The loss of FSIN’s education director, followed by a clawback on promised federal funds, ensured April was a painful month for First Nations education in Saskatchewan.

On April 6 the Star-Phoenix reported that Gerry Hutton, who helped identify a dramatic funding gap for on-reserve First Nations students, was let go as director of the FSIN education secretariat due to budget constraints.

In 2012, the federal government announced a $2 million cut to FSIN’s funding, leading to ongoing staff reductions and program cuts.

Then on April 21, hopes to renogotiate a stalled federal education deal were dashed in the federal budget. A promised $1.25 billion boost evaporated into a meagre $40 million annually over the next five years, with no indication of a renewed negotiations to close the funding gap.

Star Phoenix: Jason Warick article on Gerry Hutton

APTN interview with Perry Bellegarde.