The Caldwell First Nation app is now available

Caldwell First Nation, known in Ojibwe as Zaaga'iganniniwag ("People of the Lake"), is an Anishinaabe Nation and part of the Three Fires Confederacy. Its members are originally of the Mikinaak (Turtle) and Makwa (Bear) dodems. The Nation's traditional lands run from the Detroit River to Long Point on the north shore of Lake Erie, including what is now Point Pelee National Park.

The Nation fought for the British in the War of 1812 alongside Capt. William Caldwell, which is how it became known as "Caldwell's Indians." The people were promised Point Pelee in return, but in the 1920s many members were forced off their traditional lands by the RCMP. After a long fight, Canada settled the Nation's land claim for $105 million. In November 2020, an 80-hectare lot in Leamington became a reserve, and members began moving home in 2024.

Today the Nation is building a new community, with new homes going up on the reserve. Its economic development includes:

• Caldwell Gas & Variety, which opened in April 2023
• Part ownership of the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line through its business arm, Northwind Business Development

The Nation's stated values include working in harmony with Mother Earth to preserve, protect, harvest, hunt and fish. In 2024 the Chief said there were about 500 members, including youth, living in Leamington, elsewhere in Ontario, the Prairies and the United States. Learn more at the Caldwell First Nation website.