The Caldwell First
Nation (also known as Chippewas of Pelee) is a First Nations band
government whose land base is located in Leamington, Ontario,
Canada. They are an Anishinaabe group, part of the Three Fires
Confederacy comprising the three bands: the Potawatomi, Odawa, and
Ojibwa whose members are originally of the Mikinaak (Turtle) and the
Makwa (Bear) dodems. The Caldwell First Nation are a distinct and
federally recognized Indian band and used to be referred to by such
names as: the "Chippewas of Pelee", "Point Pelee Indians" and
"Caldwell's band of Indians."
The Chippewa (also called Ojibwa in
Canada) are an Anishinaabe-speaking indigenous nation with people
within the borders of present-day Canada and the United States. The
Anishinaabe are the largest Native American/First Nation peoples
north of Mexico, with nearly 78,000 people among various groups in
Canada from western Quebec to British Columbia.
People from all
over Canada and from across the border were in Leamington Friday to
take part in the Caldwell First Nation’s first ever powwow,
celebrating the repatriation of their land.
“This means the world to us, this is the epitome of what we are
trying to do, this is our land, this is our home,” said Janne
Peters, Caldwell First Nation councillor. “Our ancestors are in this
area so having this today and tomorrow, will give our ancestors a
little bit of closure.”
It was long-awaited day, vendors and visitors came as far as New
York and Alberta to participate in the historic day of celebration.
“I have seen license plates from as far as Arizona,” said councillor
Lonnie Dodge. Its important for all our people to be back on our own
land.”
In 2010, a 200-year-old-claim was finally negotiated, as the federal
government approved a $105-million land claim settlement with the
Caldwell First Nation.
POWWOW 2016 1 of 2
ONE ON ONE Is a news Magazine Produced by CFTV-DT television in
Leamington Ontario. the program takes a look at interesting people
and the diverse culture that is Canada. Episode 3 features The
Caldwell First Nation and their first Pow Wow in almost 300 years.
