Former Cowessess chief Cadmus Delorme named University of Regina's new chancellor

Cadmus Delorme is a man of many roles and many robes. He is proud to be Nehiyaw, Anishinabe and Canadian.

Now the former chief of Cowessess First Nation and founding partner of One Hoop consulting can add chancellor of the University of Regina to his resumé.

Delorme will begin his three-year term as U of R chancellor on July 1. The position oversees the academic welfare of the institution, is a voting member of the board of governors and represents the university in the community. Ceremonial duties include chairing the spring and fall convocation ceremonies.

Delorme has been involved with the U of R in various roles for 15 years. He was an undergraduate student at the First Nations University of Canada, a master's student through the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy, and most recently spent three years as the chair of the board of governors.

"It's a transition from the board chair now to chancellor," Delorme said in an interview this week. "I almost felt like it was just a natural duty."

He admitted that the two roles are very different — the board focuses more on balanced administration and governance, while the chancellor focuses on academia — but said he's ready for the new duties.

"I thought it was a nice fit for me," he said. "My roots are education.

"I am one of your proudest of our alumni out there."

Delorme said he is excited to set the academic tone from the top, be a spokesperson and play an important role in graduation ceremonies.

"There's a lot of young Indigenous people who sometimes don't find their place in this country because they don't see themselves in a role in this country," he said. "I am here to make it normal that Indigenous people can succeed in all levels, and that's why I take this very seriously."

Delorme said he is passionate about education.

"We got to understand that in our country today, education is our driver of hope, meaning that everything that we want our brains to conceive and our hearts to believe comes through education." 

In a written statement, U of R president and vice-chancellor Jeff Keshen said Delorme is "an inspired — and inspiring — choice to serve as Chancellor."

"We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and vibrant academic community, and will significantly advance the University's mission and community connections."

The current chancellor, Pam Klein, will complete her term on June 30.