NEWS RELEASES

August 24, 2000 (9:45 a.m. EDT) No. 206

CANADA SUPPORTS CO-OPERATION BETWEEN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF CANADA AND DOMINICA

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour today congratulated the Government of Dominica and the leadership of the Carib First Nation peoples of Dominica for reaching an agreement on principles for democratic development.

During his visit to Dominica on August 21 and 22, Kilgour participated in a historic meeting between Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas and the full Cabinet of Dominica and the chief councillors and advisors from the Carib First Nation.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet members of Dominica fully endorsed and signed a precedent-setting agreement that outlines the basic principles for democratic development within the First Nations territories. The 16 principles define the basic tenets of community self-determination, accountability and responsibility as the Caribs meet the challenges of the new millennium. A Canadian First Nations organization, Four Worlds/Four Directions International of Lethbridge, Alberta, will be involved in furthering these initiatives.

"In keeping with Canada's foreign policy priorities and our continued co-ordination of indigenous issues in preparation for the Summit of the Americas, Canada welcomes this initiative," said Kilgour. "This agreement will promote and strengthen economic and social co-operation between Indigenous peoples of Canada, Dominica and the rest of the Americas."

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