Celebrating Culture And Honouring Tradition . . . Caldwell First Nation’s Competition Pow Wow Returns

The Caldwell First Nation (also known as the Chippewas of Point Pelee) has called the Point Pelee Peninsula, Pelee Island, and much of the surrounding region home since long before 1763.

As allies of the British during the War of 1812, the Nation was promised land at Point Pelee and occupied the area until the 1850s, when its people were forcibly displaced from their traditional territory.

More than 150 years later, Caldwell First Nation reclaimed a portion of its ancestral homeland through a 2011 land claim settlement with the Government of Canada. In 2020, a 200-acre parcel in Leamington, Ontario, was officially designated as reserve land.

After generations without reserve land, Caldwell First Nation officially received reserve status, marking a significant milestone in the Nation’s history. Since then, projects such as Caldwell Gas & Variety have
helped create new opportunities while supporting the Nation’s long-term vision for self-determination and prosperity.

Located on Caldwell First Nation’s reserve lands, Caldwell Gas & Variety opened in April 2023, as one of the Nation’s first major economic development projects.

The business serves both community members and visitors with 16 fuel pumps, and a convenience store that sells First Nation gifts and crafts, as well as snacks, beverages, and everyday essentials. The store is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and has 24-hour pay-at-the-pump service available.

“Caldwell Gas & Variety represents the Nation’s vision of building a strong and prosperous future for generations to come,” indicates Chief Nikki van Oirschot. Find further information on historical resources on their website.

The Pow Wow

Another milestone came in 2025 when Caldwell First Nation held its first Competition Pow Wow on its reserve lands. The Nation is now preparing to welcome visitors back for the second annual event.

Hosting the Caldwell First Nation’s Competition Pow Wow on its reclaimed homeland carries profound cultural and historical significance, serving as a celebration of resilience, renewal, and the Nation’s enduring connection to the land.

Last year’s Caldwell First Nation’s Competition Pow Wow attracted more than 5,000 attendees to the reserve!

Chief van Oirschot described it as “incredibly heartwarming and supportive” to see that many people come out to celebrate and honour tradition. Along with the Chief, Caldwell First Nation Councillor Randy
DeGraw is also one of the organizers.

This year, they expect another strong turnout when the celebration of Anishinaabe resilience, culture, and community takes place August 7 to 9, 2026.

According to Chief van Oirschot as published on their website: “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.”

The three-day cultural event brings together Indigenous dancers, drummers, artisans, and guests from across Turtle Island (an Indigenous name for the continent of North America) with the celebration open to all who wish to attend.

The electric pulse of the crowd, steady beat of the drums, vibrant colours of regalia, and the aroma of traditional foods draw guests into Indigenous culture with an energy that can be energetic, positive, and
deeply moving.

Visitors can browse handcrafted works by Indigenous artisans, take in live music and traditional dance, taste items from food vendors, and spend time connecting with community members throughout the
weekend.

The singing and dancing competitions in particular are among the weekend’s biggest attractions and come with some significant cash prizes!

Competition dancing is a highlight of the weekend, with over 200 participants showcasing a variety of traditional Indigenous dance styles.

COVER STORY CONTINUES HERE!

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THE PARENTING BIZ – Complete Care For The Family Dog Living In Windsor Essex: Training, Daycare, Boarding, & Grooming

The family pet is no longer confined to the backyard. On the contrary, our furry friends have become full-fledged members of the family, living their best lives with fuzzy blankets, memory-foam beds, temperature-controlled water bowls, and an endless supply of toys. As pet ownership has evolved, so has the need for thoughtful, structured care that fits busy schedules and acknowledges the role these animals hold in our everyday lives.

A well-trained dog can shift the whole feel of a home — calming the pace, strengthening routines, and teaching children responsibility and empathy.

Doggy Daycare now is part of this balance, giving parents the freedom to work, letting kids focus on school, and giving the dog a safe place to spend the day. And with summer vacation on the horizon, dependable boarding keeps that stability going even when the family’s away. This article highlights a few of the local experts who make it possible for your dog to have its own support team.

Families function better when everyone is looked after — fur babies included. And naturally, with a story about dogs, we couldn’t resist including as many cute photos as possible!

Animal Antics

With years of experience in canine behaviour and obedience training, Animal Antics has built a reputation for helping dogs and their owners communicate more effectively.

Bringing a pet into the home can come with challenges such as chewing, biting, door manners, separation anxiety, and socialization. Training is a key part of helping families navigate these behaviours, creating a
calmer, happier experience for everyone.

Since pets are part of the family, Animal Antics encourages children to be involved in the training process, helping them learn how to respectfully interact with animals and understand their boundaries. “We love to see kids learning how to give appropriate cues and directions to the family dog,” says Kelly French-Mitrevski, Animal Behaviourist and Owner. “We can also help teach children how to read dogs effectively, be respectful of their space, and train their own dogs to ensure a peaceful home environment.”

The Windsor location of Animal Antics has been open for 11 years and offers services including daycare for socialization and separation support, enrichment programs, grooming, group classes, private training,
and positive reinforcement training. The Lakeshore site — which opened on March 14, 2026 — features dog daycare and boarding.

French-Mitrevski holds a Master’s degree in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling, while Sharon Mack, Co-owner of the Lakeshore location, is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

The Windsor-based Behaviour Centre employs 10 staff members, and the Lakeshore location has a team of six made up of both full and part-time employees.

Many staff members have years of experience working in dog daycare environments, and the head dog trainer is a certified canine behaviour specialist who instructs staff on reading dog body language, handling inappropriate play, and recognizing when to give breaks. All staff are certified in Canine First Aid and CPR. For daycare or training, dogs must be vaccinated, and their online booking system even sends reminders to clients when vaccines are due!

Regarding daycare, staff then start with short, controlled introductory sessions where new dogs come in for just one hour, and selected daycare dogs are introduced in a safe, comfortable environment.

Story continues with Puppy Charm Play & Stay and Kounty Kennels & Kritters Inc. on page 28.

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In Safe Hands: The Local Experts Protecting Our Workplaces

Each year, on April 28, Canadians observe the National Day of Mourning to honour workers who never returned home or whose lives were permanently altered on the job.

Along with remembrance, the day serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure workplace injuries and deaths become a thing of the past.

While workplace safety is important year-round, Safety and Health Week (May 4–9 this year) is an ideal time for businesses and organizations to refocus their efforts and prioritize keeping employees and worksites safe. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Keep reading as we introduce you to several of the professionals who guide and support Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent businesses and organizations in preventing injuries and promoting safe and healthy workplaces.

SafestWork Consulting Inc.
After a decade working as a labour inspector with the Ministry of Labour, Adrien LeBlanc, BA, opened SafestWork Consulting Inc. The company started as a sole proprietorship in 2016 and was registered
as a corporation in 2017.

LeBlanc worked in enforcement across the Ministry’s two main programs — industrial safety and construction safety — before becoming President of SafestWork. He now leads the operation as Principal Consultant alongside his wife, Paula LeBlanc, BFA, Vice-President, whose background in marketing, advertising, and graphic design allows their team to provide clear and concise training. SafestWork Consulting Inc. provides health and safety training for workers and supervisors, consulting services (including policy management, inspections, and incident investigations), and complex project management support, with experienced safety professionals working on-site with project managers to help ensure compliance with safety requirements.

The LeBlancs have a staff of 12, with four handling administration and eight working in the field. Each senior consultant brings more than 25 years of experience, with backgrounds in medical care, ergonomics, manufacturing, construction trades, and general health and safety. The business is a CPO-approved training provider, which means it is recognized by the Chief Prevention Officer of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour. This allows SafestWork to deliver specific health and safety training programs such as Working at Heights.

Their large classroom is well equipped with all the equipment needed to deliver hands-on, practical sessions, including access to heavy equipment for forklift and elevated work platform training.

To complement its in-person training, SafestWork is launching its online training platform this month. This added service helps reduce in-person training hours and minimizes time away from work. Training can also be delivered on-site, with trainers available to provide mobile services.

“We have gone to great lengths to make sure that our programs are aligned with the most recent standards to ensure that workers get the most accurate information available,” Adrien indicates. “Workers also get the benefit of convenient access to the in-person, hands-on practical elements that they can’t get elsewhere.”

Safety challenges are part of every business, and he points to tight budgets as the culprit for those with shortcomings.

“Often the contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder — so companies always have to find ways to cut costs, and safety programs are often a casualty of that approach,” Adrien comments.

He continues by stating: “We find that companies often think of safety protocols as an added cost. We engineer the safety precautions into the regular tasks so that they create efficiencies to either save time and money or avoid the costs and delays that safety incidents will ultimately cost the company.”

A positive trend Adrien has noticed is that companies are becoming more selective in choosing their safety partners.

“Increasing fines for non-compliance have many managers checking to make sure the training provided is actually meeting the standards,” he mentions. “We have also been re-training workers who initially got a
certificate from some other sources that didn’t meet current standards.”

Unfortunately, falls from heights are still a major cause of injury and death in the workplace.

“Proper training is proving effective in lowering injury rates, but a single death is one too many,” says Adrien. “Investigators are finding that those who are getting injured or killed often did not receive the required training.”

SafestWork Consulting Inc. encourages companies to regularly review their operations to identify opportunities to improve safety programs, procedures, and training. They also emphasize the importance of ongoing training, particularly for new workers and new Canadians, to make sure they understand their rights and how to report concerns. In addition, Adrien notes that WSIB claims must be properly managed
through a clear Return to Work program to support timely medical treatment and a safe return to regular duties: “This means that our clients who may have had penalties from the WSIB in the past are now able to apply for rebates.”

To partner with a certified safety provider, register for training, or book on-site services, visit the new location of SafestWork Consulting Inc. at 2825 Lauzon Parkway, Suite 212, Windsor.

READ MORE FROM TW SAFETY CONSULTING SERVICES INC.ERGONOW INCORPORATED, LUCIER GLOVE & SAFETY PRODUCTS INC. AND DOVER DUDS IN THE COVER STORY THAT CONTINUES ON PAGE 18 OF THE MAY EDITION BY CLICKING HERE.

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Transform Your Home, One Corner At A Time

From indoor comfort to outdoor enjoyment, regain spaces that make life easier and more relaxing for every member of the family

Your home should be a place you love to be — not just where you live, but where you and your family thrive.

Beyond aesthetics, a great home feels comforting, functional, and supports everyday family life. If you are ready to improve your space — inside or outside, the local biz pros highlighted in this article can help
you get more day-to-day satisfaction from your property.

When every room works for the people who live in it, your home becomes a place where the whole family can breathe a little easier. Let’s now be inspired to create a home that feels more purposeful,
welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

Cleaning That Gives You Time Back

Cleaning Services
After 10 years in the fitness industry at various clubs, one of Kirstie Kipp’s managers told her something that changed her outlook.

“He said I was meant to be more than a manager . . . I poured everything I had into helping those companies grow and succeed,” recounts Kipp.

“His words made me realize something important — if I was going to give that level of dedication, passion, and drive, it should be toward building something of my own.”

That mindset became the foundation of K. It’s Clean Inc., a three-year-old company built on hard work and high standards.

“When you truly care about what you do, success follows,” she says.

Serving Windsor Essex, the company specializes in deep cleaning, including windows and appliances. Every client’s property starts with a mandatory deep cleaning, then they can book weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services. Out of the services offered, seasonal deep cleans and interior window cleaning are the most popular.

The company provides all tools and supplies for each clean, prioritizing eco-friendly, non-toxic products.

Teams of two to four bonded and insured staff members handle each visit. Kipp employs 13 full-time staff — many with backgrounds in the health industry — and she is deeply committed to mentoring her team.
“We pride ourselves on a family-like atmosphere and a place where people want to work,” Kipp expresses.

She shares advice in professional circles too, attending networking events, collaborating with business owners, and even advising other cleaning businesses on how to scale successfully.

It’s all about giving back in so many ways.

K. It’s Clean Inc. also runs a special Cancer Cleaning Program that provides free professional cleaning services to individuals and families currently undergoing cancer treatment. Since keeping up with household tasks can be overwhelming during treatment, Kipp and her crew step in to help, offering a cleaning valued at $300 to those who have been nominated for support.

When choosing a cleaning service, she recommends not going with the lowest price.

“Ask questions about the products they use and if they are insured and bonded? These things are crucial. And ask about staff retention . . . it’s super important! You want a consistent cleaning company, not a revolving door of employees.” – Kirstie Kipp, Owner K. It’s Clean Inc.

A cleaner home can help your mind relax and improve your overall mood. Hiring Kipp and her team offers more than just a clean space. In her words: “We give people their time back to spend with the people
who matter most — family.”

To book an estimate for your home, condo, or apartment, or to nominate someone for the Cancer Cleaning Program, visit online.

READ MORE WAYS TO LIVE BETTER, TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY WITH SUGGESTIONS FROM: Clutterbug; LaSalle Collective; Mosquito Five-O/Bloodhound Odor Protection Systems; Junctura Inc.; A.I. The Yard Guy and EuroSheds Inc. in

The Parenting Biz continues on Page 30.

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The Movement To Keep Girls In Sport And Create Lifelong Participation

Photos By Sanja Tabor, unless marked

To celebrate International Women’s Month in March, we drew inspiration from the 2026 theme — Give to Gain — as a reminder of the power of support, mentorship, and collaboration, especially when it
comes to sport. For trainers, coaches, and clubs who invest in the health and development of girls and women, the impact extends far beyond the field, rink, or gym.

Sports offer tremendous physical, mental, and social benefits, helping young people develop leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. Many women credit their athletic background with providing the confidence and skills needed to shape a successful career and life.

Despite the benefits, participation rates among girls tend to decline with age. Girls step away from activities they once loved, with the drop-off becoming particularly noticeable in their teen years.

Data shows that factors like body image, lack of confidence, fatigue, injury, cost, and lack of inclusive environments are barriers to continued involvement. As a result, many young women miss out on the benefits of being active.

We reached out to local mentors, trainers, and coaches to learn how they are strengthening participation, improving retention, and working to create a lasting impact for girls and women in fitness and sport.

Cross Border Swim Training

After coaching youth swimming for more than 35 years, Stacey Kane recognized an opportunity to specialize in training adults looking to excel in — or return to — the sport.

In the summer of 2025, she decided to exclusively coach Masters for swimmers 18 years and up and launched Cross Border Swim Training to accommodate her new students.

Along with training athletes for competition, the group also welcomes adults who want to stay active in a faster-paced environment. As the only Canadian-owned and operated U.S. Masters Swimming training group and team under Michigan Masters — and with the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre as her facility — Kane has attracted not just Ontario swimmers, but also Michigan athletes who prefer training in nearby Windsor over using school or community pools.

Kane competed in swimming in high school and then dived into teaching swimming and lifeguarding. She found that leading children (particularly teens) was something she really enjoyed. Eventually, after she graduated and ventured into life beyond school, she left swimming behind.

Many years later, when it was time to enroll her own children in a Learn to Swim program, she felt the need to get back into coaching.

As a certified Pilates instructor, Kane also began to include movement work into her training sessions. While the men initially thought it was an exercise just for the girls, they quickly realized the benefits and the impact it had on their training.

She had always noticed that the girls were dropping out faster than their male counterparts and returning to the sport revealed the same challenges in retaining young women.

Influences like anxiety, peer pressure, and social media all played a part in changing an athlete’s perspective. “Even pressure from their own teammates about how they look was a factor,” Kane adds.

It was imperative that she instilled a sense of belonging within her program, ensuring that all athletes felt they were welcome, especially the girls. When it was time to engage in difficult conversations, she knew
that her gender played an important role in creating a space for open conversations.

“I found that the female athletes wanted to talk more so I made it easy to talk about their concerns,” Kane mentions. “As a female coach dealing with females, we can be more empathetic and understanding because we have experienced the same thing with our own development, self-doubt, and changing bodies.” Even now training adults, Kane still emphasizes to the athletes that everyone will develop differently, especially since each has their own goals.

Some swimmers want to focus on a stroke or technique as they prepare for an upcoming competition, and others just want to prove something to themselves. It has become a busy and varied group with participants ranging in age from 18 to 80!

“I love that there’s this cross section and I’m just excited they want to get back into the water,” she expresses. Kane feels the next natural step is to get women back to coaching. Despite a lot of women competing in swimming, most coaches at the higher levels are men. Unfortunately, she has seen great women leave coaching due to burnout or because of how they were treated by their male counterparts.

“We need to support each other, and we need to support women coaches so we can keep them in the sport,” says Kane. “Seeing a woman coaching does a lot for the girls. It creates a space where the athletes feel supported and can build confidence. It’s also easier for them to envision themselves doing something like coaching in the future.”

Being a role model and creating an environment of inclusivity and growth where all of her athletes excel, is exactly why Kane remains committed to the sport: “I’m lucky to work with amazing athletes. I really love what I do.” Visit their website to learn more about training or getting back to the pool to improve your technique (you must be over 18).

Three additional organizations and one business share how they’re opening doors, building confidence, and changing the game for girls in sports: Windsor West Little League (Softball); Windsor City FC
(Soccer); Sam McIntosh (Personal Training & Yoga Instruction) and Sun Parlour Female Hockey Association . . .

CONTINUE READING THE COVER STORY ON PAGE 18

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