GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
Aug 3, 2021
Posted in: Education, GDI, Press Release
Today, a new partnership between the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), the Mastercard Foundation, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) was announced that will support 32,000 First Nations and Métis youth on their path to post-secondary education over the next five years.
The initiative named the Oẏateki Partnership is a unique collaboration designed to transform the education and employment systems in Saskatchewan in service of Indigenous young people. On an individual level, the Oẏateki Partnership seeks to improve levels of self-determination among Indigenous young people in Saskatchewan by increasing their engagement with post-secondary schooling and improving educational attainment and labour market outcomes. Achieving these short-term results will positively and meaningfully contribute to the overall ‘wholistic’ health, wellbeing, and socio-economic impacts for Indigenous individuals, families, and communities that will be felt in society.
The outcomes of the partnership are ambitious and targeted.
These outcomes will drive all activities and ensure the development of a truly inclusive system.
This partnership would not be possible without the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation through its EleV Initiative. EleV, launched by the Foundation in 2017, aims to support Indigenous youth in their pathways through education and on to meaningful work and livelihoods reflecting their values, traditions, and aspirations.
“The Mastercard Foundation’s investment in the Oyateki partnership is a huge step forward in closing the education gap for Métis youth across the province. For this, we are so thankful. GDI is proud to contribute to this partnership in a way that creates meaningful change in Métis post-secondary education,” said Lisa-Bird Wilson, GDI Executive Director,
With the agreement signed, the partners are excited to begin the search for a managing Director for this ground-breaking collaboration. The position offers a singular opportunity for the right change agent. The Oẏateki Director will have the resources and support to make a significant difference in the economic and social development of Saskatchewan and provide a template for future change across the country. The Director position has been posted on the careers page of the SIIT website here. The Deadline to apply is August 25, 2021.
To read the full media release click here.
GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment and cultural institute serving Métis across the province
