Caldwell First Nation granted Reserve Status

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — A celebratory mood was evident at the Caldwell First Nation Headquarters on Monday, November 23, as an historic announcement was made.

Caldwell First Nation Director of Operations, Nikki Van Oirschot, announced that Caldwell First Nation has been granted Reserve Status.

With emotion in her voice, Van Oirschot outlined the history of the Caldwells in the Leamington and Point Pelee area.

“In 1790, a large tract of land on the north shore of Lake Erie was surrendered to the Crown,” she said. “Caldwell First Nation never signed this treaty, nor did they benefit from it.”

Caldwell Councillors, from left, Robyn Perkins, Bill Peters, Steve Simpson and Stan Scott, received gifts in appreciation for their work in getting the Reserve Status finalized for Caldwell First Nation.

A second land claim stemmed from the Caldwells’ role as an ally to the British in the War of 1812. This is where they fought alongside Captain William Caldwell and became known as ‘Caldwell’s Band of Indians’, which eventually became Caldwell First Nation. The Caldwells were promised retention of their lands on Point Pelee , but were instead chased out of Pelee from their burning homes by the RCMP in the 1920s.

In 2010, the Caldwells won an historic land claim settlement in this area and received $105 million to establish a reserve. They’ve since purchased about 200 acres at the corner of Bevel Line and Seacliff Drive in Leamington.

The Reserve process started nine years ago and they received a letter this past week from the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Affairs, which granted the status after 230 years.

Two of the indigenous dancers who performed at the announcement included Will, top and Griffin, below.

“Creating a land base for Caldwell First Nation is an important step in the history of Canada. Today we are able to right a historical wrong, advance reconciliation, and support the treaty relationship with Caldwell First Nation. These lands will benefit your citizens and help you realize your vision for housing and economic development,” stated the letter from Bennett.

Councillor Robyn Perkins spoke briefly and shared Van Oirschot’s emotion.

“Thanks to a legacy of strong, determined and resilient ancestors, we have reclaimed a tract of Reserve land,” said Perkins. “I, for one, am exceedingly proud to have a legacy of such strong and resilient people and I honour them today.”

“We are still here, and we are still strong,” she added.

“This was no small feat,” added Councillor Steve Simpson, “Caldwell First Nation is proud of the hard work, dedication, patience, and perseverance that it took to get us to this milestone.”

It was evident among those present, that they also credited previous chiefs and councils for the work they put in to get them this far. A small celebration was held, COVID-style, as drummers, singers and dancers celebrated the announcement. A larger celebration is planned in 2021.