people on the board. It was not clear if the two vacancies created by Worme and LaFond would be filled.

The size and composition of previous FNUC boards has been controversial. It has been criticized as being too large and dominated by local FSIN Chiefs.

The board that was dissolved had 17 voting and 7 non-voting members. Among the voting members were 12 Chiefs or active First Nations politicians.

"The interim Board will have the authority to conduct the work it has been mandated to undertake free of political and other interference that may impact its ability to accomplish its mandate," the FSIN news release said.

Adams, the student representative on the interim board, also served on the board that was dissolved.

In the past week, FNUC has been caught up in a whirlwind of events as funding cuts were announced by the provincial and federal governments.