Chief Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation has been appointed Chairperson of a new advisory committee.
The Residential School Documents Advisory Committee will be composed of Survivors, First Nation, Inuit, and Metis community members, and federal and expert representatives.
Chief Delorme will be Chairperson for a 5-year term, and committee membership is being finalized with the committee expected to be fully operational by May of this year.
As Chairperson, Chief Delorme’s mandate is 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”, according to a news release.
“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.” Chief Delorme said in a news release.
Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller and Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Stephanie Scott announced the appointment today (Tues), and both said Delorme’s leadership will be an asset to the committee.
“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. 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.” Scott said.
“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. 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.” Miller said.
Delorme’s appointment as Chair person follows consultation with National Indigenous Organizations and at the recommendation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
