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caldwell first nation to co-manage ojibway national urban park
the caldwell first nation will help manage the proposed...
jan 11 2023
2 minute read
caldwell first nation chief mary duckworth, centre, speaks during a press conference on wednesday, january 11, 2023 at the ojibway nature centre in windsor as councillor doug heil and cultural educator liz akiwenzie look on.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
the caldwell first nation will help manage the proposed ojibway national urban park when it is created.
caldwell leaders on wednesday announced a co-management agreement has been reached with parks canada to help oversee and monitor the planned ojibway national urban park.
“we must safeguard the health of the land and ecosystem,” chief mary duckworth said. “it is a way of life for all members of society and all species and has a tremendous impact on the well-being of our community far into the future.”
ceremonies on hunting and fishing lands of indigenous ancestors along the ojibway shores area of the new national urban park were held wednesday to “recognize the return to the harmony of our people with all species.”
the federal government has agreed to provide support for participation of the caldwell first nation in shaping the park’s lands and ensuring species-at-risk protections.
the announcement held at the ojibway nature centre also included the caldwells’ intention to advance other environmental and economic initiatives for the coming months in the local area.
caldwell first nation chief mary duckworth is shown on wednesday, january 11, 2023 at the ojibway nature centre in windsor.
dan janisse
/
windsor star
the caldwell leaders highlighted ongoing plans in leamington around construction of a new urban reserve that will soon get underway, completion of a marina and boardwalk, plus scheduled opening in march of a gas bar and variety store.
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“we as a council and a nation will keep working together for our lands, wildlife and the benefit of our people, as well as those who have settled here and will immigrate to the area,” duckworth said.
caldwell first nation has been ramping up economic efforts of late as part of its “reconciliation path” and attempting to control its own fate rather than government.
other major investments involving the caldwell first nation are happening in electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure construction and health care facilities following a recent partnership agreement with the ontario government to establish the three fires nations – ontario southwestern ontario infrastructure and economic opportunities table.
caldwell first nation and other three fires treaty nations will have a seat at the table to ensure environmental protections are in place and economic opportunities are made available with future economic investments and infrastructure construction in the region.
the partnership will focus on ensuring indigenous consultation and potential economic benefits are ensured on everything from new hydro transmission lines, electric vehicle manufacturing and health care facilities.
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“the challenges indigenous peoples face when it comes to restoring our prosperity are the direct result of colonial policies that violated our basic human rights and undermined our political and economic sovereignty,” duckworth said.
“these policies have led to geographic and economic isolation, financial dependence and widespread poverty and suffering.”
in 2020, the caldwell first nation was granted reserve status in leamington following a 230-year quest to regain ancestral grounds. the traditional lands of the caldwell nation stretch from the detroit river all the way to long point on the north shore of lake erie, including point pelee national park.
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