Tim Ominika takes the helm
WIIKWEMKOONG—Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is on the brink of a new chapter as Tim Ominika steps into his role as chief, carrying forward a legacy deeply rooted in the community’s history. His great-great-grandfather, Ominikamago, was one of the three chiefs who famously refused to cede Wiikwemkoong and its traditional territory, setting a powerful precedent of resistance and sovereignty. Now, Mr. Ominika is poised to lead with that same spirit of resilience.
Since the election results were announced, Chief Ominika has been inundated with calls and messages of support from the community. “I’ve always been in a helping role, working closely with families, which has allowed me to build trust and relationships within our community,” he shared. “Sitting on council for 10 years gave me the experience I needed, but I was still surprised by the overwhelming support. You never know what will happen, but I felt a good vibe from the community.”
As he embarks on his journey as chief, Mr. Ominika’s priorities are clear. “One of the first things on my agenda is to focus on the custom election code, moving away from the INAC process,” he said. “This will give us the opportunity to become more familiar with and implement our portfolios. It’s been shelved for years, but we need to engage with the community and gather their feedback before the next election.”
Another key issue on Mr. Ominika’s radar is the long-standing Wiikwemkoong Islands Boundary Land Claim. “Finalizing this land claim settlement has been a priority since 2007,” he explained. “In a recent meeting in Ottawa, we made significant progress, and we hope to resolve it soon, with an upcoming negotiating meeting.”
The land claim centres around Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory’s assertion that its rights to the islands under the Treaty of 1836 were not relinquished under the Treaty of 1862. Both Ontario and Wiikwemkoong agree that the best way to resolve the claim is through collaboration and finding common solutions.
Chief Ominika is also committed to addressing critical issues within the community, such as the future of the local nursing home. “We were faced with the potential expiration of our licensing, so immediate action was necessary,” he said. “We looked for other sources of revenue and decided to fund it internally to avoid government deadlines. No one has been removed from their positions, and we considered the impact on the community. We will be dealing with this internally next week.”
In addition to these pressing matters, Chief Ominika is working on a 90-day plan to ensure the continuity of previous projects. “I want to keep the momentum going, especially on mental health support for our large community,” he emphasized. “We need to be transparent and reach out to all our members, including those off-reserve and in urban centers, to ensure they have the support they need.”
Chief Ominika’s approach is grounded in communication and inclusivity. “Regardless of who you voted for, we are all in this together,” he said. “I am honored and humbled to take on this role, and I promise to move forward as a community, without judgment. I walked into the band office and was met with congratulations from staff, and I want them to know they have my full support from day one.”
As Mr. Ominika begins his tenure as chief, the winds of change are blowing through Wiikwemkoong, promising a future built on the foundation of its proud history and the collective strength of its people.
