New corporate leadership at Union of Ontario Indians

By Marci Becking

NIPISSING FIRST NATION – Allan Dokis will be the Union of Ontario Indians new Chief Operating Officer as of Monday, October 13, 2014.

Dokis, who is also citizen of Dokis First Nation, says that his new position will be starting on a positive note for staff on day one.

“I’m giving everyone the day off,” jokes Dokis who officially starts on Thanksgiving Day.

“I believe that an organization cannot outgrow the capabilities of its people,” says Dokis.  “The purpose of leadership is to develop more leaders – leaders who are capable of building efficient and effective teams to achieve a common vision.  This will be achieved through effective communication, collaboration and accountability.”

Dokis will replace Walter Manitowabi who served the Union of Ontario Indians for the last five years.

“With my staff, the goal is to create an environment that effectively supports Anishinabek First Nations and leadership through a Rights-based agenda and building upon existing government-to-government relationships.”

Dokis first started with the Union of Ontario Indians in June 1995, starting in Finance and then moving to Intergovernmental Affairs where he has been the Director for the past twelve years.

He lives with his wife Carrie and their two daughters in North Bay.

The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.