Caldwell First Nation hosts first Pow Wow on new reserve

This year marked the first Pow Wow on a new reserve. CTV Windsor's Robert Lothian reports.

For the first time on the new reserve, people gathered on Caldwell First Nation for its inaugural annual Pow Wow.

Through the beating drums and the spirit of dancing, community members gathered under a tent on Saturday for an opening ceremony.

After years of work leading up to the celebration, Chief Nikki van Oirschot felt it was “important” to have the Pow Wow on reserve lands.

“This is the first time it’s been on reserve, and this council wants to continue to do this on an annual basis because we now have a permanent homeland,” said van Oirschot.

A Pow Wow was held in 2016, van Oirschot said to “bless the lands and repatriate,” prior to it being officially designated in 2020.

The ceremony included traditional regalia, prayers and speeches from dignitaries coming from across Windsor-Essex.

“Part of who we are is being together and sharing in friendship and sharing in laughter and dancing,” van Oirschot said.

“I think for other people being able to come and share in our culture and dance alongside other indigenous people, other First Nations, is very important.”

The inaugural Pow Wow continues on Sunday with the final grand entry at noon.