Caldwell First Nation hosted the first-ever Competition Pow Wow on their reserve lands on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th.

The two-day cultural celebration marked a historic milestone for the Nation as the first Pow Wow officially held following the land’s reserve designation on November 10, 2020.

Hundreds of visitors from across the lands of Windsor, Essex and Chatham-Kent and beyond witnessed the powerful expression of sovereignty, identity, and unity which brought together dancers and drummers from across Turtle Island.

These dancers and drummers came together to compete and celebrate in the spirit of Anishinaabe traditions including: drumming, competitive singing and dancing, Indigenous arts and crafts, and a wide variety of food vendors.

“This Pow Wow is not just a celebration of our culture, it’s a celebration of our reclamation, unity, resurgence and resilience,” said Chief Nikki van Oirschot.

“In 2016, we hosted a Pow Wow here, but the land wasn’t yet officially a reserve. Today, we drum, dance and sing on our own designated reserve land, where our community members are visiting, living and raising families, and enjoying retirement, and working. It means a great deal to our community. This is the first of many competition Pow Wows which we will hold annually, for generations to come.”

“This is more than just a weekend event, this is the start of a new tradition for Caldwell First Nation,” said Councillor Randy DeGraw, who holds the Pow Wow portfolio.

“We’ve worked hard to bring our people home to this land, and the energy, beauty, and pride that a competition Pow Wow brings will now be part of our annual rhythm as a Nation. We’re honoured to share this with the broader community.”

A bus tour highlighting historic First Nation sites along the shorelines of Windsor-Essex, 28 sponsors and over 27 volunteers enriched the spectacular gathering.