Chief Cadmus Delorme of the Cowessess First Nation has been named the new Residential School Documents Advisory Committee chairperson.

The announcement comes after Delorme announced he would not seek another term as Chief of the Cowessess First Nation.

The committee is set to help develop recommendations on identifying and sharing documents of historical interest with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). The Residential School Documents Advisory Committee is the result of this direction.

As the independent chairperson of the Residential School Documents Advisory Committee, Chief Delorme has the mandate 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,” Delorme said. “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.”

The Residential School Documents Advisory Committee will comprise Survivors, First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members, and federal and expert representatives.