Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and USask’s Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy are funding a total of just over $1.1-million over four years to support the establishment of a JSGS Research Chair in Metis Governance and Policy, and it will be the first of its kind in Canada.

The money will also support scholarships and internship opportunities for Metis students and the development of a Metis governance training program. The new research chair is Metis citizen Dr. Kurtis Boyer, an assistant professor at JSGS and advisor to the university’s Office of the vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement. His work will be to explore ways in which governance and the policy making process can be guided and informed by Metis culture, values and tradition. Boyer says the chair will also create a welcoming space for the students at JSGS and will give them opportunities to learn about their government and traditions.