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<title>AXWORTHY APPOINTS INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS COUNSELLOR AND LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGY</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 9, 1998 No. 3</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY APPOINTS INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS
COUNSELLOR AND LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGY</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced the appointment of Mr.
Blaine Favel as Counsellor on International Indigenous Issues. This appointment
will be effected through an Executive Interchange Canada agreement with the
Assembly of First Nations. Mr. Phil Fontaine, Chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, and Mr. Favel were present during the announcement.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"In his role, Mr. Favel will provide myself and the Minister for International
Trade, Sergio Marchi, with an important viewpoint on a broad range of
international issues affecting indigenous peoples worldwide," said Mr. Axworthy.
"He will provide, in particular, input and policy advice on Canadian positions
concerning indigenous issues at the United Nations, the Organization of American
States and other international fora."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to develop a new partnership
with First Nations in Canada as stated in the announcement by the Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Jane Stewart. This appointment will
support the strengthening of First Nations' initiatives in the fields of economic
and business development, not only in Canada but also around the world," stated
Chief Phil Fontaine.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This appointment is an example of the commitment to new partnerships that the
government outlined in <em>Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan</em>," said
Jane Stewart. "Two major elements of the Plan are renewal of partnerships with
Aboriginal people and support for strong communities, people and economies. The
Plan makes specific references to international partnerships and increased access
to overseas markets." </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"I'm pleased that the Government is serious in its efforts to improve the
relationship with First Nations," said Mr. Favel. "My appointment is in the new
spirit of partnership that can work to promote Aboriginal rights."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Favel's diplomatic appointment is also part of a strategy on indigenous
economic and cultural development that will be undertaken by the Government of
Canada in co-operation with the Canadian Aboriginal community. The strategy will
bring together Canadian federal departments and Canadian Aboriginal organizations
in new international activities. It is designed to promote awareness among
Canada's Aboriginal Peoples of the programs and funds available to them, both
inside and outside Canada.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Jean LaRose</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Assembly of First Nations</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 241-6789, ext. 251</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Kelly Ronan</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(819) 997-0002</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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