3 years after getting reserve status, a 'lost community' is taking shape at Caldwell First Nation

If you've driven around the Seacliff Drive area in Leamington, Ont., you may have noticed some new construction. 

Twenty-eight housing units are being built for members of Caldwell First Nation on the reserve.

They're a long time coming for the First Nation, where members were removed from local ancestral land more than 200 years ago. Now, three years after Caldwell gained reserve status, the houses will anchor the community by reuniting members with each other.

Doug Heil, who's leading the housing development, calls it a "rewarding" experience so far. The band councillor said he moved back to the area five years ago with an idea to help build homes on the reserve.

"It's like we're a family here. We've been scattered all over Ontario … Michigan … lots of other places across Canada," said Heil.

"Sometimes we talk about our families and … unable to really grasp the idea … but this is our homeland." 

Caldwell acquired roughly 80 hectares after a land claim settlement in 2010. Ten years later, it was officially designated a reserve — meaning members of the nation could have a permanent home on the ancestral lands they have been fighting for.

Acquiring the land and getting reserve status took a decade. Caldwell First Nation had to work with many government agencies at both the federal and provincial level, which included getting environmental assessments for the land.

In 2023, Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Duckworth announced the housing development would begin — previously calling it a major milestone to "rebuild a lost community."

WATCH | Major milestone as Caldwell First Nation works to build reserve: 

Major milestone as Caldwell First Nation works to build its first reserve.

1 year ago

Duration 3:02

Caldwell First Nation Chief Mary Duckworth talks about a ground breaking that she says will "rebuild a lost community." This marks the beginning of the journey to build housing and part of a much bigger plan that she shares with the CBC's Jason Viau.

Heil said the housing project is positive news for his spirit to live in the area where his culture's traditions were built.

"I'm sure the other members here have stayed here for that very reason. It took me quite a few years to get back here, but like I say, you know, it's just like, I feel like I'm home."

Caldwell First Nation Coun. Ian Duckworth said the homes are an exciting step for people to move back into the area.

"We have probably about 60 members living in the area now that never really left," he said. We've always stayed connected to this territory. When you have no place to live, you have to find someplace to live and work."

Duckworth said the homes will help bring the community back together.

"It's high time that Caldwell was recognized to have a community that was denied to us back in the 1800s. We'll be able to have more services available for our community members. This is the perfect time for this to start happening."

Heil said the homes will be energy efficient, soundproof and well insulated.

They're expected to be ready by June.