University of Regina and Gabriel Dumont Institute sign new, expanded, affiliation agreement
Posted: October 23, 2019 1:00 p.m.
At today's signing ceremony between U of R and GDI, the Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Minister of Advanced Education, speaks to the Government of Saskatchewan's ongoing commitment to increase opportunities for Métis students Photos: UAC Photography
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October is Saskatchewan's Month of the Metis and a fitting time to announce a new affiliation agreement between the University of Regina and the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI), as well as a renewed agreement for the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), also offered through GDI.
The affiliation agreement with GDI allows for programs delivered through that organization to be recognized as university caliber, and to have them accredited by the Senate of the University. As well, it opens the door to the joint development of other programs and educational initiatives in order to address the post-secondary education needs of students of Métis ancestry in Saskatchewan.
"The University of Regina is committed to serving with mutual respect and shared knowledge our Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan and ensuring we are meeting the needs of Indigenous students," says Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). "This new affiliation agreement with the Gabriel Dumont Institute will make a broader spectrum of quality, post-secondary programming available to Métis students, with university classes often being offered right in the communities where they live."
Current academic program agreements between GDI and the University include:
- Justice Studies Diploma and Certificate in Prince Albert;
- Liberal Arts Certificate in La Ronge and Pinehouse;
- Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NSITEP) on the Lac La Ronge Indian
Band reserve; and,
- Community-based Master of Education program in Prince Albert.
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| Dr.Nilgün Önder kicks off today's ceremony by celebrating Saskatchewan's Month of the Métis and the longstanding relationship between the U of R and GDI. |
(L:R) Geordy McCaffrey, Executive Director, GDI, and Dr. Earl Cook, Chairperson, GDI Board of Governors, with Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) |
Although programs developed through the affiliation are not restricted to students of Métis ancestry, the common vision is focused on providing sustainable and cost-effective educational opportunities for the Métis community that allows its members affordable access to University programming. The affiliation will expand the range of programs and further strengthen the educational and social bridges that exist between the University of Regina and the Métis community.
Additionally, the University of Regina signed a renewed agreement to continue its partnership with the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) that offers a Bachelor's Degree in Education, leading to a Saskatchewan Professional Teaching Certificate. The program is offered in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, through the Gabriel Dumont Institute and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the University of Saskatchewan.
"Gabriel Dumont Institute has partnered with the University of Regina for four decades," says Dr. Earl Cook, Minister of Education, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and Chair, Gabriel Dumont Institute Board of Governors. "To date more than 270 Indigenous students have graduated from SUNTEP at the University of Regina campus, and another 70 students have completed their Master of Education degrees in Prince Albert. The new affiliation agreement is another critical step in continuing our mandate of expanding educational opportunities for Métis students."
The Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Saskatchewan's Minister of Advanced Education, attended the signing ceremony and shared her government's support for the U of R and GDI's leadership and collaborative efforts to expand opportunities for Métis students across the province.