The Government of Saskatchewan has renewed an agreement with the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI).聽 Funding is used to support the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) and the Dumont Technical Institute over a five-year term.
鈥淥ur government is pleased to continue to support Gabriel Dumont Institute because of the value it provides to Saskatchewan鈥檚 M茅tis people and other students who attend the school,鈥� Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe said. 鈥淭his renews a long-standing, strong, and productive relationship between the Ministry and GDI.鈥�
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鈥檚 total budget.
鈥淪teady growth within Saskatchewan鈥檚 M茅tis population has created an ongoing demand for basic education, skills and university training through the Institute,鈥� GDI Executive Director Geordy McCaffrey said.聽 鈥淚n this 35-year partnership with the province, GDI has provided thousands of M茅tis 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.鈥�
Since its inception, more than 1,400 students have enrolled in SUNTEP. The four-year program is designed for M茅tis and non-Status Indian students interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree. Gabriel Dumont Institute is the education and training affiliate of the M茅tis-Nation Saskatchewan, and was established in 1980 to provide M茅tis 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 M茅tis 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.
