MaryAnne Kenney’s connection to the Caldwell First Nation reserve is deeply personal. Her father passed away when she was just four years old, never knowing he was part of this First Nation. For Kenney, moving to the reserve meant returning to her roots and building a life on the land her ancestors fought hard to reclaim. Yet, a controversy over security cameras has left her and seven other residents facing eviction on Boxing Day, raising questions about safety, governance, and community values.
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A Hard-Fought Homecoming
Caldwell First Nation has a long and tumultuous history. Centuries of colonization stripped the First Nation of its lands, which once stretched from the Detroit River to Long Point along Lake Erie. After decades of petitions and legal battles, the federal government awarded the community $105 million in a land claim settlement in 2011. With this, they acquired 80 hectares in Leamington, Ontario, officially designated as reserve land in 2020. The milestone meant members could finally establish permanent homes on their ancestral lands.
Kenney moved to the reserve earlier this year, excited to become part of a community built on resilience. However, her decision to install a security camera outside her home in September sparked a series of events that now threaten her residency.
Security Concerns and Eviction Notices
Kenney was not alone in her decision to install cameras; several other residents followed suit. For many, the cameras were a response to reports of break-ins and general crime in the area. The residents claim they received verbal permission from a project manager to install the devices.
But shortly after the cameras went up, other tenants reportedly complained, prompting the council to issue a notice citing “structural damage” as the reason for removal. When residents resisted, they received a second notice, this time citing “privacy concerns.”
Despite assurances that the cameras do not record audio until someone is within five feet, the council escalated the situation. The eight residents were given an ultimatum: remove the cameras or vacate their homes by Dec. 26.
Residents’ Fight for Safety
For the residents, the cameras are more than just security devices—they symbolize their right to protect their homes and families. John Snellgrove, another resident, recounted incidents where people have peeked into windows and even punctured outdoor decorations.
“We’re just trying to protect what’s ours,” Snellgrove said. “We waited all these years to come home, and now they want to kick us out for our cameras.”
Douglas Heil, a former councillor, noted that his insurance premiums are significantly lower because of the cameras, which he installed for added security. He also questioned the council’s reasoning, pointing out that there are surveillance cameras in the band office.
“There’s no paperwork to back anything up,” Heil said, adding that while housing rules mention satellite dishes, there are no explicit restrictions on cameras.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
Marie Duckworth and her daughter Angela Duckworth, who moved into the community in November, also rely on cameras to feel safe. Angela, whose traditional name is Ba Masshi Migizi Kwe (Soaring Eagle Woman), explained that their frosted glass doors make it difficult to see outside, and the cameras provide essential surveillance.
Angela shared that the cameras have even captured instances of people mocking her mother. “This is not the Anishinaabe way,” Angela said, reflecting on the lack of respect shown toward elders in the community. “To be able to be here and feel comfortable—I’m not there, even with the security cameras.”
Despite the challenges, Angela is determined to stand her ground. “We have a responsibility to our ancestors and future generations to fight back. We can’t allow this to happen.”
A Clash of Governance and Values
The eviction notices have left residents feeling betrayed by the leadership of Caldwell First Nation. Many expected the reserve to be a sanctuary, a place where cultural traditions and communal support would prevail. Instead, they find themselves caught in a legal battle over what they perceive as a basic right to safety.
Kenney and her neighbors have retained legal counsel and plan to challenge the eviction in court. The ordeal has caused significant stress, with residents describing feelings of anger, sadness, and anxiety.
“This is our home,” Kenney said. “We have a right to be here, not to be kicked out by a reigning chief and council.”
The Larger Picture
The situation at Caldwell First Nation reflects broader issues faced by Indigenous communities striving to balance traditional values with modern governance. While privacy concerns and housing regulations are valid considerations, the residents argue that their safety and well-being should not be compromised.
The case also highlights the complexities of rebuilding a community after years of displacement. For Caldwell First Nation, the return to ancestral lands was meant to mark a new beginning. But for Kenney, Heil, Snellgrove, and the Duckworths, it has become a fight to hold onto the home they have worked so hard to reclaim.
A Call for Unity
As the Boxing Day deadline looms, the residents of Caldwell First Nation remain resolute. Their fight is not just about cameras—it is about the right to feel secure in their homes and the responsibility of leadership to uphold community values. Angela Duckworth perhaps put it best: “We can’t be bullied, because it is oppression.”
Whether through court battles or community dialogue, the residents hope for a resolution that honors both the cultural heritage and the safety of all Caldwell First Nation members. After all, a home is not just a place—it is a promise of belonging, security, and future prosperity.
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