Dokis celebrates opening ceremony of Okikendawt Hydro Generating Plant

By Kelly Anne Smith

DOKIS FIRST NATION — With a history of at least 7000 years, the Dokis First Nation now moves into a bright future by harnessing the French River to produce energy.

Dokis First Nation has officially opened Okikendawt Power — a run of the river hydro project with two turbines and a power house which sells to the provincial hydro grid.

Chief Denise Restoule, along with Council of Dokis, invited Elders and First Nation Leaders from the Robinson-Huron Treaty communities to the event billed as “A Clean Energy Vision for Ontario – A New Future for the Dokis First Nation.”

There was a big turnout at the opening ceremony at the Generating Plant site on a warm, sunny Thursday.  Speeches were followed by the song Okikendawt Power, written and performed by former Chief Martin Restoule. He also created the magnificent sculpture of animals on a huge turtle that overlooks the river and project. The children of Dokis also performed a song for guests and ambitious photographers.  A community feast followed the ribbon cutting.

With the generating plant in operation since last June, Chief Restoule is pleased with its success. “We are setting up a trust to be used by the community as a whole. Our board of directors will be made up of community members, not Chief and Council. Through that avenue we will be assisting band members with their electricity use. We want to make sure we build up our infrastructure because we want to continue to grow and expand.”

Chief Restoule says thought was given to sustaining a healthy environment. “More spawning beds were created as part of the project which will aid the fish and the tourism industry.”

Okikendawt Power will generate 10 MW of power, the equivalent to 4000 houses receiving power year-long.  The power generated will depend on water flow.

Okikendawt Power is a shared revenue partnership between Dokis First Nation and Hydroméga Service, which built and financed the project.

Chief Denise Restoule governs a membership of 1300 citizens with about 200 people residing in Dokis with 90 homes.

In the following video, Chief Restoule says the project was successful because of community support. “We will be able to provide more employment opportunities to our band members and bring our band members back home.”  Deputy Chief Gerry Dugette Jr. comments as well, “The community put criteria on the project on how it would go. We counted the turtles. If there was a turtle, the truck stopped for it.” https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1459449220161/1459449341752

Chief Steve Miller of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek has the Union of Ontario Indians Economic Development Portfolio. He spoke on behalf of Grand Chief Madahbee who called the event a historic success. Chief Miller called the Okikendawt Power good news that really sets the bar to be successful.

In her speech, Chief Restoule urged for the celebration to take place before she leaves office May 20 for retirement.