Caldwell First Nation marked a turning point for its people with a celebration over the weekend.
A Land Back and cultural event was held on Saturday, to welcome families who have moved back to Canada's southernmost First Nation, and leave out a welcome for those who may soon be moving back.
Chief Mary Duckworth said Saturday's celebration is the start of a new chapter in the life of Caldwell First Nation.
"It took years of strong leadership and enduring obstacles on our path home," said Duckworth. "If not for our ancestors and leaders, we would not be standing here on our land now. In ceremonies, songs, and stories, and most of all through our nationhood, we are sharing our gratitude to the Creator and to all who have come before us and contributed to saving our nation and creating a new homeland."
The celebration completed the journey of ten people -- eight adults and two children -- who began returning home on July 20. By September, 58 people are expected to return to the community.
Caldwell First Nation, which has existed since 1790, finally had a place to call home when it acquired land near Point Pelee in Leamington in 2020. Funding for development was granted in November 2021. Since then, new net-zero homes have been built, along with new street signs.
The First Nation persevered through war, arson, racism, the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, and other challenges.
"This small yet strong nation persevered, meeting around kitchen tables, writing letters, and testifying to the federal government," read a release from Caldwell First Nation. "We set aside small amounts of money for our dream and, with the advocacy and leadership of Chief Carl Johnson and his son Larry Johnson, we eventually, some 230 years later, won a 198-acre small piece of our original homelands back by ratifying a land claim settlement for Point Pelee with Canada in 2011 for $105-million."
Duckworth said that Saturday's ceremony brought the story of the First Nation full circle.
"We have come through a devastating experience of land loss at the hands of colonial powers and have restored our land and our homes," said Duckworth. "Land Back is a deeply meaningful and important history for everyone who lives in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Elgin County to understand."