Gabriel Dumont Institute Invests Eight Students into the Order of Gabriel Dumont

May 5, 2025

The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI) proudly announces that eight students will receive the Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal. The eight students are: Aimy Falcon (Prince Albert), Brett Angus (La Ronge), Claudine Sens (Regina), Erika Warkentine (Kinistino), Gordon Burns (Regina/James Smith Cree Nation), Kimberly Dennett (Meadow Lake), Logan Boser (Meadow Lake), and posthumously Kalci Gusdal (Christopher Lake). The medals will be presented at GDI graduation ceremonies across the province in May and June.

The Order of Gabriel Dumont is the most prestigious award given to Métis civilians. Since the 1980s, the Order of Gabriel Dumont gold and silver medals recognize a lifetime of achievements and service to the Métis of Canada. The bronze medal was added in 2010 to recognize the achievement of Gabriel Dumont Institute’s students specifically. Recipients are nominated by faculty and staff of GDI for demonstrating leadership, resilience, academic achievement, cultural involvement, and contributions to the Métis community. “We recognize the importance of investing in our students today to build a brighter future for Métis people in this province. Each of these students embodies the Métis spirit of generosity, tenacity, resilience, and culture. We are proud of their accomplishments,” said Brett Vandale, Chief Executive Officer of GDI.

As the official educational arm of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, GDI students are claiming their education from the only Métis-owned and operated educational institution in the province. Past recipients have gone on to become teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, artists, community advocates, and leaders. The GDI Board, staff, and faculty are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these eight individuals who are just beginning their service to the Métis community.

BRETT ANGUS, LA RONGE

Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program

Brett Angus is a proud Métis man who embodies leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic. He is president of the Jim Brady Métis Local #19, and Chief of the NSITEP Student Council, which demonstrates his leadership and passion for his community. Brett has been on the Dean’s Academic Honour Roll since he started his degree at NSITEP. He has been a positive influence on his peers as a tutor and role model. His commitment to his Métis heritage, Michif language preservation, high academic standing, and his community involvement speaks volumes about his character. Brett will undoubtedly be a positive influence on the students in his classroom, and a role model for Métis values.

LOGAN BOSER, MEADOW LAKE

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (Saskatoon Campus)

Logan Boser loves education, and he brings a joyous and enthusiastic attitude when working with youth. Logan leads with humility and honour while volunteering at the Annual Métis Days of Learning at the Western Development Museum. Logan played the parts of the well-known Métis trickster, Roogaroo, and another audience favourite, Xavier Letendre. He had the opportunity to put his storytelling skills to work over the summer at Batoche National Historic Park, and Logan portrayed the Métis gentlemen of long ago to teach history to attendees. Logan also helped to organize the Annual Louis Riel Day Dinner on campus, and he volunteers with the Student Leadership Club.  He has maintained an excellent grade point average, and he is always eager to share his knowledge and skills with the student body. Logan is known to lead by example, with a positive attitude and a smile of gratitude.

GORDON BURNS, JAMES SMITH CREE NATION

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (Regina Campus)

Gordon Burns is a third-year education student, and he is on the path to graduate with Distinction next year. Gord takes immense pride in being a member of the James Smith Cree Nation, and he also values his Métis ancestry. Gord is one of the youngest students in his cohort, but he is recognized for his maturity, humility, and humble leadership skills. Gord is continually helping and volunteering at SUNTEP events. He provides transportation for the Old One’s to SUNTEP events and ensures they feel welcome and are taken care of. He leads by example, showing up consistently with integrity, calm determination, and building meaningful relationships with those around him. His classmates can count on Gord to share an encouraging word at the precise moment they are needed. He received the Academic Silver Scholarship, a SUNTEP Alumni award, and perfect attendance over the past three years demonstrates his commitment to academic excellence.

KIMBERLY DENNETT, BEAUVAL

Dumont Technical Institute, Mental Health and Wellness Year 2 Student

Kimberly Dennett is a proud Métis woman, and she is passionate about integrating traditional teachings into her life and passing them onto her family. When Kimberly began the Mental Health and Wellness program, she was at a pivotal moment in her life, she made a conscious decision to rewrite her story and commit to improving her life. Her transformation has been remarkable throughout the program, and she continues to apply what she has learned to support her own wellbeing, her family, and her community. Kimberly’s strength and determination have helped her overcome many obstacles, and she has a powerful vision for the future focused on advocacy, mental health, and community-building in her home community of Beauval. What makes her vision inspiring is that she leads with kindness, empathy, and resilience, demonstrating to others the power of perseverance and healing.

AIMY FALCON, PRINCE ALBERT

Dumont Technical Institute, Practical Nursing Year 1 Student

Aimy Falcon is a remarkable woman embodying the Métis spirit of resilience, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Aimy spent years trapped in a cycle of trauma, addictions, and homelessness that most would find insurmountable. Despite the odds stacked against her, Aimy refused to let her past determine her future. She chose to fight for a better life for herself and poured her heart and soul into her studies. Aimy maintained a high academic average while earning her Grade 12 diploma, and she thrived in the DTI Adult Basic Education program. Her commitment to furthering her education led her to apply to the Practical Nursing two-year diploma program where she continues to excel. Aimy in an inspirational student, and she has become a beacon of hope for other students. Her unwavering determination and perseverance are an important reminder that a brighter future is possible for those that date to believe in themselves.

KALCI GUSDAL (POSTHUMOUS), CHRISTOPHER LAKE

Métis Nation University Client & University of Saskatchewan Registered Nursing, 3rd Year Student

Kalci Gusdal was a Métis Nation University Sponsorship recipient who had planned to become a Registered Nurse and eventually work in Obstetrics with babies and new mothers. She was passionately dedicated to her studies until the spring of 2024 when she became too ill to continue with her degree. Kalci wanted to serve the Métis community as a nurse, sadly, she passed away before she could realize this dream. She embodied the Métis spirit of perseverance in the face of hardship, and she fought against all odds to claim her education, which is the Métis cultural way. Kalci was involved with sports and loved animals. She will be remembered for her positive attitude throughout her educational journey. Kalci’s deep love for her family and friends was an essential part of who she was, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Gusdal family.

CLAUDINE SENS, REGINA

Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment Client & Dumont Technical Institute Office Administration Student

Claudine Sens is a dedicated, mature student enrolled in the Office Administration Program at the Dumont Technical Institute Campus in Regina. Claudine received support to pursue her studies from the ISET Program. She has a unique perspective as a mature student, and she has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence. Claudine often draws from her experiences growing up in a Métis family from Moose Jaw. She recently received her Métis Nation—Saskatchewan Citizenship Card, a milestone that increased her pride in her heritage and community. She actively seeks out opportunities to explore and share her Métis cultural knowledge. Despite the challenges of returning to school as a mature student, Claudine has been an active part of class discussions, fieldtrips, and maintains a near-perfect attendance record. Her passion for Métis culture and ability to tackle problems head-on make her stand out among her peers.

ERIKA WARKENTINE, KINISTINO

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (P.A. Campus)

Erika Warkentine is an active member of the SUNTEP Student Representative Council, and her leadership on the Council has fostered a sense of belonging with students and the community. She is friendly and approachable, and her peers look to her for guidance and encouragement. Erika has taken the lead organizing and facilitating workshops on Ribbon Skirts and Medicine Bags ensuring that Métis traditions continue to be passed down to future generations. She is a talented artist with a keen eye for detail and steady hand. She creates intricate bead work weaving vibrant patterns and stories of resilience and tradition. Erika embodies the qualities of an outstanding teacher. She is dedicated, compassionate, and determined. Erika is on the Dean’s List in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. A testament to her hard work and discipline.

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