REGINA - The outgoing Chief of Cowessess First Nation has been appointed to a new role by the federal government.
On Tuesday, it was announced by Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, that Chief Cadmus Delorme will be the chairperson of the new Residential School Documents Advisory Committee.
This is the committee established by the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to develop recommendations on the identification and sharing of documents of historical interest with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
According to the federal government’s news release, Delorme’s mandate will be to “promote consensus-based decision-making and ensure Indigenous voices are reflected in all discussions and decisions regarding the identification, review and sharing of residential school-related documents.”
"There were over 130 sponsored residential schools in this country. Today many local communities, ad hoc committees and First Nations are leading the way in the validation of unmarked graves attached to former residential schools. This advisory committee's goal will help by empowering the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to house records many are seeking to help in their healing journey,” said Chief Delorme in a statement.
Chief Delorme had already announced he would not be seeking re-election as Chief of Cowessess First Nation in April after seven years in the role.
"In 2021, Cowessess First Nation played a central role in bringing global attention to the unmarked graves at former residential school sites and the thousands of missing children who never made it home,” said Scott in a statement. “We welcome Chief Delorme's leadership in this new role. I am confident Indigenous communities, Survivors and their families, and respect for Indigenous law will be central to the work of this new committee as it strives to preserve the true history of residential schools."
"There can be no reconciliation without first uncovering the truth, and sharing relevant documents will help us do this in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, families and communities,” said Minister Miller. “Chief Delorme's extensive leadership and management experience will be a tremendous asset to the committee's mandate of developing a federal approach to identify and manage the sharing of residential school-related documents with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. These efforts will support Indigenous Peoples in their search for answers and healing, which they deserve."
