CLAIMS

Dokis First Nation continues to address historical wrong-doings made by Canada and Ontario that relate to the rights, the lands, and the people of Dokis. When it comes to Indigenous Land Claims, there are Comprehensive Claims and Specific Claims. Comprehensive Claims mainly address the rights of Indigenous people on lands where Treaties are NOT established. Claims submitted by Dokis First Nation fall under the category of Specific Claims.

Specific Claims

  • Addresses federal and provincial wrong-doings when the terms of established Treaties or the Indian Act have not been met.

  • Relates to a government’s historical misuse of Treaty lands, failure to protect reserve lands, poor management of reserve assets, and fraud on the government’s part, among other things.

  • Settlements are typically negotiated and they often include monetary and/or land compensation.

  • A tribunal exists to address Specific Claims that have not been settled through negotiations.

  • Specific Claims can take several years to process and settle.

Image source: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100030291/1539617582343

Dokis’ leadership and staff work year-round with specialized teams to conduct research, collect historical evidence, determine losses and opportunities, and prepare for discussions and negotiations in active claims. To learn more about the Specific Claims that have been submitted and settled by Dokis First Nation, please log-in to the Members Portal and visit the sub-menu under Claims and Trusts.

TRUSTS

Dokis First Nation has an established trust called the Okikendawt Hydro Revenue and Dokis Community Trust.

This trust was established in 2021 for the purpose of preserving and managing the revenue stream from the Okikendawt hydro project and the settlement funds from the Indian Land Management Fund (ILMF) Claim. The proceeds from the trust are to be used for the long-term benefit and enjoyment of Dokis First Nation and its respective Band members.

The Trust receives an annual distribution from the hydro revenues and it also earns interest from investments made with the ILMF settlement funds. Income earned from the Trust during the year is made available to the community twice a year through a proposal-based process.

Five trustees are responsible for overseeing the administration and use of the trust. They consist of four community-elected trustees and one corporate trustee who provides financial administrative support.

The Okikendawt Hydro Revenue and Dokis Community Trust supports projects under three areas of eligibility:

Community Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Health and Welfare

By April 2025, the trust had approved and funded a total of 27 community projects valued at $694,855.00.

What is a Trust?

A Trust is a formal, documented transfer of assets that is managed by a trustee for specific beneficiaries. For Dokis First Nation, the “assets” are typically monies (i.e. generated income, settlement funds, earned interest, investments, etc.). The “beneficiaries” are the eligible, registered Band Members of the First Nation. The “trustees” are the individuals and/or the companies that manage the trust on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Band members are encouraged to read more about the ILMF and access updates on the Okikendawt Hydro Revenue and Dokis Community Trust in the secure Band Members Portal.