I had a dream..And no, it was not like Martin Luther King’s dream, which was far more serious and important..No, this was a dream, borne out of despair and lost hope. Let me explain..I dreamed an impossible dream (kind of like the song, of the same name)..I thought, what if the Alberta government would cut a deal with the federal Bloc Quebecois and the ruling Coalition Avenir Québec — the two parties that political control La Belle Province..We would support any effort toward their independence, in exchange for their support for our independence, and … a pipeline through Quebec..No more transfer payments, but a share of the pipeline, which would power Quebec for years to come..A straight deal without Ottawa getting in the way. .“Horrifying! Are you crazy!” said one friend I e-mailed about the dream..No, I said, but sometimes I do occasionally crack a rye and Coke at 11 a.m., just before I tune into The View..OK, it might be a crazy idea and maybe it would never fly because it would be the end of Canada as we know it..Oh, the despair..Our over-zealous yoga instructor/prime minister is looking like he will call a federal election Sunday..In the midst of a pandemic he says is still so dire it is worth continuing to violate basic liberties; but who cares about the trifles..As a small “l” liberal redneck in an Alberta struggling to get back on its feet, I despair over the fact that Justin the Younger will likely win at the polls, again. .A majority or a minority – who cares?.That is because Mr. O’Toole’s Conservative Party is a shambles — a ruined coalition that pays little heed to its once-large Western base. It is so bad I don’t even want to go there..But I must tell you this. I got a phone call from the Conservatives asking for my financial support. I talked to this individual for a few minutes, and noticed something odd — it was a goddam robot!.The Conservative Party of Canada could not enlist a human being to call me and ask for my money? God help us all … .But let’s leave that behind, like an awful Barry Manilow song that somebody e-mailed me on YouTube..The crux of this column is this: .I’m a supporter of Alberta independence — I want a new deal in confederation or I want out. Completely. .I want my daughter and her children (if she ever has any) to have a future. I want the nice East Indian kid who works at my local liquor store to have a future when he gets out of business school..I want my niece Sarah’s three kids to have a future, too. And not have to go to some far off place not crushed by taxes, debt, and excessive regulation..Either get a new deal, or we smash it to pieces. Like T.E. Lawrence said, “no prisoners”..And I’ve heard all the arguments against independence; it’ll be like Quebec, etc., etc. .No, it won’t. To be honest, I don’t know what it will be like, but I know it won’t be easy..So let’s get back to Mr. Trudeau. I admit it; I admired his dad. He was a true leader, whether you liked him or not..In 2021, I don’t like any of the federal leaders. Not Trudeau, not O’Toole, and not Singh. Not a single one of them will do anything to help Alberta. Not a chance..But there is a man I do like. A man who shows leadership promise, and could unite the country, and lead us into the new era..His name is Cadmus Delorme, Chief of the Cowessess First Nation..Born to residential school survivors, Delorme is the youngest of nine siblings according to a report in the Toronto Star. As a child, he was diagnosed with an allergy to cow’s milk so his parents gave him goat’s milk, which led to the nickname “Goat Man.”.He spent his time between Cowessess and his mother’s home community of Ochapowace Nation, in southern Saskatchewan..The family home was open to anyone in need, whether it was a meal or a safe place to stay..“We weren’t money rich. We were just rich with love around us,” Delorme said..His father originally wanted him to become a professional golfer..Said one friend: “We always knew Cadmus was destined for great things.”.Everything Chief Delorme says rings true. This man is impressive in every way..What party would he run for? I have no idea. I don’t care..Critics will say he doesn’t speak French. But he is bilingual. He speaks English, and, more importantly, his native Cree language. As a Westerner, that’s good enough for me..According to the Regina Leader-Post, when 751 unmarked graves were identified on Cowessess First Nation — where he is now chief — Delorme found himself tasked with sharing the tragic news not just on a local scale, but internationally..He handled it with aplomb..“We all must put down our ignorance and accidental racism of not addressing the truth this country had with indigenous people,” Delorme said in response to the find. “We are not asking for pity, but we are asking for understanding.”.In other words, look, this has been dumped on us, let’s deal with it and move on..Well versed in public speaking, Delorme said he also learned from his parents the importance of pride, respect, diligence, patience and hard work..A Cree and Saulteaux, Delorme is finalizing his Institute of Corporate Director designation, having received a Master of Public Administration along with a Certificate in Hospitality, Tourism and Gaming Entertainment Management from the First Nations University of Canada..Dare I say this is a better resume than a certain drama teacher we know?.But wait, there’s more..After winning election as chief, in 2016, he presented a breath of fresh air..“Cowessess has a rich history in the Treaty 4 area and is responsible for land and laws,” said Delorme. ”It is time we focus on efficiency and bring home the talented members we have living throughout the world.”.He’s young, dynamic, smart as hell and has potential. What more is there to seek in a national leader..He also gets things done. Cadmus walks the talk..He was instrumental in securing a $38 million agreement with Ottawa for federal funding of locally-controlled child welfare services since the Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families came into force last year. .According to the CBC, Cowessess First Nation is the first indigenous group in Canada to sign such an agreement. .“When you believe in something, when you know that something has to be stood up for, you stand up for it and you voice your opinion,” he said during a 2018 interview. “Make sure you do it in a way that is respectful. Individually, I learned that.”.Maybe the time has come for change — big change..I don’t know about you, but I’m ready..Dave Makichuk is a Western Standard contributor.makichukd@gmail.com
