NEWS RELEASES
APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFTHE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT
May 20, 1999 (3:45 p.m. EDT) No. 116
APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced the appointment of Lydia A. Hwitsum to the Board of
Directors of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (ICHRDD).
The ICHRDD is an independent body established by an Act of Parliament in 1988. It provides persons and
organizations in other countries with training, consultation and research services to promote the observance of
human rights and the full participation of all citizens in the democratic process. The Centre's Board of Directors
is made up of 13 members, including three from countries other than Canada. The Centre's President is Warren
Allmand, QC, PC.
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Biographical notes on Ms. Hwitsum are attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Lydia A. Hwitsum is currently the elected Chief of Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation.
Ms. Hwitsum obtained her degree in Law at the University of Victoria in 1997. Her academic pursuits have
included Indian Act Taxation and Exemption; Property Law; Program of Legal Studies for Native People;
Conflict Resolution; Public Sector Management; and Administration of Aboriginal Government.
Ms. Hwitsum's employment experience includes positions with the Cowichan Valley Native Friendship Centre
Society; Cowichan Tribes Administration; the Native Heritage Centre; the B.C. Ministry of Forests; the
University of Victoria; and the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. She served as Vice President of the University of
Victoria Native Law Students Association; as Chapter President of the Cowichan Homemakers' Association; as
Chairperson of the Cowichan Tribes Education Committee; and as a member of the Boards of Directors of both
the Community Futures program in Duncan, B.C. and the Queen of Angels School.
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