Former employee settles with FNUC

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) has reached a settlement with fired faculty member Leonzo Barreno.

Barreno, the former head of international programs at the university, was suspended from his position in February 2005, along with two other members of senior management. Barreno's suspension remained in place until August 2005, at which time he was fired.

The University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA) which represents academic staff and administrative, professional and technical employees at FNUC, filed a number of grievances on behalf of Barreno dealing with a number of issues, including he way his suspension was handled, with no information provided to the URFA regarding the reasons for his suspension; violations of academic freedom related to the downloading of files from Barreno's computer following his suspension; and extension of Barreno's suspension beyond 30 days.

An arbitration hearing was held between Barreno and the university and a settlement was reached on Jan. 17.

"Mr. Barreno is satisfied with the resolution as it allows him to put the dispute behind him and move ahead with his personal and professional life," a media release issued by the URFA stated. "The parties agree the settlement reached is fair and decline to disclose any further details as the matter is confidential between them."

The suspensions of Barreno, FNUC director of finance Kim Sinclair, who was later re-instated, and Wes Stevenson, vice-president of administration, who was later fired, marked the beginning of a long and bumpy road at the university, complete with forensic audits, elimination of senior positions, firings, resignations, student protest and allegations that staff members were threatened with reprisals if they spoke publicly about the ongoing situation at the university.

A number of grievances were also filed on behalf of other URFA members employed at FNUC, and many of those still remain unresolved.

A task force struck to examine the problems at the university released its report in November 2005, suggesting a number of changes to the way the institution is run. The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations chiefs in council are expected to deal with the task force report and recommendations during the next legislative assembly scheduled for March 14 and 15.