1st Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Bus Tour Highlights Hidden First Nations History of Windsor-Essex
For thousands of years the lands and waters of Windsor and Essex County were places which sustained the lives of many different First Peoples following the ice age. Now, for the first time, the lifeways, village sites, trading posts and trails will be shared publicly by Caldwell First Nation guides on bus tours enroute to the first ever Pow Wow on Caldwell First Nation’s new reserve in Leamington on Saturday August 9th and Sunday, August 10th.
“Our people have touched every square foot of this region and left lasting and sometimes invisible imprints. People in our region can take this opportunity to learn about the incredibly rich, sacred and historic First Nation sites through the free Caldwell First Nation Bus Tour on the way to our Pow Wow. We welcome everyone to join us on the new reserve lands for our first ever Pow Wow featuring dance, drumming and singing competitions to experience the joys and strength of our cultural heritage together.” – Chief Nikki van Oirschot
The Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Bus Tour will enable 105 riders to enjoy a free one and half hour tour along the Windsor-Essex Shoreline to highlight many hidden and ancient indigenous sites. Seats can be reserved only by purchasing a ticket to the Pow Wow online at caldwellfirstnation.ca. Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 8 and Seniors over 60 still need to reserve their tickets online for the bus tour but will be refunded the cost when the bus arrives at the Pow Wow. Tickets will also be available in person at the Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow located at Mersea Road 1 in Leamington.
CEO Steve Salmons of Port Windsor lauded the historic moment as Chief van Oirschot and Gordon Orr, CEO of Invest Windsor Essex unveiled the Pow Wow Bus Tour Poster and new Logo for the Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow designed by Caldwell First Nation artist Naomi Peters. “We value our longstanding relationship with Caldwell First Nation. As a federal institution, we are fully committed and active in the pursuit of Truth and Reconciliation with all First Nations.” Salmons added: “We believe that journey includes education and exposure to the rich history of First Nations in our region, pre-dating European settlement by thousands of years. We also believe this unique history is unrecognized for its potential and importance to local tourism. That is why we are proud to sponsor the Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Bus Tours that will provide free tours of First Nation history in our region.”
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is providing a promotional sponsorship to ensure people across and beyond the region learn about the opportunity to experience First Nation cultural heritage on these lands.
“Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is proud to partner with Caldwell First Nation to support and share their Pow Wow experience—a powerful celebration of culture, tradition, and community,” said Gordon Orr, CEO, Invest Windsor-Essex. “This marks the first step in what we hope will be a long and meaningful collaboration on indigenous tourism that respects the chronicles of the ancestors and educates visitors on their fascinating storied past. We’re honoured to walk alongside a Nation so rich in stories, wisdom, and heritage, and we’re excited to help open more doors for visitors to engage with and learn from their incredible legacy.”
The Caldwell First Nation Pow Wow Bus Tour will depart Windsor at 10am and 4pm on Saturday, August 9th and at 10am on Sunday, August 10th. Riders will board the bus at Destination Ontario – Ontario Travel Information Services, located at 110 Park St. East, Windsor. The bus pick up/drop off will be located at the west side of the building on Goyeau St. (corner of Goyeau and Park St. East). The Pow Wow gathering will begin with a Grand Entry Procession followed by competitive dancing, singing and drumming for two days.
Learn more about the Caldwell First Nation Competitive Pow Wow beginning this week on their event website.