Released on August 21, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan has renewed an agreement with the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI). Funding is used to support the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) and the Dumont Technical Institute over a five-year term.
“Our government is pleased to continue to support Gabriel Dumont Institute because of the value it provides to Saskatchewan’s Métis people and other students who attend the school,” Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe said. “This renews a long-standing, strong, and productive relationship between the Ministry and GDI.”
In 2015-16, the provincial government will provide GDI with $11.23 million in operating and program funding, which represents approximately 40 per cent of GDI’s total budget.
“Steady growth within Saskatchewan’s Métis population has created an ongoing demand for basic education, skills and university training through the Institute,” GDI Executive Director Geordy McCaffrey said. “In this 35-year partnership with the province, GDI has provided thousands of Métis people with training leading to good jobs in Saskatchewan. The Institute is grateful for the opportunity provided by Advanced Education to continue this important work.”
Since its inception, more than 1,400 students have enrolled in SUNTEP. The four-year program is designed for Métis and non-Status Indian students interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree. Gabriel Dumont Institute is the education and training affiliate of the Métis-Nation Saskatchewan, and was established in 1980 to provide Métis people with greater access to post-secondary education.
The institute is responsible for the design, development and delivery of educational and cultural programs, resources, and services to Métis people. The provincial government has made a number of investments to ensure that more students are able to participate in post-secondary education.
Since 2008, a record $6.5 million has been invested in post-secondary education and skills training as part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth.
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For more information, contact:
Aimee Pascua
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: aimeepascua@gov.sk.ca
Brook Thalgott
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: Brook.Thalgott@gov.sk.ca