Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research

Overview The mission of the Gabriel Dumont Institute is to promote the renewal and development of Métis culture through research; materials development, collection, and distribution; and the design, development, and delivery of Métis-specific educational programs and services. History 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.