News
Media Release: Brett Vandale Named New CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute
New CEO Brett Vandale to begin at the helm of GDI starting November 16, 2024
Nov 14, 2024
Posted in: GDI, Métis, Press Release
(SASKATOON, SK)— Today, the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI) announced Brett Vandale as the new Chief Executive Officer effective November 16, 2024. Current CEO, Lisa Bird-Wilson, will resign to pursue new opportunities in the arts sector, and the GDI Board of Governors appointed Vandale as the successor after he served as Acting CEO for the year 2023-2024 while Bird-Wilson was on leave.
Vandale is a familiar presence within GDI, as he has been with the Institute since 1999. He has a wealth of experience in Métis education and administration, including 19 years as the Director of the Dumont Technical Institute (DTI), several years as the Director of University Programs, and most recently as Acting CEO over the past year. Vandale has built strong relationships with the community, academic partners, various levels of government, and within the Institute. The Board of Governors is confident it will be a seamless transition due to his long service, knowledge, and experience with the Institute.
“It is an exciting time for the Gabriel Dumont Institute as we continue to expand educational opportunities for the Métis in Saskatchewan,” Vandale said, “We are grateful to those who cleared the way for our present success through their vision, advocacy, and leadership, and we look to a bright future of Métis excellence. I am humbled to be part of the legacy of the Institute, and I will strive to lead from a place of collaboration and accountability.”
Current CEO Lisa Bird-Wilson has served the Institute for 27 years of her career during which time she has authored several books, including An Institute of Our Own: A History of the Gabriel Dumont Institute in 2011. “I strongly believe in the integrity and important work of the Institute, and my commitment to Métis-specific cultural and educational opportunities remains unwavering” Bird-Wilson said, “I will continue to support the Métis in my new endeavors, and I humbly carry forward all that I’ve learned.”
GDI’s Board of Governors has resolved to begin Vandale’s contract as the CEO of GDI on November 16, 2024. “We are pleased to welcome Brett Vandale as CEO for the Gabriel Dumont Institute after working closely together over the past year,” said Wendy Gervais, Chair of the GDI Board and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Minister responsible for GDI. “We trust his knowledge of the Institute will ensure a seamless transition and the best outcome for all of our students, clients, and staff.”
Vandale and Bird-Wilson are working closely to manage the transition in preparation for her final day as CEO on Friday November 15th, 2024. The first action of Vandale as CEO will be to represent GDI at the Louis Riel and Métis Veterans Honour Day at Batoche National Historic Site on Saturday November 16th, 2024.
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