Dokis First Nation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dokis 9
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| Dokis Indian reserve No. 9 | |
 Dokis 9
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province |  Ontario |
| District | Parry Sound |
| First Nation | Dokis |
| Settled | 1890s |
| Formed | 1850 |
| Area | |
| • Land | 154.36 km2 (59.60 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 201 |
| • Density | 1.3/km2 (3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Postal Code |
P0M 2N1
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| Area code(s) | 705 |
| Website | www.dokisfirstnation.com |
Dokis 9 is a special place in Ontario, Canada. It is a First Nations reserve and community that belongs to the Dokis First Nation. In their language, the name Kikendawt means "our land of the pots."
This land is found about 16 kilometers southwest of Lake Nipissing. It is located right along the beautiful French River. The Dokis 9 land is split into two main parts. There is a northern island called Okikendawt, and a large southern piece of land that sticks out into the water. These two parts are surrounded by the French River and cover about 154 square kilometers.
The French River area was formed over 10,000 years ago. This happened when the last ice age ended, leaving behind many rivers and small lakes. The main village is on Okikendawt island. You can reach it by a gravel road that connects to Highway 64. The Dokis people live here, along with their relatives, the Restoule people. This land is famous for hunting, fishing, fur trading, and its forests. Dokis 9 shares its borders with other areas like the Unorganized Centre Parry Sound District, West Nipissing, and the community of French River.
Contents
History of Dokis 9
How Dokis 9 Was Formed
In 1850, a leader named Michel "Eagle" Dokis signed an important agreement. This agreement was called the Robinson Huron Treaty. At that time, the Dokis people had a very successful business. They traded furs at Dokis Point on Lake Nipissing.
Moving to the Reserve Land
By the 1890s, the fur trading business started to slow down. So, the Dokis people decided to move onto the land they had gained from the treaty. This is when Dokis Village was created. The Restoules, who are related to the Dokis, also began living in Dokis Village and the areas around it. Both families grew their own vegetables and grains. They also continued some trapping activities.
Timber Rights and Wealth
In 1909, the Dokis people were asked to sell the rights to the timber on their land. This meant that logging became a new way for them to earn money. When they sold these timber rights in 1909, the Dokis became one of the wealthiest First Nations in Canada at that time.
People of Dokis 9
Population Numbers
As of March 2011, there were 991 registered members of the Dokis First Nation. Out of these, 168 people lived on the Dokis 9 reserve. A small number, 2 people, lived on other reserves. Most members, 821 people, lived off the reserve.
In 2021, the population living on Dokis 9 was 201 people. The average age of people living here was about 53 years old.
| Canada census – Dokis 9 community profile | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | |||
| Population: | 195 (-0.5% from 2001) | ||
| Land area: | 153.16 km2 (59.14 sq mi) | ||
| Population density: | 1.3/km2 (3.4/sq mi) | ||
| Median age: | 40.2 (M: 41.0, F: 39.5) | ||
| Total private dwellings: | 127 | ||
| Median household income: | |||
| References: 2006 earlier | |||
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1991 | 165 | — |
| 1996 | 163 | −1.2% |
| 2001 | 196 | +20.2% |
| 2006 | 195 | −0.5% |
| 2011 | 204 | +4.6% |
Nature and Activities
French River Provincial Park
The French River Provincial Park protects most of the land along the French River. The Dokis land is one of the few areas not part of the park. Today, many people enjoy the French River. They travel by motorboats, kayaks, and canoes.
Outdoor Fun
The area offers many activities for people who love to fish and hunt. There are lodges and cottages along the river. For much of its length, the French River is wide and lined with trees. It also has beautiful falls, rapids, and narrow, steep gorges.
Plants and Animals
The rocky land of the Canadian Shield supports over 450 types of plants. Some of these plants are quite rare. You might also find animals like deer, moose, elk, and bear. Many birds live here too, such as woodpeckers, ravens, Great Blue Herons, and different kinds of warblers.
Fishing in Dokis 9
Fish are a very important resource for the Dokis people. The French River is home to many kinds of fish. These include Sturgeon, walleye, musky, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, perch, catfish, and whitefish. The Dokis people still use traditional methods like spearing and netting to catch fish today.
Economy of Dokis 9
The Dokis community earns money from several sources. Many small businesses are owned by local people or the Dokis First Nation itself. These businesses include:
- Construction companies
- Marina operations (places for boats)
- Catering services
- Restaurants
- Transportation services
- Tourism (helping visitors)
- Eco-tourism (tourism focused on nature)
- Ecology (studying the environment)
- Forestry (managing forests and timber)
- Services for cottage owners along the French River
Some specific businesses in the Dokis First Nation are Cold Springs Camp, Dokis Marina and Restaurant, Migisi Marina, Wajashk Cottages, Riverview Cottages, Tinny’s Taxidermy, and Young Forestry Services.
Notable Members
- Eli Ankou, a football defensive tackle who plays for the Buffalo Bills.
