University to study Aboriginal issues

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A research group at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom is conducting a study of Aboriginal issues. It is part of a joint venture between the Canadian High Commission and the Foundation for Canadian Studies in England to support the development of sustained studies in contemporary Canadian issues.

"It is particularly timely given the Royal Commission and the changes likely to take place over the next two years," said Michael Hillier from the High Commission.

The University of Leeds was the recipient of an award offered by the High Commission and the Foundation for Canadian Studies for a two year research project.

A competition was held and the university's proposal to study Aboriginal issues in contemporary Canadian society won.

According to Hillier, Leeds was successful in winning the competition because not much work has been done in this area of Canadian studies which covers a wide range of social, political and economic issues.

Universities in the United Kingdom conduct many studies on different aspects of Canada. The universities choose what they are studying and a number of academics teach about Canada.

For most studies, the university pays about 80 per cent of the cost, the High Commission pays 10 per cent, and the Foundation for Canadian Studies pays 10 per cent. Because they won an award, Leeds University will pay one-third of the costs, the High Commission will pay one-third and the foundation will pay one-third of the cost for the research project on Aboriginal issues.

The Foundation for Canadian Studies is an educational charity registered in Britain and is recognized in Canada for income tax purposes. Its purpose is to support the development of Canadian studies in the United Kingdom.