August 9–10, 2025
Mersea Road 1, Leamington, Ontario
Set on the vibrant ancestral lands of the Caldwell First Nation, this powerful cultural celebration will take place on August 9 and 10, 2025, at the Caldwell First Nation Reserve in Leamington, Ontario. The event brings together dancers, drummers, families, and guests from across Turtle Island to honour traditions, reclaim space, and celebrate Indigenous identity in motion.
About the Caldwell First Nation PowWow
This inaugural competition PowWow marks a historic moment for the Caldwell First Nation — a proud Anishinaabe community deeply rooted in teachings of resilience, healing, and reciprocity with the land. As the Nation continues to rebuild and thrive in Southwestern Ontario, the Pow Wow stands as both a cultural milestone and an open invitation to all to witness, learn, and participate in the beauty of Indigenous life.
More than just a gathering, the event is a celebration of story, dance, and unity. It features two full days of competitive performances with over $50,000 in prize money, a diverse array of cultural vendors, and the joy of shared community.
Why It Matters
The Caldwell Pow Wow is a celebration of cultural strength and survival. It not only offers a stage for some of the most skilled performers in North America, but also provides an inclusive, welcoming environment for guests of all backgrounds to join in shared respect and learning.
The Pow Wow represents a powerful act of reclamation and visibility for Caldwell First Nation — reestablishing their presence on the land and continuing intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Through dance, song, and ceremony, this event brings community healing to the forefront and offers a joyful glimpse into the enduring beauty of Indigenous tradition.
Pow Wow Highlights
- Dates: Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2025
- Time: Gates open at 10:00 AM
- Location: Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington, Ontario
- Entry: $10 per person (Children under 8 and seniors over 60 enter free)
🪶 Grand Entry Times:
- Saturday: 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM
🎵 Dancing & Drumming Competitions
💰 Over $50,000 in Cash Prizes
🎨 Craft and Food Vendors On-Site
🚌 Shuttle Experience from Windsor Available
Exclusive Cultural Shuttle Tour from Windsor
Thanks to a special collaboration with the Windsor Port Authority and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, 105 guests will be able to join a free round-trip bus tour from Riverside Drive in Windsor. This unique experience includes visits to ancient and hidden Indigenous sites along the Windsor-Essex shoreline, culminating in a full-day immersion at the PowWow grounds in Leamington.
Advance registration required via the official event website (live July 22, 2025).
Competition Categories & Prizes
Featuring dance and singing contests for all age groups and styles, including:
- Golden Age (50+): Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Grass
- Adult (18–49): Men’s & Women’s divisions in all major styles
- Teen (13–17), Junior (6–12), Tiny Tots (Paid Daily)
- Singing Contest: Up to $10,000 for 1st place
- Saturday Evening Specials include IS-Chicken, Smoke Dance Men’s & Women’s, with $500–$1000 in top prizes
🧑⚖️ Judging by esteemed cultural leaders and dance champions
🥁 Host Drum: Warpaint (Backswamp, North Carolina)
🎤 MCs: Herb Augustine & Joel Syrette
🕺 Head Dancers: Liam Sands & Nikki Shawana
Plan Your Visit
📍 Where: Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington, Ontario
🗓️ When: August 9 & 10, 2025
🎫 Tickets: $10 per person (Available at the gate or via the website starting July 22)
👵🏽 Free Entry: For children under 8 and seniors over 60
🪑 Note: Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs
For vendor/general inquiries, contact Carrie Ann at:
📧 cultural.dev@caldwellfirstnation.ca
Singer/Dancer/Contest inquiries: Gordon Sands – gordonsands44@gmail.com
Pow Wow Bus Tour Experience
In partnership with the Windsor Port Authority and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Caldwell First Nation is offering a free cultural bus tour for 105 guests departing from Windsor. Participants will explore ancient and hidden Indigenous sites along the shoreline before arriving at the PowWow grounds.
Bus Tour Pick-up Location:
📍 Destination Ontario, west side of building on Goyeau Street (corner of Park and Goyeau)
To register and reserve a seat, guests must purchase a Pow Wow Pass in advance via the official site and present their ticket when boarding and upon arrival.
Tour Schedule:
Saturday, August 9
🚌 Bus Tour 1:
- Boarding: 9:45 AM | Departure: 10:00 AM
- Guided Tour: 10:00–11:30 AM | Pow Wow Arrival: Noon
- Return Boarding: 2:15 PM | Departure: 2:30 PM | Arrival: 3:30–4:00 PM
🚌 Bus Tour 2:
- Boarding: 3:45 PM | Departure: 4:00 PM
- Guided Tour: 4:00–5:30 PM | Pow Wow Arrival: 6:00 PM
- Return Boarding: 8:15 PM | Departure: 8:30 PM | Arrival: 8:30–9:00 PM
Sunday, August 10
🚌 Bus Tour 3:
- Boarding: 9:45 AM | Departure: 10:00 AM
- Guided Tour: 10:00–11:30 AM | Pow Wow Arrival: Noon
- Return Boarding: 2:15 PM | Departure: 2:30 PM | Arrival: 3:30–4:00 PM
Final Thoughts
Caldwell First Nation’s first-ever PowWow is more than an event — it is a vibrant declaration of cultural pride, community restoration, and shared joy. Whether you’re a dancer, singer, guest, or lifelong learner, this is a moment not to be missed.
Follow updates via the Caldwell First Nation PowWow Website and join the celebration of spirit, history, and future. For more events like this one, visit our Events page – a place where we honour Indigenous voices, traditions, and communities
