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 2025 Competition Pow Wow—our first-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. Naomi, who also shares Swiss heritage through her mother, is a freelance artist with a Bachelor of Arts (English Major, Psychology Minor) from Tyndale University, Toronto.
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 First 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.
- Dates: August 7, 8, & 9, 2026
- Location: Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington, ON
- Entry: $10 per person
- Gates open at 10:00 AM
This two-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
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
Singer/Dancer/Contest Inquiries contact Gordon Sands at gordonsands44@gmail.com
Get Tickets Coming Soon!
Caldwell First Nation’s Second Annual Competition Pow Wow
General Admission: $10
*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.Contact us for more information
Sponsors
Support reconciliation, cultural preservation, and community pride by sponsoring Caldwell First Nation’s First Annual Pow Wow.
• Platinum Sponsor ($20,000)
- • Exclusive recognition as a Presenting Sponsor
- • Prominent logo placement on event signage, website, social media, and promotional materials
- • Full-page advertisement in the event program
- • Verbal recognition throughout the event
- • Dedicated sponsor booth space
- • Networking opportunities with community leaders
- • Recognition plaque and framed certifi cate of appreciation
• Gold Sponsor
($10,000)
- • Logo placement on event signage, website, social media, and promotional materials
- • Half-page advertisement in the event program
- • Verbal recognition during the event
- • Sponsor booth space
- • Certificate of appreciation
• Silver Sponsor
($5,000)
- • Logo placement on website, social media, and promotional materials
- • Quarter-page advertisement in the event program
- • Verbal recognition during the event
- • Certificate of appreciation
• Bronze Sponsor
($2,500)
- • Logo placement on website and social media
- • Business logo displayed in the event program
- • Business name listed in the event program
- • Certificate of appreciation
• Community Partner
($1,000)
- • Name recognition on website
- • Business name listed in the event program
- • Certificate of appreciation
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