GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
In April 1976, the Association of Métis and Non-Status Indians of Saskatchewan held a provincial cultural conference in Saskatoon, with the goal of finding a way to give Métis and non-status Indian people a say in the preservation, respect, promotion, and enhancement of Aboriginal culture.
One of top goals from that conference was to create an Aboriginal-controlled educational and cultural institute for Métis and non-status Indians. Following the 1976 cultural conference, AMNSIS lobbied the Government of Saskatchewan, and in January 1978, formal talks with the province began.
In 1979, a proposal was developed and submitted to the treasury board and to cabinet, and on Sept. 20, 1980, the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research officially came into being.
A Métis cultural conference initiates planning for a Métis educational institute.
The Gabriel Dumont Institute is founded and Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program begins operations. The institute hosts the first annual Cultural Conference.
The Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation and the Napoleon LaFontaine Scholarship Fund are established with a $1.24 million capital investment.
GDI begins publication of the Journal of Indigenous Studies. Saskatchewan Justice and the institute establish the first residential community training residence for female offenders in Saskatchewan.
Dumont Technical Institute is incorporated within the Gabriel Dumont Institute to provide Métis-specific adult upgrading and skills training.
GDI signs an affiliation agreement with the University of Saskatchewan, creating the Gabriel Dumont College.
GDI launches The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.
GDI launches the Gabriel Dumont College Graduate Student Bursary program. GDI Training and Employment is incorporated under the Gabriel Dumont Institute banner and becomes one of 80 Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders, delivering labour market programs and services across Canada.
Total number of SUNTEP graduates with Bachelor of Education degrees passes 1,000. Scholarships awarded to Métis students by the Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation hits $1 million.
DTI celebrates 20 years of service and excellence.
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province