2024 March Quw'utsun Newsletter

Message from Chief Lydia Hwitsum

Si’em nu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw,

Land has been a long-standing identified need for our community, since colonization left us with a fraction of our traditional territory. Cowichan Tribes is currently in advanced negotiations to secure 400 acres as part of a land back agreement with the Provincial government. I look forward to providing additional details once this agreement is finalized.

We have also been working hard to develop innovative partnerships to meet the substantial urgent housing needs in our community. We are now starting to see some of those efforts move forward. Cowichan Tribes and Khowutzun Development Corporation’s housing project located at 222 Cowichan Way was featured as an example in the Provincial government’s BC Builds province-wide announcement. With the support of $38 million in provincial funding, the project plan is for two beautiful mixeduse buildings – designed to provide 199 apartment suites and ample green space for residents. This project is one step in addressing the housing shortage, with many more types of housing required for our people. Our Council and our departments are committed to increasing privately owned homes, rentals, and supportive and low barrier housing options.

Lastly, I’m pleased to provide an update regarding the work I have been doing along side the Cowichan Watershed Board and CVRD to gain provincial government support for a higher Lake Cowichan Weir. As part of the recently announced BC budget, $14 million has been secured for the weir replacement which is essential to provide adequate flows of water to sustain the health of the river and all the living creatures that rely upon it. We look forward to the next steps with the Province in advancing liability protection and a collaborative approach to water governance that respects Cowichan Tribes inherent rights.

Lalum a thut tseep,

Xtli’li ye’ Chief Lydia Hwitsum

Message from Acting Chief Administrative Officer

‘Uy’ skweyul,

On February 28, Cowichan Tribes celebrated Pink Shirt Day. Pink Shirt Day is all about fostering inclusive environments, spreading kindness, and lifting each other up. These values align with our cultural teachings, our snuw’uy’ulh. It was great to see everyone coming together to proudly wear pink and stand up against bullying.

A reminder to our citizens that in person voting in the Chief and Council Election is coming up on March 7, 2024 from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium. For more information and online voting, available between February 22nd and March 7th, please visit: https://www.onefeather.ca/nations/cowichan. The elected Chief and Council will take their Oaths of Office on March 13th. This event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page. Save the date football fans! I am excited to share that we will be hosting a special spring break youth flag football camp with professional football player Brock Gowanlock on March 18, 2024. Brock is originally from the Cowichan Valley and a current player with the 2023 Grey Cup winners, the Montreal Alouettes Football team. Brock will have the Grey Cup with him and at the beginning of the event, he will present his official Orange Shirt team warm up jersey to our Chief and Council. This event is open to all youth ages 8-18. No experience is needed, but participants are asked to register in advance. Full details are included in this newsletter.

Huy ch q’u,

Dana (Sunaxwumaat) Thorne

2024 ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that the Cowichan Tribes will hold an Election on March 7, 2024, in accordance with the Cowichan Tribes Custom Election Law, 2023 for the purpose of electing one (1) candidate to the Office of Chief , and twelve (12) candidates to the Office of Councillor, for the ensuing four (4) year term of office.

FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES

CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR - TWELVE (12) TO BE ELECTED

COWICHAN TRIBES

ALPHONSE, CHRISTOPHER GEORGE, TERRI NADINE

ALPHONSE, FRANCINE

HENRY, RACHEL

ALPINE, MICHAEL JACK, TAMMY

BROOKS, TASHA JOE, D’ARCY JR.

2024 ELECTION

FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES

CANUTE, CLYDE JOE, MARY MADELINE (MAL)

CASEY, CHRIS

JOHNNY, CYNTHIA ANNE

CHARLIE, JENNIFER OUELLETTE, JAMES (JIMMY)

Notice is hereby given that the Cowichan Tribes will hold an Election on March 7, 2024, in accordance with the Cowichan Tribes Custom Election Law, 2023 for the purpose of electing one (1) candidate to the Office of Chief , and twelve (12) candidates to the Office of Councillor, for the ensuing four (4) year term of office.

COLEMAN, JONATHAN

SAM, JOSEPH

DANIELS, CINDY SMITH, LEMO

DANIELS, ELIZABETH (LISA)

CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF CHIEF

DROUILLARD, GARY MONTANNA

DANIELS, CINDY

SWUSTUS, CALVIN JR.

SWUSTUS, CALVIN SR.

ELLIOTT, ERNEST W. SYLVESTER, AMANDA

ELLIOTT, TROY

ELLIOTT, TROY

THORNE, JOSEPH (BINGO)

GEORGE, HOWIE

GEORGE, AUDREY THORNE, SARAH

GEORGE, CRAIG

GEORGE, HOWIE

HWITSUM, LYDIA A.

TOPOROWSKI, DEBRA-ANN

ROLAND, HWIETUN FRED

Candidates lists as posted on the OneFeather website by the Electoral Officer.

WILLIAMS, RICHARD (DICK)

Candidates lists as posted on the OneFeather website by the Electoral Officer.

WITHDRAWAL - A Candidate may withdraw their candidacy at any time prior to the Election by submitting a written withdrawal of nomination to the Chief Electoral Officer. A Candidate who withdraws their candidacy shall forfeit their deposit. The withdrawal form is available on the webpage listed at the bottom of this page.

For more information or assistance, please contact OneFeather:

For more information or assistance, please contact OneFeather:

Email: nominations@onefeather.ca

Email: voterhelp@onefeather.ca

Phone: (250) 384-8200

Phone: (250) 384-8200 Toll Free: 1-855-923-3006

Toll Free: 1-855-923-3006

Phone support is available weekdays from 9:30 am-4:30 pm Pacific Time

Council Inauguration

First Nations Drinking Water Settlement

For Quw'utsun Mustimuhw who have already applied for the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement, the majority of applications are in the final stages of processing and claimants should be getting their approval letters shortly.

Josephine Charlie is available to help anyone who has not yet made a claim. She is available for in-person support at the Administration Building lobby during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) or you can all her at (250) 748-3196 extension 1013. You may also email Josephine Charlie at safe.water@cowichantribes.com.

If you have not yet submitted a claim for the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement, the deadline is March 7, 2024. Quw'utsun Mustimuhw who resided on the following reserves: Cowichan IR No. 1, Est-Patrolas IR No. 4, and Tzart-Lam IR No.5, between 2001 and 2021 may be eligible for compensation. (Please bring your I.D. and birth certificate for children when applying). Please be sure to bring a Direct Deposit Form.

Cowichan Tribes is not the one managing the payments for the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement.

For questions about your application, please call the toll free number at 1-833-252-4220 or email your questions to firstnationswater@deloitte.ca.

Where to Get Help for Addiction

For help with addiction, ALL Cowichan Tribes members can access helpful services and supports from Island Health and the First Nations Health Authority, as well as Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre.

Kwun’atsustul Treatment Coordinator

Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm| 250-732-6055|Message on Facebook (Kwun’atsustul Treatment)

· Kwun’atsustul Treatment Coordinator, Alexis Cage, helps Cowichan members with support, detox, and treatment for substance misuse and addictions.

Sa'qw'thut Nature Program

Tues-Fri, 11:00am-3:00pm | Call 250-732-3487 or email Deanna.Thompson@cowichantribes.com

· Cowichan Tribes’ land-based treatment program based on the Quw’utsun Snuw’uy’ulh (Teachings).

· Open to Cowichan Tribes members and their families.

Addictions Medicine Support at Slhexun Sunt’ts’a Clinic

By appointment (call the clinic at Brandy Williams 250-732-0460 to book) | 121 Ingram St. Duncan, BC

· Tse’wulhtun Health is working with an addictions specialist, Dr. Elizabeth Plant, to provide medical support for substance misuse. Dr. Plant can help members who are using opioids or need support for withdrawal.

Rapid Access Clinic at Duncan Mental Health and Substance Use

Drop-In Only | Monday—Friday, 10:00am—2:00pm | 3088 Gibbins Rd. |250-709-3040

· A walk-in clinic for adults with addiction and mental health challenges. Drop-in service, no appointment necessary. Open to ALL Cowichan Tribes members.

· Adults drop in for a 40 to 60 minute conversation with a supportive healthcare professional. Options are given for next steps such as referrals to detox, treatment, or other helpful resources.

Cowichan Overdose Prevention Site

Open 7 days a week, 11:00am-7:00pm | 5978 York Rd.| 250-597-7779

· A safe space with friendly staff and zero judgement. You don’t need to give your name.

· Supervised consumption including injection and smoking. Also provides support and referrals to detox, treatment, and safe supply of substances.

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Youth Services

Youth Services Schedule ׀ March 2024

Þ We would like to welcome Eric George to the team. He is now one of our Youth Service Workers

Þ We will be sending 15 youth to Gathering Our Voices (GOV) in Victoria on March 19-22, 2024. Ten tickets purchased by Cowichan Tribes and five tickets sponsored by the Red Cross.

Þ First Nation Health Authority has provided mental health training for our Cowichan Tribes Youth Services Team.

Þ For more information, contact Youth Services at (250) 746-0607.

Ts’ewulhtun

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Kwun’atsustul Counselling

Hip-Hop Cowichan 2024 (google.com)

Kwun’atsustul

Counselling invites you to the Skw'wulwexe Women's Circle.

Where: 200 Cowichan Way

Click

here or

When: Tuesdays from 10 am to noon Transportation, childminding and snacks provided.

For more information:

Dominique at 250-732-8958 or e-mail

dominique.klees-themens@cowichantribes.com

Mellissa at 250-732-1602 or email

mellissa.craghtten@cowichantribes.com

Indigenous Men’s Group In Quw’utsun, the Quw’utsun Way!

For more information:

Edward Epp: (250) 732-5372

Aaron Moore (250) 732-1085

Honouring Grief Weekly Circle

We invite you to join Kwun’atsustul Counselling for a weekly connection to honour grief.

This is a drop-in opportunity to connect with counsellors

MONDAYS 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

In person at 200 Cowichan Way (Starting March 25)

OR join via Zoom

Meeting ID: Meeting ID: 880 5548 1517 Passcode: healing

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88055481517? pwd=emhZM3l4WHFHRStzVWZGYXkvTndjdz09

Join by phone: 778-907-2071 Meeting ID: 880 5548 1517 Passcode: healing

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/actESnmPxW

Good Food Bag Program:

Our Good Food Bag (GFB) Program provides a variety of fruits and vegetables to Elders for the cost of $15.00 per bag, cash payments can be at the Elders Building. Below is the Good Food Bag program 2024 dates where money is due and the date you will receive your Good Food Bag.

*Please note we do not deliver Good Food Bags. Pick up can be made at the Elders Building *

March 8, 2024

April 12, 2024

May 10, 2024

June 7, 2024

July 12, 2024

August 9, 2024

September 13, 2024

October 11, 2024

November 8 , 2024

December 6, 2024

March 12, 2024

April 16, 2024

May 14, 2024

June 11, 2024

July 16, 2024

August 13, 2024

September 17, 2024

October 15, 2024

November 12, 2024

December 10, 2024

March 5, 2024

Cowichan Tribes Elders Building

Social Development

Cowichan Tribes

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

5760 Allenby Road • Duncan, BC V9L 5J1

Telephone 778-422-2255

Fax: 778-422-1303

Website: www.cowichantribes.com

CHEQUE ISSUE DAY IS MARCH 26, 2024 (for April 2024)

2023 Income tax returns will not be completed by Social Development.

T5

2023 T5s are available at Social Development, please come to the office to pick up. A reminder that all Social Development clients are required to complete an annual income tax return. Canada Child Benefit (CCB) statement and Notice of Assessment are required to complete your income assistance file.

If you require a T5 from a previous year, please ask your Band Social Development Worker and a request can be put to Finance for a copy.

Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency Onsite Clinic:

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency will be at Cowichan Tribes to answer questions you may have and provide access to services. We will provide more information closer to the date.

Pre-Employment Support Program:

The Pre-Employment Support Program is growing! Participants are accessing services, taking advantage of opportunities, and exploring what direction they would like to go in.

Designated Band Representatives:

Dora Swustus and Lori Guerin are continuing to work with Cowichan members to ensure their voices are heard in any dealings with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and Aboriginal Delegated Agencies. As a result, more children are returning to family.

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem ~ LUM-STAM’SH

Community Engagement Calendar

Wulhxus(March)2024

Thetimewhenthefrogsstarttosing

LOCATION:

Prevention Building

#1-5838 Trans Canada Hwy Duncan, BC

Mawson Phil Joe, Jr

Frenchy

CONTACT:

Angela Underwood

Cell#: 250.732.2723

We are still accepting names for our second intake of the Youth Mentorship Hunting Program. For more information, please contact Angela Underwood at (250) 732-2732.

Up

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum’ - Culture and Education

HAPPY SPRING BREAK

Sometimes a break from your routine is the very thing you need. Enjoy your two weeks with friends and family.

DON’T FORGET as the weather warms up in the afternoon, children may not wear their coats, and forget them on the bus. We have a lost and found bin at the Bus Compound. Lost items may be collected in the mornings between 10:00 am

– 12:00 pm

For more information, please call Cheryl Sylvester,

Transportation Clerk at Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum’ at 250-715-1022.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Þ MARCH 6, 2024, Queen of Angels School

2:00 pm EARLY DISMISSAL

Þ MARCH 11 - 22, 2024

SD #79 SPRING BREAK

Þ MARCH 29, 2024

SD #79 NO SCHOOL - GOOD FRIDAY

Þ APRIL 1, 2024

SD #79 NO SCHOOL - EASTER MONDAY

REMINDER

Parents and guardians when picking up students:

PLEASE be seen at the bus stop location, ARRIVE at least 10 minutes prior to pick up time.

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum’ - Culture and Education

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE COWICHAN LAKE WEIR PROJECT

A Step Forward for the Health of the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’

We are pleased to see the BC government’s commitment to the Cowichan Lake Weir project. The recent announcement represents a significant stride toward preserving the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ for future generations.

The provincial funding contribution of $14 million will complement an existing federal funding agreement with Cowichan Tribes. While this funding isn’t the final piece of the puzzle, it is a critical milestone toward our goal of raising the weir.

Why is a new weir so urgently needed?

The answer lies in the Cowichan River’s health. Climate change has led to a declining amount of annual snowpack, requiring additional water to be stored in the Cowichan Lake reservoir. In July, a devastating fish die-off underscored the urgency of sustainable water flow. By the summer’s end, electric pumps were required to maintain minimum river flows.

Addressing Remaining Hurdles

In the weeks and months ahead, the Cowichan Watershed Board will work with the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to address the remaining hurdles. Namely, the mitigation of liability concerns and shared decision making regarding water management.

A Collaborative Model for the Future

Our vision is a collaborative model placing water conservation and Indigenous leadership at its core. We look forward to the preservation and implementation of Indigenous knowledge as a province-wide example of positive outcomes stemming from such agreements.

In the spirit of unity and resilience, we move forward, acknowledging the dedication of all stakeholders towards the long-term vitality of the Quw'utsun Sta'lo’.

We will continue to keep you updated on our projects in stewardship of Quw’utsun tumuhw, waters, and all beings.

March

Environmental Opportunities

Volunteer

Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society: March 16 and 26, 9:30am 11:30am, Invasive Removal at the Open-Air Classroom in the S’amunu/Somenos Conservation Area. To sign up for an event or for more information, contact: phaedra@somenosmarsh.com.

Rugged Coast Research Society: research, monitoring, education, and restoration of BC shorelines. Training provided. https://www.ruggedcoastresearchsociety.com/volunteer

Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre: no special qualifications required, training provided. https://www.cowichanestuary.ca/volunteer/

Employment

FUTURE WORK OPPORTUNITY FOR QUW’UTSUN YOUTH: Help organize a Marine Community Forum for 2024. Contact John at (236) 800-4023, Ext 6023, or john.stewart@cowichantribes.com.

Chief of Staff, Director of Operations, and the Executive Assistant to Board Directors: The Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects is an Indigenous-founded, Indigenous-led, and exclusively Indigenous-serving organization that supports Indigenous communities in addressing cumulative effects. All posted positions are for remote work. Details: https://www.icce-caec.ca/jobs/

Indigenous Coastal Waters Stewardship Society (ICWSS) Board of Directors: Accepting applications for the Manager position. Remote work with some in-person meetings. For more details, contact: ICWSS Board Treasurer, Susan J. Anderson, at: caddisflyer@gmail.com

Events

Cowichan Watershed Board Speaker Series at VIU: Join Cowichan Tribes Biologist, Tim Kulchyski, and Photographer/Naturalist, Barry Hetschko for stories and slides from their years of conservation efforts. Monday, March 18, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at VIU Cowichan Lecture Hall 140.

Movie Screening of “Keepers of the Land”: Join members of the Lulumexun Marine Team, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Stewardship Team, and the Georgia Strait Alliance for a special screening of the award winning short film. Thursday, March 21, 5:00pm—7:00pm at Siem Lelum. For more details: https://fb.me/e/3A8L1qiuL

25th Annual DFO State of the Pacific Oceans meeting: Join DFO and non-DFO scientists to discuss the results of recent west coast monitoring. This is a hybrid event with limited in-person capacity. March 6 & 7th. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlce-srj8oEtYj7KGMvMkaaqgzOf-E-xF5#/registration

Kw’atl’kwa (Ocean) Updates

The S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa Program Fighting to Preserve Forage Fish Populations in the Salish Sea

Forage Fish in the Salish Sea

Forage fish, a group of seven small, schooling species including Pacific Herring, Sand Lance, and Surf Smelt, play a vital role in the intricate marine food webs of the Salish Sea. As an example of their importance: the Pacific Sand Lance appears on the menus of 45 sport and commercial fish species, 40 seabird species, and 12 marine mammal species. They make up a third of Coho diets, and are also an important food source for Chinook.

However, forage fish populations face substantial threats from human activities. Commercial and recreational fishing, alongside shoreline development, vegetation removal, water pollution from land and marine sources, and climate change, collectively exert immense pressure on their populations. See the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) forage fish backgrounder for more information.

S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kwa’tl’kwa and Forage Fish

To better understand and safeguard these vital species, the S-wuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa have begun to conduct Forage Fish spawn surveys. Trained by Alanna Vivanni of MABRRI, our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to conduct monthly surveys. We aim to identify potential spawning grounds by examining sediment samples for the presence of Sand Lance and Surf Smelt eggs.

Since October, our team has been sampling at Tl’ulpalus beach, albeit without any positive findings for Pacific Sand Lance eggs. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic, eyeing Genoa Bay as a future sampling site due to its spawning habitat potential. Recently, Jacqueline Huard of Project Watershed joined us sampling on the beach for environmental DNA analysis to detect the recent presence of Pacific Sand Lance.

As the research unfolds, it highlights the intricate interplay between forage fish and the broader marine ecosystem. With ongoing research initiatives, we look to protect and preserve the delicate balance of our coastal habitats for generations to come.

Meet our Team

Our Office Manager and Receptionist are the first point of contact for community who visit our office spaces. This helpful and friendly team work to ensure day-to-day processes are running smoothly by supporting staff, navigating inquiries, and visits to the department. We ask for continued respect and patience for our staff as they work to meet various housing related needs for Quw’utsun Mustimuhw.

Update: Boys Road 32 Unit Complex

Our Department has received multiple inquiries regarding occupancy of the 32 Unit complex on Boys Road. Please be advised that although it may appear units may be vacant, all units have been assigned occupancy. Our Department is pleased to see local children playing on the Sports Court and enjoying the playground. We appreciate the care and respect community has shown in keeping this area clean and sanitary and supporting safe community living spaces.

Caroline Mawbey—Office Manager

Keisha Sampson—Receptionist

Cleaning Checklist

REMOVE DEBRIS

Rake leaves and remove fallen branches and other debris from your yard.

TRIM BLACKBERRIES

Early spring is the best and easiest time of year to control blackberry bushes. Trim back bushes near your home while shoots are still young and before they become established.

CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

Regularly check and clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent water from over flowing and reduce the risk of water damage.

START A GARDEN

Growing your own vegetables is an affordable way to bring healthy meals into the home and help to ensure food security during difficult seasons. Start small with a few plants and see how things progress this growing season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cleaning up around the exterior of your home helps prevent rodents and other pests.

www.cowichantribes.com/housing

Trusted Service Providers

Need help completing some exterior maintenance this spring? Our trusted service providers have experience in the Quw’utsun community and provide respectful, cost-effective services to citizens.

YARD WORK

“An Ounce of Prevention”

Call (250) 208-7472

DEBRIS REMOVAL

“Matt T Bins and Hauling”

Call (250) 701-5609

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

“Prime Shine”

Call (250) 732-6000

EXTERIOR WORK

“HD Exteriors”

Call (778) 350-0830

Waste Disposal

Bings Creek Recycling & Waste Management Centre, Duncan

Address: 3900 Drinkwater Road, Duncan

Hours: Open every day 8 am to 5 pm

Closed on all Statutory Holidays

Note: Bings Creek accepts organic yard waste (branches, leaves, trimmings, etc.) free of charge.

The Importance of Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is crucial in any home. Proper airflow regulates temperature, removes impurities, prevents mold, and creates a more pleasant and safe breathing environment. In contrast, poor air circulation can be bad for your health.

Improper Air Circulation can lead to:

Growing mold and bacteria

Solutions for Safer Air

Stuffy Conditions

Overall Discomfort

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Aim for setting temperatures to 20°C (68°F) for thermostats or 16°C (60°F) for baseboard heat. Avoid turning temperatures too high or too low.

DO NOT BLOCK HEAT SOURCES

Do not block baseboard heaters, furnace floor heaters or vents of any kind. If you have a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) ensure it remains on at all times.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Lhumlhumuluts' Low Pressure Sewer Project (Zone 7)

Low Pressure Sewer Project

Zones 1,2,3,4,5-2

Construction is substantially complete for the Low Pressure Sewer Project –Zones 1,2,3,4,5-2 with the minor deficiencies remaining. Zone 1 (Shmaqwathut Road), Zone 2 (Glenora Road), Zones 3 (Koksilah Road), and Zone 4 (Boys Road Area) have all been successfully connected to municipal sewer and are operational. A 1 year warranty period is in affect between October 2023 to October 2024. Please contact the Capital Projects Department if you have any issues or concerns with your low pressure sewer connection so they can be corrected under the 1 year warranty. We appreciate your patience as we look to complete this project.

Project funding has been obtained to connect the following areas to the municipal sewer system:

· Tzouhalem Road, between Cowichan Bay Road and Samuel Road, including Jimmy Road

· Sahilton Road, East of Wil’seem Road

A total of 24 existing houses and 1 community building (Lhumlhumuluts’ Big House) are to be connected with allowance for future connections. These connections will be by a STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) low pressure sewer system installed at individual houses at the location of the existing septic tank and connected to a sewer force main on the main road, transporting the effluent to the municipal system. This will include a new septic tank, pump, pump panel, and service line to be installed at each house and community building. Existing septic tanks and fields will be decommissioned. Construction is anticipated for spring 2024. Further information on timing and community disruptions will be provided once available.

For more information on these projects, please contact James Ouellette in the Capital Projects Department at (250) 715-3302.

KDC is proud to announce the development of two mixed use buildings at 222 Cowichan Way, with 199 apartment suites, underground parking, and governance space for the Nation. The project architecture is a combination of traditional Indigenous design with a contemporary flair rooted in Cowichan Tribes history. The use of river rock, artistic imagery, and the fundamental structural expressions, reflects traditional character. The design prioritizes creative spatial planning and optimal views of the Cowichan River and Mount Prevost, elevating the overall quality of life for residents.

The landscaping design includes a play area, community gardens, and passive areas for relaxation and gathering. These spaces will contribute to residents’ physical and mental well-being, offering avenues for leisure and relaxation. The presence of these green zones fosters a strong sense of community and nature, by providing communal gardens and gathering spaces for residents to connect.

On February 13, 2024, the Province launched BC Builds to lower construction cost, speed up timelines, and deliver more homes that middle-income people can afford. This new initiative leverages government, community, and non-profit owned and underused land with $2 billion in low-cost financing and a commitment of $950 million for the overall program.

Through the efforts of Cowichan Tribes and KDC, 222 Cowichan Way is one of the first projects to receive BC Builds Funding. The injection of funding from the province allows the project to provide 40% of the suites at an affordable rate. Affordable units are interspersed throughout the suite selection, ensuring accessibility for all demographics. KDC expects to break ground late spring/early summer of 2024.

"Cowichan Tribes has been working hard to develop innovative partnerships to meet the substantial urgent housing needs in our community. One example is our current project to build two beautiful mixed-use buildings – designed to provide 199 apartment suites and substantial green space. I am pleased to see the provincial government stepping up with the BC Builds program and partnering with us to get these homes built," said Cowichan Tribes Chief Xtli’li ye’ Lydia Hwitsum.

“KDLPP is proud to be developing this exciting project with Cowichan Tribes and BC Builds, harmonizing the paths of industry, government, and our Nation into one true path of reconciliation is our goal at Khowutzun Development” – Jodee Dick, CEO, KDC

KFS is currently salvage logging approximately 2500 m3 of dead and dying trees caused by drought, root rot, and wind throw, and it is expected to be completed in late February. KFS is in the process of awarding another contract for logging approximately 5200 m 3 or 124 logging truck loads of logs off of the community forest. We expect around $720,000 in revenue from this new logging contract.

Our Elders firewood program is coming to an end for this winter with every Elder on our list receiving at least four loads of firewood. The longhouse season is ramping up, and we have redirected our efforts to supply the three long houses with cultural wood. KFS has provided three logging truckloads to Clem Clem, and dozens of dump truck and pick-up truck loads of firewood to Quamichan and Somena so they all have enough for ceremonies.

It is time to start thinking about becoming a KFS firefighter for the summer. Phone Alexis at 250-746-4555 to sign up. No experience required. We have training starting in early March until the end of April. KFS pays for the training costs, plus we will pay you a wage while taking the training. We also encourage women to apply; talk to Alexis as she was one of our three female firefighters last year. We anticipate a busy fire season so sign up for this employment opportunity.

KFS is a non-funded business that supports community organizations, sports teams, and CT members through sponsorship and donations. KFS workers are proud, that their work efforts enable KFS to provide services and financial support to the Cowichan Tribes community.

Khowutzun Freegro Treeshelters (KFT) has successfully completed our largest order to date of 105,000 units for Down to Earth Carbon. The order will be shipped to Quebec to protect their sugar maple trees. We have also completed an order for Mosaic of 10,000 tree shelters.

KFT are working on a marketing strategy that will bring more clients and business to our organization. This strategy includes securing grants to help with training and productivity.

TREE SHELTERS

Khowutzun Development Corporation

NEW VOICES

KDC is excited to announce that we will be hosting our second Bears' Lair Dream Camp for our youth, ages 11-18, from March 11-14, 2024, at QCCC in Comeakin. We want to thank Paper Excellence for making this second year possible and sponsoring the Bears' Lair Youth Entrepreneur Dream Camp . To register, visit our Facebook page "Khowutzun Development Corp." or our website at khowutzun.com. Registration papers are also available at the KDC office at 200 Cowichan Way. If you have any questions, email: Amanda.Peter@khowutzun.com or call Amanda: at 250710-5661.

Accelerated Training Program (New Voices): This program is set up to build skills and capacity for members looking to advance in their positions or get new opportunities. This Building Skills Program will allow participants to be trained in a 10–12-week Trade Sampler program. Participants will try out a variety of hands-on trades training for up to 16 participants. This program allows members to participate in training in various trades for the 222 Cowichan Way development project. This project includes the construction of two mixed-use buildings (residential and office). We will also be offering more training with the Construction Foundation and unions to build skills for opportunities secured through KDC and our partners. More information to come.

Lunch and Learns: We are coordinating with high schools, youth centres, and Cowichan programs to offer presentations for members to learn about the programs and training offered by the KDC New Voices Program. It is our goal to start presentations in March and continue throughout the year. More information to come on dates and locations.

International Market Stabilization: Over the past 3.5 years we have witnessed the Canadian Cannabis Industry continue to deteriorate due to the over issuance of licenses by Health Canada. This has ultimately resulted in an oversupply of 8 times the Canadian consumer demand with prices plummeting by 60%.

Costa Canna pivoted to the international market over a year ago, to take advantage of the increased pricing and higher demand for superior product to position the company for growth and sustainability. Fast forward one year, and we have seen the international market begin to destabilize as more Canadian growers send their product overseas. This has led to a 50% decrease in pricing, along with slowed sales, similar to the Canadian market. As a result, the company is looking to new emerging markets such as Switzerland, to achieve a profitable sales price. We will continue to look for opportunities to advance the company and navigate these challenging times.

First Nations Partnerships: The operations team have recently presented retail partnership opportunities to various First Nations communities across Vancouver Island, as well as the Lower Mainland. We have gained interest in long-term retail development partnerships based on jurisdictional rights on Federal Reserve lands. The intention is to ensure all cannabis that is sold on First Nations land is of a medical grade and derived from legal sources to ensure community safety.

William Seymour: The entire team at Costa Canna would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Seymour family during this very difficult time in light of the former chief’s passing. We hope they find solace in the great work he did for his community throughout his life. Our prayers are with you.

SHOWCASE

Tony Thorne is a Cowichan Tribes citizen who has been in the construction trade since 2017. He has gained experience working on projects, such as the University in Victoria, the fire hall in Victoria, two 20 story twin towers, and Bear Mountain project. Tony is now working towards getting his red sealed journeyman ticket in carpentry. He is starting school next month for his third year apprenticeship,.

Tony is currently employed with BC infrastructure Benefits Inc.(BCIB) working on the Cowichan District Hospital replacement project. He has been with BCIB for almost one year. Tony was nominated by BCIB for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication and hard work.

Not only did he earn his certification in carpentry, but he stepped into a leadership role for the project. “Tony has shown that he has the confidence to take on a leadership role on the Cowichan District Hospital replacement project. Tony has stepped and now provides direction to a crew on how to complete tasks.” - Bubba Qwulshemut, BCIB Workforce Coach and Cultural Advisor, CDH.

Tony continues to build his skills and is a great asset to the company. We are so proud of him and love to see our members thriving and striving. We wish you all the best as you continue to advance in your career, Tony! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!