Outgoing Cowesses boss Cadmus Delorme sees a possible future in federal politics, but not yet
Outgoing Chief of Cowesses First Nation Cadmus Delorme says he could see himself running in federal or provincial politics one day, but not yet.
Delorme, who announced earlier this month that he would not be seeking a third term as chief, said in an interview with CBC News on Thursday that he had received “calls” from federal Liberals and Conservatives.
“I’ll let everyone know that I’m so humbled to be proposed at this time,” he said. “[But] I just want to be a father, I want to be a husband, and I want to play a more strategic, non-political role for a few years.”
Delorme said he has political ambitions.
“I see myself in a future role, possibly as an MLA or MP,” he said.
“I just need a break from politics.”
CLOCK | Cadmus Delorme talks about his goals after leaving Cowess:
Parity for indigenous peoples is a priority
When it comes time to make a decision about a potential foray into federal politics, Delorme said he must first choose a party.
“I tend to lean left sometimes and right sometimes, and I tend to stay in the middle,” he said.
“So at this point I will be working with anyone who wants to achieve that ultimate goal to make sure there is parity for Indigenous people.”
Delorme was first elected chief of Cowess, about 90 miles east of Regina, in 2016. He gained worldwide notoriety for his leadership after discovering 751 potential unmarked graves on the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School on the reserve.
He was recently appointed to chair the residential school’s new advisory committee on documents, but he said the committee will meet quarterly over five years and it’s not work.
The committee is asked to make recommendations on how historical documents related to boarding schools can be identified and shared with the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation.
When asked what drew him to the role, Delorme said the discovery of unmarked graves across the country has given Aboriginal people an affirmation.
“Acknowledgment of the pain, frustration, anger and weariness of remaining indigenous in a country that still somewhat represses the indigenous worldview,” he said.
He said he has amazing friends in this country who have “put down their shields” and admit they may not know much about the truth about indigenous peoples in Canada.
“I feel that my knowledge and energy and understanding of the end goal could help the Canadian government play its part in this part of reconciliation,” he said.
Interested in assisting with economic reconciliation
Delorme’s next job after his tenure as chief envisages helping governments and the corporate sector with reconciliation, particularly economic reconciliation, and helping Saskatchewan companies reduce carbon emissions.
Delorme said he is chief until April 25 and will continue to fulfill his duties for two more months, adding he has not yet confirmed another job.
He said he wants to expand his language options — so he’s learning Cree and French, and estimates he’s about 30 percent Cree and 15 percent French fluent.
