University of Sask. creates first-of-its-kind research chair in Métis governance and policy-making
A new research position at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will focus on ways the Métis culture can inform governance and policymaking.
Kurtis Boyer has been appointed as the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) research chair — the first of its kind in Canada, according to the University of Saskatchewan.
“USask is honoured to partner with the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan on the establishment of the new Research Chair in Métis Governance and Policy,” said U of S provost Airini in a news release.
Over a million dollars in funding has been put aside for the position. The money is a combined commitment from the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S), the U of S, and JSGS.
Funds will be used for scholarships and internship opportunities for Métis students and a governance training program.
“By establishing the Métis Governance and Policy Research Chair at the university, we are sending a very positive message to our youth that the opportunities on campus are endless,” said Tim Roussin, MN–S minister of post-secondary education.
“We’re also showing our citizens that the intentions of the agreements we sign with our partners like USask are being actualized.”
Boyer’s work will involve developing an MN-S internship program collaboratively with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
Additionally, a Métis Governance Training Program will be developed for staff and elected officials at MN-S.
“The University of Saskatchewan is not only proving itself to be a formidable partner by turning words into actions but, under President Stoicheff’s leadership, is taking bold steps not seen at any other institution in this country,” MN–S President Glen McCallum said.
“USask introduced the first policy in Canada to verify Métis citizens seeking opportunities on campus. Now, we are pleased to have Kurtis Boyer assume this first-ever Métis Governance and Policy Research Chair position to help pave the way for our next generation of Métis leaders.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Alleged Montreal-area 'Chinese police stations' planning to sue RCMP for $2.5 million
Two Chinese community centres in the Montreal area are planning to launch a $2.5 million defamation lawsuit against the RCMP and the Attorney General of Canada after being accused by the police force of hosting 'alleged Chinese police stations.'
Lawyer in Ali murder trial says 13-year-old B.C. victim was not an 'innocent'
Ibrahim Ali's lawyer says the 13-year-old girl he's accused of murdering in a British Columbia park wasn't the “innocent” depicted in a “rose-coloured” portrayal by the Crown at trial.
'I cry all the time': Nova Scotia couple returns after 40 days in Gaza
It has been five days since Palestinian-Canadian couple, Khalil and Nabila Manna, returned from visiting relatives in Gaza, but while the couple planned to visit for a short-period of time, the Israel-Hamas conflict left them stranded for 40 days
With Canada set to reimpose cap on working hours, international students worry about paying for tuition, living expenses
Canada is set to reimpose the cap on the number of hours that international students can work off campus. But with heightened cost-of-living concerns in Canada, many international students say they're not sure how they'll be able to afford their tuition and living expenses if they can't work full-time.
Inmate stabbed Derek Chauvin 22 times, charged with attempted murder, prosecutors say
A federal inmate was charged Friday with attempted murder in the prison stabbing of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd.
'Jumped over their heads': Kangaroo escapes Ontario zoo during overnight stay
The search for a kangaroo that escaped an Ontario zoo will resume on Saturday morning, according to staff and volunteers.
Mild, rainy winter expected as Canada warms at twice the global rate
Winter will be unusually warm and rainy across much of the country this year, according to the latest data from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Here's how Air Canada's new baggage tracking app works
Air Canada is hoping to give its customers more confidence when travelling with checked luggage through a new baggage tracking feature.
Alleged victims speak out after a Waterloo, Ont. man posed as a CSIS agent and scammed women out of millions
Several women have come forward claiming they were victims of a romance scam by a Waterloo, Ont. man. Police believe he allegedly defrauded dozens of women out of more than $2 million over 15 years.