Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow
A vibrant celebration of Anishinaabe resilience, culture, and community.
August 7–9 2026 | Leamington, Ontario
Welcome Letter from Chief
Nikki van Oirschot
Aaniin kina wiiya – greetings to all near and far,
It is my honour to invite you to Caldwell First Nation's 2026 Competition Pow Wow—our second-ever Pow Wow on our reserve lands. This historic gathering is a powerful celebration of culture, unity, and resilience.
Pow Wows are a time to come together, share our traditions, and honour our ancestors and community. This event builds on the legacy of our 2016 Repatriation Pow Wow, and marks our continued reclamation and celebration of our homeland.
We thank our citizens, Council, staff, volunteers, and all our supporters for making this possible. Your presence strengthens the ties of kinship, treaty, and friendship that guide us.
To everyone joining us—dancers, singers, drummers, vendors, and visitors—miigwech. May this gathering bring joy, connection, and lasting memories.
Miigwech,
Ogimaa Kwe Nikki van Oirschot
Chief, Caldwell First Nation
About the Pow Wow Logo
The official logo for the Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow was created by Naomi Peters, a Potawatomi/Ojibwe (Chippewa) member of Caldwell First Nation, also known as the Chippewas of Point Pelee & Pelee Island (most southern tip of Canada).
Naomi shares her indigenous bloodline with her mother's Swiss heritage. She graduated from Tyndale University of Toronto with a Bachelor or Arts (English Major/ Psychology Minor). She has been drawing for over a decade, as both a passion and a career, Naomi seeks to pursue art and live her life expressing herself creatively. Naomi presently works as a freelance artist.
Discover and shop unique creations crafted by talented Indigenous artisans
Immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural showcase of live music, drumming, and traditional dance
Savour delicious food, connect with others, and create unforgettable memories
About Caldwell First Nation
Caldwell First Nation (CFN), also known as the Chippewas of Point Pelee and Pelee Island, is part of the Anishinaabe people and a proud member of the Three Fires Confederacy—Potawatomi, Odawa, and Ojibwa. The Nation has lived on the lands surrounding Point Pelee since time immemorial.
During the War of 1812, the Caldwell people fought as allies of the British under Colonel William Caldwell and were promised land in return. Despite their service, they were forcibly removed from their traditional lands in the 1920s and spent decades without a recognized land base.
The Nation’s longstanding land claim—based on exclusion from the 1790 McKee Treaty—was settled in 2010. In November 2020, a 200-acre parcel was officially designated as Reserve land.
Today, Caldwell First Nation continues to protect its culture, govern its lands, and uphold inherent rights such as hunting, harvesting, and spiritual connection to its traditional territory.
About our Powwow
Caldwell First Nation’s Annual Competition Pow Wow
The powwow allows us to join with other First Nations from across Canada and the United States to share in this great gathering and exciting cultural experience.
This three-day cultural event brings together Indigenous dancers, drummers, artisans, and guests from across Turtle Island — all celebrating resilience, unity, and identity through art and movement.
Competitions & Highlights
- Dates: August 7, 8, & 9, 2026
- Location: Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington, ON
-
Entry: $10 per person
$5 per Seniors & Children 4-8
Children Under 4 Free - Gates open at 10:00 AM
Over $50,000 in Prizes. Tradition Meets Talent.
This is more than just a celebration — it’s a high-energy, competitive Pow Wow featuring some of the finest dancers and singers in North America.
- Dance Categories
- Singing Contests
- Prizes for 1st to 4th place in every category
- Saturday Night Specials
- Cultural Vendors On-Site
Caldwell First Nation's 2nd Annual Competitive Pow Wow
Experience our incredible First Nation cultural heritage with competitions for singing, drumming, dancing, First Nation Food and Crafts. Everyone Welcome!
Friday, August 7th - Grand Entry at 6:00 PM,
Saturday August 8th - Grand Entry at 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Sunday August 10th - Grand Entry at 12:00 PM
Located at Caldwell First Nation Reserve Mersea Road 1 (just after Bevel Road to your right) Leamington
Free Parking on site.
Remember: Bring your lawn chairs | No Drugs, No Alcohol, No Politics | No Hydro, No Pets | Security on site 24 hours | Rough camping available.
Did you know we were banned from gathering for Pow Wow in Canada under the Indian Act from 1876 until 1951?
Master of Ceremony:
Jason Whitehouse – Shoshone/Pauite
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Joel Syrette – Ojbway
Rankin, Ontario
Arena Director:
Leland Red Eagle – Oglala Lakota/Nakoda
Six Nations, Ontario
Head Dancer:
Liam Sand – Cree/Ojibwe/Oneida
London Ontario
Nikki Shawana – Odawa/Potawotomi
Waterford, Ontario
Host Drum:
Northern – Warpaint – Backswamp
North Carolina
Southern – Wild Band of Comanches
Head Dance Judge:
Charles Belisle – St. Croix Chippewa/Oneida
Lawtons, NY
Cassie Thomas – Onöndowa’ga:’
Cattaraugus Territory, NY
Head Singing Judge:
Harvey Dreaver – Cree
Sask, Michigan
Caldwell First Nation
Flag Carrier:
TBA
Head Veteran:
TJ Riley – Chippewa
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Caldwell First Nation
Eagle Staff Carrier:
TBA
Singer/Dancer/Contest Inquiries contact Gordon Sands at gordonsands44@gmail.com
Competitive Dance Competitions and Prizes:
Platinum Age Men, 70+ combined – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Platinum Age Women, 70+ combined – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Golden Age Men, 50 – 69 combined – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Golden Age Women 50 – 69 combined – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Teen Category ages 13-17
Teen Boys, Traditional, Grass, Fancy Bustle, Woodland – 1st: $600, 2nd: $400 3rd: $200 4th: $100
Teen Girls, Traditional, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Scrub – 1st: $600 2nd: $400 3rd: $200 4th: $100
Adult Categories ages 18-49
Men’s, Traditional Grass, Fancy Bustle, Woodland – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Women’s, Traditional, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Scrub – 1st: $1,000 2nd: $800 3rd: $600 4th: $400
Junior Categories
Junior Boys Traditional, Grass, Fancy Bustle, Woodland – 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 4th: $50
Junior Girls Traditional, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Scrub – 1st: $300 2nd: $200 3rd: $100 4th: $50
Tiny Tots, Paid Daily
Singing Contest:
1st: $10,000 2nd: $8,000 3rd: $6,000, 4th: $4,000 5th: $2,000 + $2,000 split for non-placing
Saturday Night Committee Specials:
Men’s Southern Straight 1st $1000.00 2nd $800.00 3rd $600.00 two consolations of $200
Women’s Southern Cloth/Buckskin 1st $1000.00 2nd $800.00 3rd $600.00 two consolations of $200.00
Men’s Fancy Bustle 1st $1000.00 2nd $800.00 3rd $600.00 two consolations of $200.00
Singer/Dancer/Contest Inquiries contact Gordon Sands at gordonsands44@gmail.com
Get Tickets
Caldwell First Nation’s Second Annual Competition Pow Wow
General Admission: $10
Senior Admission: $5
Children 4-8: $5
Children Under 4: Free
Senior Admission: $5
Children 4-8: $5
Children Under 4: Free
*No alcohol, drugs, or pets permitted on site.
This three-day cultural event brings together Indigenous dancers, drummers, artisans, and guests from across Turtle Island — all celebrating resilience, unity, and identity through art and movement.
Want to be part of the action? For singer or dancer inquiries, email Gordon Sands at gordonsands44@gmail.com
Plan Your Trip
Location: Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington, ON
🛏️Accommodations:
There are several nearby hotels and motels in Leamington. We recommend booking early.🍴Food:
Plenty of on-site food vendors with Indigenous cuisine and local favorites.🛍️Shopping:
Local artisans and craft vendors will offer handmade jewelry, regalia, and more.🧺 What to Bring:
- Lawn chairs or blankets- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen & hats
- Respect and curiosity
🛑 Please Note:
No drugs, no alcohol, no pets, no politics. Security on-site 24 hours. Hydro not available. Rough camping available.Need more information? Contact us at powwow@caldwellfirstnation.ca
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