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 of Native Studies and Applied Research is founded and the institute hosts the first annual Cultural Conference.
The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) begins operations. This is a fully-accredited Bachelor of Education degree program in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
The Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation is established. Based on a $2.6 million capital investment, this foundation awards eligible Métis students scholarships and bursaries bi-annually.
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 Publishing Department is established. The Publishing department produces Métis-specific visual, audiovisual, print, and multi-media resources, which range from pre-school to post-secondary levels.
Gabriel Dumont College is established. GDC has affiliation agreements with both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, which allows the Institute to deliver university-accredited programs.
GDI launches The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.
GDI 25th Anniversary and Cultural Conference.
GDI Training and Employment is incorporated and becomes one of 80 Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders, delivering labour market programs and services across Canada.
The GDC Graduate Bursary, the only Métis-specific graduate award in Saskatchewan, is established.
GDI’s 30th Anniversary and Cultural Conference.
The total number of SUNTEP graduates passes 1,000. Scholarships awarded to Métis students by the Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation hits $1 million.
DTI becomes the second largest trainer of Practical Nurses in Saskatchewan.
GDC’s Master of Education Program is established in Prince Albert in partnership with the University of Regina.
GDI hosts the grand opening of the Métis Centre of Excellence. The Centre is located at the GDI head office in Saskatoon. The facility was renovated and expanded to accommodate the Centre.
The Northern Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NSITEP) is established in La Ronge, SK.
GDI 40th Anniversary and Culture Conference.
GDC’s Master of Education Program is established in La Ronge in partnership with the University of Regina and Northlands College.
SUNTEP and the Master’s of Education programs surpass 1,400 and 100 graduates, respectively. Scholarships awarded to Métis students by the Gabriel Dumont Scholarship Foundation hits $4 million.
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
