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CTV News
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
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. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual 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. 081025 - Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Caldwell First Nation held first Pow Wow on new reserve. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) '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. 081025 - Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Caldwell First Nation held first Pow Wow on new reserve. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) 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. 081025 - Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Caldwell First Nation held first Pow Wow on new reserve. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor) '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.
Cision Canada
29-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Caldwell First Nation Announces Historic Equity Investment in Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line with Hydro One
LEAMINGTON, ON, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Caldwell First Nation is proud to announce its landmark equity investment in the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, marking a new chapter in Indigenous economic empowerment and infrastructure partnership. The investment is made through Caldwell's business development arm, Northwind Business Development LP (NBD), as part of a 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership with Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) and other impacted Anishnaabe First Nations whose traditional territories are located along the route of the transmission line. The investment is supported by a loan from Manulife and a loan guarantee from the provincial Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP), which helps Indigenous partners secure equity ownership in major infrastructure projects. This project not only ensures reliable power for a rapidly growing region, but also represents a powerful model of reconciliation and economic inclusion. Caldwell First Nation's participation reflects its strategic focus on long-term financial sustainability and self-determination for future generations. "Today marks a transformational moment for Caldwell First Nation and our partners," said Chief Nikki Van Oirschot. "By securing equity in the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, we are asserting our rightful place in the energy future of this province. This partnership is a testament to what is possible when First Nations are meaningfully included in the economic life of their territories. It's not just about power—it's about empowerment." John Wladarski, President and CEO of Northwind Business Development LP, added: "We are proud to lead this investment on behalf of Caldwell First Nation. This agreement demonstrates the strength of Indigenous-led economic development and reflects Caldwell First Nation's commitment to sustainable growth. Thanks to the support of the Province's new financing program, we've turned opportunity into ownership." "We are delighted to partner with Manulife and Caldwell First Nation on this transaction," said Michael Fedchyshyn, CEO of the Building Ontario Fund. "As the administration of IOFP transitions to the Building Ontario Fund we look forward to creating more opportunities for Indigenous equity participation in transformative infrastructure projects across Ontario." "Every new major transmission line offers an opportunity for First Nation partnership. We value the partnership we have built with Caldwell First Nation and we are pleased to celebrate this exciting milestone on the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission line together," said Matthew Jackson, Vice President, Indigenous Partnerships and Business Development, Hydro One. "Electricity is the foundation that will enable the economy and power the opportunities we see in every corner of the province. We will continue to work alongside First Nation governments and communities through our industry-leading 50-50 First Nation Equity Partnership Model to build an electricity network that advances reconciliation and supports a more prosperous Ontario." The Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line is a critical infrastructure project that will enhance electricity reliability and support economic growth in southwest Ontario. With this investment, Caldwell joins a growing network of Indigenous communities reshaping the Canadian energy landscape through equity partnerships and shared prosperity.
