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Gabriel Dumont Institute; Ile-à-la-Crosse; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

One of the most challenging aspects of education in the North is providing suitable housing and accommodations for staff. This challenge is compounded by the general lack of available housing, the inability to accommodate family circumstances, and the short-term nature of rentals for programming. Accommodations are a significant barrier to delivering successful programs.

This issue is not unique to DTI. Institutions such as the Saskatchewan Health Authority, School Districts, and Government Agencies also struggle to provide quality housing for current and prospective employees in the North, especially for families. While DTI occasionally leases from these agencies, space is often limited, making it difficult to accommodate DTI faculty.

DTI has partnered extensively with the Île-à-la-Crosse School District, utilizing their facilities for various programs and benefiting from their ongoing support.

In late 2022, the district approached DTI regarding housing needs. Recognizing that quality housing is crucial for recruiting top faculty, DTI collaborated with the district to build a new home to assist with teacher recruitment efforts.

Using DTI resources, funding from the Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiative, training support from Prairie Arctic Trades Training Centre, and materials supplied by the district, construction began in August 2023. The goal was to complete as much as possible before winter, allowing interior work to proceed during colder months.

With the help of a dedicated student crew, DTI completed the exterior and interior framing, trusses, roof, shingles, soffit/fascia, exterior windows and doors, siding, and interior insulation. This project was one of the largest undertaken by DTI students, who demonstrated outstanding effort despite limited experience.

As a result, the Île-à-la-Crosse School District will benefit from increased teacher housing, and DTI students will gain valuable skills for employment in Saskatchewan’s construction industry.

GDI is a Saskatchewan-based educational, employment, and cultural institute serving Métis communities across the province.