Quw'utsun Newsletter - May 2023

VICTORIA DAY —MAY 22, 2023

Cowichan Tribes office will be closed Monday, May 22, 2023. We will resume regular business hours on May 23, 2023.

In This Edition:

P. 3 Message from Chief

P. 5 Open House Announcement

P. 29 Spring Clean Up Schedule

Message from Lydia Hwisum, Chief

Quw’utsun Mustimuhw,

This month’s message includes a video invitation to a historic event coming up in our community. You can watch the video online here or by using following QR Code above.

On May 12th, Cowichan Tribes will sign the Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement (S-x-ats-thuttst) with the Province of British Columbia. This agreement is B.C.’s first watershed planning process under the new Water Sustainability Act. The Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed is central to the culture and identity of our people, but it is under pressure due to seasonal flooding and drought conditions. We invite Quw’utsun Mustimuhw to join us at the Quw’utsun Cultural Centre between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to witness the signing of this agreement to plan for the watershed's health in a way that respects Quw'utsun teachings and culture for generations to come. A seafood lunch will be provided. I hope you will join us to witness this agreement.

On March 29th, I was pleased to attend the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Town Hall Meeting with our citizens at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium, alongside our Acting CAO, Cindy Daniels. It was good to hear from our citizens about their priorities for making our communities safer and their call for more opportunities to connect with the detachment. We heard how grateful people are for the actions that have been taken by Council, our staff, and the RCMP to address drug homes on Reserve. RCMP emphasized the need for our citizens to report suspicious and criminal activities so that they can follow up. We also learned that RCMP reporting can now be done online. Contact information, including links and phone numbers for RCMP, Security Guardians and our Bylaw Enforcement team, are available on our Cowichan Tribes website (https:// cowichantribes.com/contact-us), including information about who to call regarding different topics of concern. Huy tseep q'u to all those who attended.

I recently had the opportunity to join the Quw’utsun Cultural Connections Society to plant Xpey’ (cedar). It was a wonderful way to spend time in the forest with my grandson.

Xtli’li

ye’ Chief Hwitsum

Message from Cindy Daniels, A/ Chief Administrative Officer

‘Uy’ skweul,

Come see us. On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, we will host our annual Open House. We are so excited to invite our citizens of all ages to join us between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium. Learn about and ask questions regarding the programs and services our departments provide. Check out the displays and share your input and ideas regarding a variety of initiatives. Come enjoy a BBQ, participate in family-friendly cultural activities, and enter to win prizes. If you require transportation, please contact Adele Joe at: (250) 732-4750 or email Adele.Joe@cowichantribes.com. See our event poster on the pages that follow.

Following our Open House, Staff will begin preparations for our National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on Wednesday, June 21st. Please save the date and watch for watch for future announcements regarding activities and entertainment.

In April, Chief and Council announced a change in Cowichan Tribes’ mask mandate. Effective April 12, 2023, staff, contractors, citizens, and clients are no longer required to wear masks onsite. Cowichan Tribes buildings are now operating as mask-friendly sites and each individual’s decision to wear or not wear a mask is respected.

We are proud of the protective measures our teams and departments have taken over the past three years to continue to provide programs and services, all while keeping our staff, our families, and our citizens and clients safe through the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and can cause serious illness. We have also learned the importance of wearing masks, hand washing, and staying home when feeling unwell as effective ways to reduce transmission. We also encourage Elders, adults and children to continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations and regular boosters, available by calling (250)715-1024 or booking online at: tsewulhtunhealth.janeapp.com. Cowichan Tribes

COVID-19 vaccine mandate remains in effect as a condition of employment.

I look forward to seeing you at the Open House on May 17th!

Cindy Daniels

Mask Friendly Space

MMIWG Awareness Event

Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society in partnership with Cowichan Tribes hosting annual

MMIWG AWARENESS EVENT

Come out to support recognition of and awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Location: Si’em Lelum - 5574 River Road, Duncan BC

Pre-Register: https://ttllmay5mmiwgrunwalk.eventbrite.com

On-site Registration: Friday May 5th - 9 am to 11am

Event opens: 12:00 pm

Walk/Run begins: 1:00 pm

To ensure safety, an alternate route will be available for Elders and children.

Free T-Shirts provided to registered participants who attend the event! T-Shirts will also be sold at event ($20 each)

For more information contact: liza@tsowtunlelum.org

Friday, May 5, 2023 MMIWG

Walk/Run 5 or 10 KM

Ts’ewulhtun Health

First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Coverage

FNHA covers counseling. Through the FNHA Mental Health Benefit you can pick your own counselor who is a good fit for you and your needs. The counselor must be registered with FNHA and will bill directly to FNHA. Your plan covers counseling from a qualified mental health provider for as many hours of counseling as you and your provider determine you need. The list below includes all FNHA registered providers in the Duncan area. For other areas visit: FNHA-First Nations-Health-Benefits-Mental-Health-Provider-List.pdf

1. Tell your provider that you have coverage through the Health Benefits Program when scheduling your first appointment.

2. Your first appointment is about determining if the provider is the right fit for you. You can change to another registered provider at any time.

3. Cancel your appointment ahead of time if you can no longer make it. Health Benefits does not pay for missed appointments and your provider may charge you for the cost of your appointment if you do not show up.

Opioid Crisis Response Working Group

Final Report & Recommendations

Cowichan Tribes’ Opioid Crisis Response Working Group has completed its Final Report & Recommendations to address the crisis of toxic drug deaths and addiction in our Nation. The full report and the summary of recommendations are available online via following links:

 Cowichan Tribes Opioid Crisis Response Working Group: Final Report & Recommendations

 Cowichan Tribes Opioid Crisis Response Working Group: Summary of Recommendations

The report was presented to Cowichan Tribes’ Health Advisory Committee on November 21, 2022, and then to Chief and Council on January 24, 2023. Chief and Council accepted the Final Report & Recommendations, and voted unanimously to support ongoing work by Cowichan Tribes departments and staff to implement the recommendations, and to use the report to guide strategic planning.

The final report and recommendations are based on extensive community engagement from 2020 through 2022. We are grateful to all who shared their wisdom, teachings, experience, time, and input to support the Working Group in developing our final report and recommendations. Thank you Quw’utsun S-ul’hween, Quw’utsun Youth, Quw’utsun Mustimuhw, Cowichan Tribes staff, Working Group members, Chief and Council, members of the Opioid Crisis Response Task Force, and our service partners including Island Health, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the RCMP, and many others. Huy tseep q’u!

Cowichan Tribes citizens may also wish to read to following community engagement summaries (Ctrl + click):

 Summary of Interviews with People Who Use Substances

 Opioid Crisis Community Survey Report

Tl'i' to' mukw' mustimuhw - Each person is important

Where to Get Help for Addiction

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

Kwun’atsustul Treatment Coordinator

Monday to Friday, 8:30am—4:30pm| 250-732-6055 | Message on Facebook

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

Sa'qw'thut Culturally-Grounded Treatment Program

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

 Cowichan Tribes’ culturally-grounded treatment program based on the Quw’utsun Snuw’uy’ulh (Teachings). Open to Cowichan Tribes members and their families.

Rapid Access Clinic at Duncan Mental Health and Substance Use

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

 A walk-in clinic for adults with addiction and mental health challenges. Open to ALL Cowichan Tribes members. Drop-in service, no appointment necessary. Please arrive before 1:30pm. 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 support resources.

Cowichan Overdose Prevention Site

Open 7 days a week, 11:00am 7:00pm | 5878 York Road | 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.

 Provides supports and referrals to detox, treatment, and safe supply of substances.

FNHA Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service

Monday—Friday, 9:30am—5:30pm | Call 1-855-344-3800 for a referral, or your family doctor.

 Provides access to addictions medicine, psychiatry, mental health and wellness care coordinators, and other services, including Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

 Available to ALL First Nations people in BC.

Family Wellness

Cooking & Family Wellness Parents Group

When: Fridays

Time: 10:00 am—1:30 pm

Where: New Life Church

Rides Are Available: Join Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre Family

Wellness Facebook page. Let us know if you are coming, need a ride and how many people.

Cut Off: 12:00 pm noon on the Wednesday of the same week.

Child minding available.

Please contact through the Facebook page:

Caroline Modeste or Selena Peter for Cooking Group

Nilak Ironhawk-Tommy for the Parents Group

THE MIRACLE YEARS

Research tells us the first five years are pivotal to children’s ability to learn and create, to love, to trust and to develop a strong sense of themselves.

FROM BIRTH TO FIVE, IT ALL ADDS UP…

What’s more, how we care for our children in their earliest years has a profound impact on how productive, resilient, compassionate and confident they will be as adults.

Adults who comfort, play with and teach their infants and young children will establish secure relationships that can set the pattern for trusting relationships throughout life. Children who receive encouragement as they try new things and learn new information will find the processing of new information easier and will be more confident as they meet new challenges.

WRAP YOUR BRAIN AROUND THIS:

A baby comes into the world with about 100 billion nerve cells in their brain. However, the only developed areas of activity are those controlling survival functions like breathing, eating, heart beat, circulation and reflexes.

By the same token, babies who receive too little response from their caregivers, or who are subjected to ongoing neglect, abuse or family conflict, are at risk of becoming emotionally and socially underdeveloped and of staying that way for the rest of their lives. Their brains may even be affected in ways that influence the way they remember, learn, deal with stress and experience the world.

By contrast, the parts of the brain that control how a child listens and sees, talks and discovers, reasons and feels are formed mainly after birth—much of this during the first five years of life.

WE SET THE STAGE AT A VERY EARLY AGE

Brains cells make connections called synapses throughout life. During the early years many of the vital connections are formed among the parts of the brain that enable a child to begin learning, caring for others, and feeling confident.

Brain development still occurs after the early years, but it builds on these first patterns. That’s why early experiences have such a disproportionately large effect on children’s futures. And that’s why it is so much better in both human and economic terms—to invest now by improving how we care for our youngest children.

THE ESSENTIALS OF DEVELOPMENT

Emotional Development means developing a full range of emotions, from sad to happy to angry, and learning to handle them appropriately. This leads to deeper qualities sympathy, caring, resilience, self-esteem, assertiveness and being able to rise to life’s challenges.

-esteem, trust and empathy. If tiny tots feel safe and secure, they learn to meet life’s challenges with confidence and enthusiasm. Let’s get cracking.

Will a child be well-grounded or blown away by the winds of change?

A tiny sprout can only learn how to weather life’s challenges with our nurturing and support. You see, resilience stems from the comfort and encouragement we give children in the first years of life. With cuddles, kisses and words of reassurance, little ones discover how to bend when they need to, how to adapt to change and how to bounce back from disappointment. Let’s all help our children stay firmly rooted.

Social Development means being able to make friends and get along with others, work as part of a team and be a good leader, all of which are built on self-confidence, cooperation and trust.

WILL A CHILD LIE AND VEGETATE OR BLOSSOM INTELLECTUALLY?

Well, that all depends on the seeds we plant during the first five years of a child’s life. Simple things like talking, singing and reading to a child from the day of birth will have a lasting impact on their potential. Intelligence doesn’t grow on trees. But it certainly grows on love and supportive stimulation.

Cognitive Development means being able to communicate, to think both creatively and abstractly, to pay attention and to solve problems, and develop keen judgment and a life long readiness to learn.

Will a child stay in an emotional shell or emerge sunny-side up?

These are the hard-boiled facts. Responsive, loving relationships foster positive traits like self

COMFORT, PLAY AND TEACH: THE ESSENTIALS OF CAREGIVING

Kids don’t come with a handbook or a set of instructions for parents and caregivers. The research shows that there are no single approach. No magic potion will transform all of our children into happy resilient adults. But there are approaches with proven results. There are THREE ESSENTIALS OF CAREGIVING that get children off to a good start.

know what is safe and important. In the years before age five, they need parents and caregivers to provide routines and rules to maintain safety and respect for others. Parents and caregivers also need to provide consistent consequences and moral guidance, suitable for the age and temperament of each child. Children are also born with a limited ability to stimulate themselves intellectually. They need parents and caregivers to teach them how to think, solve problems and communicate.

COMFORT:

Infants and children are born with a very limited capacity to comfort themselves. They need us to comfort them when they are sick, tired, upset or otherwise frustrated. During the first five years, they need adults to gradually teach them how to handle their emotions and how to seek help when they need it.

Most of these essentials take place in ordinary, everyday activities at home or daycare.

Most adults are good at one of the three essentials. It is not crucial for each caregiver to be the “best” at all three. Children in families in which these essentials are shared among parents and caregivers do fine.

PLAY:

Play is important for children. Play is the major way young children learn about themselves and others. During the first five years, children need parents and caregivers to provide opportunities for play and at times to join in with the child in joyful, free, spontaneous moments of fun.

The important thing to remember is that children need exposure to all three of the essentials.

TEACH:

Children are born with almost no capacity to

Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic

*NEW LOCATION*

121 Ingram St, Duncan BC Phone (250) 715-3322 Text: (250) 508-7119

E-mail: clinic@cowichantribes.com

We are NOT a walk-in clinic and are NOT currently accepting new patients, but we can place you on our waitlist.

 Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Family Doctor: Our NP & family doctor work as part of the team. They address medical concerns and support wellness through prevention, treatment/ management and monitoring of illness or conditions.

 Health Coaches: Kim and Stephanie provide nursing support before, during and after your visits with your family doctor or NP.

 Nutrition & Diabetes Education: April provides nutrition counseling, diabetes education and support including Dexcom sensor funding and replacements and blood sugar monitoring.

 Sexual Health & Wellness: Leslie provides PAP testing, and STI testing and treatment. Please ask to book with Leslie!

 Social Determinants of Health: Sarah counsels, coordinates and advocates for wide range of care, resources and supports.

 Chiropractor: Julian assesses and treats variety of muscle, tendon, ligament, joint and nerve conditions. Available: Mon and Wed.

 Respiratory Therapy: Ann helps with breathing and sleep concerns, and can provide CPAP and Oxygen Therapy. Home visits available.

 Medication: Terin is a pharmacist who conducts medications reviews to assess and work with you to understand what is helping/needed/or is it making you feel unwell. He also provides teaching about your medications, will address funding needs and see those in hospital, clinic or community.

We Have Moved!

121 Ingram Street, Duncan BC V9L3X5

Please contact our team with any questions. You can ask to speak or meet with our Clinic Manager, Willow Last at: (250) 715-3322

Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic

121 Ingram St, Duncan BC

Parking: Our parking is directly in front of the clinic, and along the Merit furniture parking lot facing the road. The spots are numbered and are reserved.

 Appointment Reminders: Our appointment reminders service has recently switched to a new provider called Pomelo. When you book an appointment you have the option of opting in to receive these reminders and confirm your appointment directly from your reminder, or to opt out.

 Online bookings: on-hold

 Reminder of Physician leaving Practice: Dr. Mcleod no longer works with our clinic and will be missed here! Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic continues to be the medical home for current patients, and you can still receive care from our clinic and book appointments with our other primary care providers.

Abusive Language or behavior toward staff or other community members will not be tolerated.

This includes language or behavior over the phone.

Family Providers:

Our family providers are:

Nurse Practitioner Val Jefferd and Dr. Frank Clarke.

We have limited availability for same or next day appointments; and ask that when booking routine or non-urgent in-person appointments that you plan to do so at least 1-2 weeks in advance, when possible.

Appointment Cancellations: Please let us know if you will not be able to make your appointment and our staff will be happy to reschedule. This is important so that others may be seen if you are not able to make it in.

Huy tseep q’u

Please contact our team with any questions. You can ask to speak or meet with our Clinic Manager at:

(250) 715-3322

Sa’qw’thut Culturally-Grounded Day Treatment Program by Kwun’atsustul Counselling

Culturally-grounded therapeutic community rooted in SNUW’UY’ULH (Quw’utsun teachings), with Quw’utsun families on Quw’utsun land.

When: Tuesday to Fridays 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (Ongoing intake).

Who: Cowichan Tribes members and their families.

Contact: 250-732-3487 or email Deanna.Thompson@cowichantribes.com

Create lasting connection, intergenerational healing, positive social connections, land-based healing and harvesting, and a culturally grounded foundation for addictions and substance misuse recovery. Community members can utilize the group for daily connection, recovery and healing work, to have as a home group before and after attending residential treatment, and to grow in community.

Ts’ewulhtun Health

Honouring Community Grief Save the Date!

We invite you to join Kwun’atsustul Counselling and the Cowichan Hospice Society on June 14-15, 2023 for a 2-day grief workshop to strengthen our capacity to support one another on our sacred journey of grief. June 16 will be a day of Honouring Grief open to everyone desiring individual support from counselors, hospice volunteers, Elders and wellness practitioners.

sq’uq’aptul’kws lha’wuthut tst

(gathered together for our healing)

June 14-16, 2023

Quw’utsun Cultural Centre

For more info and to register contact Mellissa Craghtten

250-732-1602 or mellissa.craghtten@cowichantribes.com

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Sul-hween

MAY 2023 |

QUW’UTSUN SUL-HWEEN

Why Home Support?

Quw’utsun Sul-hween (Elders) Home Support Services

Home support helps people live safely in their own home for as long as possible. We provide care and support for you in your home if you are:

 recovering from illness or surgery,

 have a chronic condition,

 are disabled, or

 are needing care at the end of your life.

Home support is intended to enhance your care. Our services are not meant to replace your efforts to care for yourself, with the help of your family, friends, and community.

Who Are We?

Program Manager: Anna

Nurses: Cara, Angie & Danna

Reception/Activity Coordinator: Benecia

Elders Advocate: Veronica

Personal Care Workers

Donna

Freda

Lucy

Marcie

Rob

Rose

Rachel

Loretta

Bus Drivers: Dean & Fabian

Meal Delivery Drivers: Doug, Dorothy, Robert & Perry

Kitchen: Arnie, Char, Selena & Freddy

Elders’ Nursing & Staff, What Do We Do?

Elders’ team members have been working on-site & in-community at clients’ homes throughout the Pandemic and continue to support Elders through:

 Providing in home visits by Personal Care Workers (PCW) for meal prep, personal care i.e. dressing & bathing, medication reminders and light housekeeping.

 Supporting Elders by submitting Special Need Requests for eye glasses, dentures, special medications, foot care.

 Referring to Occupational Therapy, Island Health, Dietitian, Respiratory Therapy, communicating with doctors and community partners.

 Elders’ nurses are doing home visits to update or create Home Care Services.

 Referrals accepted by telephone call to an Elders’ nurse at 250-715-3303

 Nurses continue to work both in-office and from home

 Providing bus transport for our bathing program & activities

 Hospital Liaison: Danny our Aboriginal Liaison Nurse is based out of Cowichan District Hospital.

Who can Receive Home Support?

Cowichan Tribes’ Home support program is available to First Nations people who reside on the Cowichan Reserve and who meet requirements. Your Elders’ Nurse will work with you to identify your personal care needs and explore other options to meet those needs prior to starting home support. They will help you link to other services in your area if needed. If home support services are needed, the nurse will develop a plan of care with you.

Call 250-715-3303 with request to speak to an Elders’ team member for inquiries and support.

What services are not included in Home Support?

Home care nursing services are separate from Home Support. Our team does not provide the following services and would refer to Island Health for those who require:

 Wound care, dressing changes

 Intravenous (IV) therapy

 Respite care/extended relief visits

 Over-night or weekend care

 Palliative care

Other items not covered by the Elders’ department include:

 Supplies otherwise covered by benefits

 Wound supplies such as bandages, wraps

 New beds

 Reimbursements for medications

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Sul-hween

Cowichan Tribes

ELDERS COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS

Date: Friday, May 5th after Elders Luncheon

Location: Elders Building

Elections on Friday May 12th after lunch

Follow Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre Facebook Page for updates

Elders Program: 250-715-3303

Positions (6):

 Chair

 Vice Chair

 Treasurer

 Fundraising

 Communications

 Member at Large

Elders Island Lunch

We will be hosting the Island Elders Lunch in Cowichan at the Siem Lelum Gynmasium

When: Wednesday May 31st

We are seeking volunteers and door prize donations, if you need further information please connect with Benecia George at 250-715-3303

Huy tseep qu siem nu siiye’ yu

Elders Trip to Penticton in June 2023

If you would like to be a part of the elders trip you need to:

 Be fully independent.

 Not be in a wheel chair. Walkers are fine.

 Take your medications independently.

 Able to shower and dress on your own.

 Be prepared to share a room (accommodation).

 Help with fundraising and donating items.

Please call 250-715-3303 and give your name and contact information to Benecia or Veronica to attend.

WE ARE TAKING UP TO 40 ELDERS

TS’EWUHLTUN HEALTH CENTRE OF THE COWICHAN TRIBES WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Community Health and Wellness Survey! We are coming door-to-door to ask your input:

 What does health and wellness mean to you?

 What does a healthy Cowichan community look like to you in 5-10 years?

 What additional programs could be offered for you?

 How can we make it easier for you and your family to access services?

Scan the QR Code to participate

Wewillbeat Cowichan’s OpenHouse May17!

CLICK HERE to access the online survey link!

Survey will remain open until May 22, 2023 (EXTENDED)

All participants will be entered into a prize draw for 5 wellness baskets!

If you have questions about the community health and wellness planning process, please contact:

Yourvoicematters@cowichantribes.com

Colette Alphonse and Wilhelmina Harris

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Youth Services

MAY 2023 |

YOUTH SERVICES

COWICHAN TRIBES YOUTH SERVICES

5408 STATLOU ROAD

PHONE: 250-746-0607

EmbracingLife-WorkshopSummaries

GrieversJourney

AtthebeginningofMarch,Embracinglife hosteda‘GrieversJourney’workshopwith facilitatorsLylaHarmanandVictorNowoselski. Wewereextremelygratefultohavecultural eldersupportfromLauraAntoine.The workshopgaveparticipantsanin-depth understandingofthecyclesofgrief.Italso providedtoolsforselfcareandhelpedfostera senseofcommunity.

T.O.A and H.O.P.E

DuringSpringbreak,wewelcomed K.A.S.P,PaulSawan,intocommunitytofacilitateacoupleworkshops.Hisstage nameK.A.S.PstandsforKeepingAliveStories thruPeople.Theworkshopsfocusedonaddressingtraumaandaddictions,personaldevelopmentandprovidedtoolsforhealing.

Article from SOS Magazine

Suicidal Thoughts and What to do

Trigger warning: Suicidality, suicide, suicidal thoughts

The experience of a loved one expressing suicidal thoughts has impacted many Canadian families. Suicidal ideation – defined as having thoughts to harm oneself or end one’s life –is often related to mental health challenges such as Anxiety and Depression. According to the Government of Canada, suicide is the second-leading cause of death amongst youth and young adults (15-34 years).

For many, the thought of suicide can be overwhelming, so many loved ones may ignore the cry for help from someone experiencing suicidality. For those who experience suicidal thoughts, however, turning away from negativity is not so easy. This is where we must remember to hold compassionate space for those who are facing the internal battle of wanting to leave this world.

Here are some ways you can support others through dark moments such as these:

1. Ask – Often people worry that if they bring up the topic of suicide, they are going to add fire to the situation and increase the risk of a person acting on it. This is not true. When we talk about suicide and ask our loved one if this is something they are going through, then we normalize the experience and release the tension of the situation. Simply asking “Are you having thoughts to harm yourself?” can help guide us to the next step.

2. Listen with compassion – Not everyone feels safe to share their suicidal thoughts, so holding compassionate, non-judgmental space will help ease the person’s anxiety. Tell them that you are here to listen, and offer to hold space without needing to fix anything. Then allow the conversation to flow. As listening to thoughts about self harm can be activating for many people, only do what you feel comfortable with. Offer a listening ear and reflect back what you feel the person is sharing. If it sounds like someone is experiencing painful emotions, acknowledge that you hear they are in pain and there is hope.

3. Seek help together – Having someone to walk alongside you can ease difficult experiences. The same goes for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Offer to seek out mental health supports to take the next steps towards healing. Together, we can walk this path to wellness and reduce the stigma towards mental health. Help may look like seeking out a support group, a therapist or coach, or connecting with a healing community. It is up to each person what they wish to identify as help.

Of course, the above steps may not always be appropriate depending on the intensity of thoughts, if someone has a complex mental health or trauma history, or if there is risk of immediate physical harm. Together though, we can help destigmatize suicide and suicidal ideations. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to your local Suicide (Crisis) Support Line for guidance. You can also check out the “GET HELP” page on SOS Safety Magazine for more resources.

Written by Fola Veritas with Deep Mind Squared www.deepmindsquared.com

Lung Health Awareness

AreYouLosingBreath,EnergyandSpirit?

Tuberculosis may be the culprit.

One important aspect of lung health prevention is screening for Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious respiratory illness. Many of the signs and symptoms of TB can mimic those of other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and the common cold.

Regular TB screening can help us catch the illness early and prevent its spread to others.

What is TB? TB is a bacteria that is spread through through the air when someone with TB disease coughs, sneezes, talks or even sings. If you breathe in those germs, you may become infected.

How do I know my TB Status? Your Community Health Nurse can provide a TB Screening assessment. TB Screening includes asking a few questions about your health, your TB history and reviewing your TB risk factors. You may need a TB skin test, chest x-ray, take a sputum sample or have a blood test to determine if you have TB.

We encourage you to make TB screening a part of your regular health care routine. By taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

If you have symptoms of TB disease, don't delay. Contact your Health Care team to talk about TB today.

Symptoms of TB Disease:

 Coughingfor2 weeks orlonger

 Coughing upblood

 Lump(s) in Neck

 Weight Loss

 Chest pain

 Feeling tired or weak

 Night sweats

 Fever

TypicalsymptomsofTBdiseaseinchildren:

 Fever Cough

 Lessactive,tired,weakorcranky does not want to eat or

 eats very little or loses weight

Have 3 piles - WOOD, BURNABLES, METALS

Home owners must bring ELECTRONICS to the Bottle Depot

Social Development and Quw’utsun Employment & Training

Cowichan Tribes SOCIAL

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

5760 Allenby Road • Duncan, BC V9L 5J1 Telephone 778-422-2255

Fax: 778-422-1303

Website: www.cowichantribes.com

MAY 23, 2023 CHEQUE ISSUE FOR JUNE 2023

Reminders:

 Please pick up your T5 is you have not already done so. Deadline to complete 2022 income tax returns is April 30, 2023. A copy of client “Notice of Assessment” is required for your Social Development file each year;

 If you are 64 years of age, please apply for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement 11 months prior to your 65th birthday; this will ensure there is no delay in receiving pension;

 Social Development is meant to be a last resort. If you secure employment, please notify your Band Social Development Worker, additional support may be available. If you have any questions, please feel free to connect with your worker.

 If you are considered “Employable”, you are required to be actively seeking employment.

Social Development Programs:

Pre-Employment Supports Program team consists of:

 Shelley Thorne, PES Program Coordinator

 Samantha Wilson, Special Projects Worker

 Sebastian Cassorla, PES Program Assistant

Please follow up with the team if you have been referred; there will be upcoming programs.

If you missed the deadline to complete your 2022 income tax return, please connect with Johnny Crocker to schedule an appointment.

Social Development is working on programming for summer and updating contact information for all clients.

Social Development and Quw’utsun Employment & Training

QET CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION GOALS!

QET PROVIDES HELP WITH:

 BC Driver’s License (for education/ employment only)

 Certificate courses under one year

 Employment assisted Services

 Employment Insurance (EI) top up

 Post-secondary courses

 Transportation supports (bus pass)

 Work gear

QET PROVIDES MEMBERS WITH EDUCATION & TRAINING THAT ENHANCES YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY:

 15 years and older at time of application

 Cowichan Tribes Status

 Possess current Identification

 Updated resume

 Seeking full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week), or

working toward full-time postsecondary education

 Valid Social Insurance Number

 Permanently live in the area of East Central Vancouver Island to South Vancouver Island (Qualicum to Victoria); including Sooke, Port Renfew and Lake Cowichan

All applications are reviewed and subject to approval as per policy and guidelines.

For organizations looking to partner: Bill Viksush, QET Coordinator

William.Viksush@cowichantribes.com

For individuals looking for sponsorship: Lucy Shaw, QET Intake Worker

Lucy.Shaw@cowichantribes.com

Capital Projects & Sustainable Housing CAPITAL PROJECTS

As we progress towards the project replacement timeline this summer work continues on the new modular units that will replace the existing YTT structure. The modules now have all interior walls and doors, cabinets and appliances have been installed and exterior siding and paneling is complete. Mechanical equipment (for heating and cooling) are in the process of being shipped. Site preparation continues outside the school, such as watermain and power upgrades, to support the replacement. The images below show the designers rendering of the finished school, as well as the floor plan of the interior of the school.

Please contact Lauren Miller in the Capital Projects Department at (250) 715-3302 for more information on this project.

Replacement of Yu’thuy’thut & Quw’utsun Hu’yi-xwule

Capital Projects & Sustainable Housing

CAPITAL PROJECTS

CONTACT US

BY PHONE (250-715-3302)

Call us Monday through Friday

8:30 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM-4:30 PM

PROJECT GRAND OPENING

32 Unit Modular Housing SAVE THE DATE!!

BY EMAIL

Send us a message at shd.maintenance@cowichantribes.com

LEAVE US A MESSAGE ON OUR WEBSITE

Ask us a question or share some feedback at www.cowichantribes.com/housing

The Sustainable Housing and Capital Projects Department will be hosting a Grand Opening event at the 32 unit modular housing project located on Boys Road which has recently been completed. The Grand Opening celebration will take place on June 1st, 2023. We are still working on times for the grand opening but we do know there will be food and lots of fun.

PAY RENT

Send an e-Transfer to directdeposit@cowichantribes.com

Remember to include your rental address and tenant name(s) when sending your payment.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for more information. We are looking forward to seeing you there. Please contact Lauren Miller in the Capital Projects Department at (250)715-3302 for more information on this project.

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/cowichantribeshousing

Capital Projects & Sustainable Housing CAPITAL PROJECTS

PROJECT UPDATE

Low Pressure Sewer STEP System

The Boys Road area (Zone 4) will begin surface restoration shortly as only one home remains to be connected to the new low pressure sewer system. All individual septic tanks have been installed within Glenora Road (Zone 2) and individual septic tank installations are underway within the Koksilah Road area (Zone 3). Once a tank is installed access risers will be installed and an electrician will be on site in the weeks following to connect the pumps within the septic tank to your electrical panel. To do so they will request access to the electrical panel within your home.

The Shmaqwuthut Road area (Zone 1) and Boys Road area (Zone 4) are now fully connected to municipal sewer. Zone 3 (Koksilah Road) is underway with the force main installation expected to start beginning of May 2023. All areas are to be completed by end of Spring 2023 and individual property restoration and paving are weather dependent. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work towards providing municipal sewer to our community

Please contact James Ouellette in the Capital Projects Department at (250) 715-3302 for more information on this project.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem Child & Family Services

5766 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC V9L 6J6

Phone: 250.746.1002 Fax: 250.746.7745

Executive Team

 Denise Orpen, Executive Director

 Patricia Thomas, Acting Associate Director

Administration Team

 Ashley Kinnaird, Office Manager

 Anna-Lee Antoine

 Leona Smith

 Suzanne Foster

 Addie Price, Associate Director & Acting Executive Director

 Tami Fuson, Operations Manager

 Amanda Thomas

 Bertanya Cornish

 Madison Thomas

 Mary Crocker

Access Team - Stqeeye: Provides supervised visits for children in care with their families.

 Donna Vanderkerkhove, Manager

 Sandra Seymour

 Tillie Modeste

Child Safety Team - S-hun’ts’a’wuqw “families and people coming together as one for a purpose”. Social Workers carry family service and some youth files (youth agreements, agreements with young adults etc.)

 Kristin Ronse, Family Service Manager

 Marie Elliott, FS Social Worker

 Stephanie Langkammer, FS Social Worker

 Dawna Elliott, Out of Care Options Social Worker

 Ashley Baur Urban Team FS Manager

 Kelsey Wanless, Social Worker

 Vanessa Hetu, Social Worker

 Kathleen McCarthy, FS Social Worker

 Pamela Campbell, FS Social Worker

 Mary-Rose Williams, Out of Care Options Social Worker

 Danielle Laferriere, Social Worker

 Stacy Grewal, Social Worker

Family Connections Team—ts’lh’a’amutim - ‘Family’ Ensuring our connections are strong and resilient. Life Skills Coaches help youth in care navigate through ‘systems’ and employment, resumes, identification (Status Card, SIN, etc.)

 Molly Paige, Manager

 Adele Joe, Life Skills Coach

 Transportation Driver: Vacant

 Karrighan Mitchell, Life Skills Coach

 Mali Munroe, Art Therapist

Hulithut - to heal oneself; to come to life - Group Home for Youth (13+ years). We also have youth pods for youth on our youth agreements or youth transitioning into young adulthood. Hulithut works closely with Pivot Point to provide specialized care.

 Garrett Elliott, Manager

 Roberta Jim

 JJ Allen

 On-call/Casual workers

Intake Team: is the first contact where there is no open file (such as a Family Service file, Child in Care File, etc) for you wish to make an anonymous child safety report.

 Amber Upshaw, Intake Manager

 Roberta Bellamy, Intake Social Worker

 Karlee Day, Intake Social Worker

 Whitney Harris, Intake Social Worker

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Permanency Team: Thuyshenum ‘placing one’s feet in the right direction’ Stepping Towards Permanency. Social Workers work with children and youth in ‘permanent’ care (Continuing Care Orders, Transfer of Custody [54.1 and 54.01, etc.]

 Jacquie Adams, Permanency Manager

 Alicia Boone, Permanency Social Worker

 Adena McCallum, Guardianship Social Worker

 Dorothy Joe, Adoption Social Worker

 Stephanie Ball, Permanency Social Worker

Support Services Skwami’lhum’ - Caring for another person’s child. Hwial’asmut - “taking care” Caring for the carers.

 Patricia (Trish) Thomas, Manager

 Lea Joe, Support Services Social Worker

 Rosemary Daniels, Family Finder

 Asheleigh Narey, Support Services Social Worker

Prevention Team - Lum’stam’sh - ‘show me so I can show my children’ Office: #1– 5838 Trans Canada Hwy and includes Community Safety Programs.

 Angela Underwood, Community Safety Coordinator. Please see our Facebook Page: “Cowichan Tribes Prevention” or our Quw’utsun Newsletter for current programs.

 Kimberlee George, Community Engagement Manager. Kimberlee’s main role is the Cowichan Tribes Child Welfare Legislation Project.

 Child Welfare Legislation: ourchildlaw.com

Advisory Committee Members

 Caregiver Member: Chris Alphonse

 Elder Member: Wayne Paige Sr.

Chief & Council Members

 Albie Charlie

 Howie George

 Community Member: Wayne Paige Jr.

 Youth Member: Kendra Charlie

 Stephanie Atleo

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

LUM-STAM’SH

“SHOW ME SO I CAN SHOW MY CHILDREN PUNHWE’NUM MAY

For more information contact: Angela Underwood

Community Safety Coordinator

Cell: 250-732-2723

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Prevention Community Safety Programs

MAY 2023

Healthy Relationships ~ Mondays (10:30 AM –2:30 PM)

Facilitator's: Angela Underwood

Personal skill building: learning about healthy relationship tools.

If you would like to register contact Angela Underwood.

Register Here

Healthy Relationships

Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSe8gc289VM2y2Ii1mbHgVfQwmsJTnGmgLoH8RQbj-DT8_1YAg/ viewform?usp=sf_link

Program Information: Information:

 Healthy Relationships Program

 for adults ages 19 +

 there are 10 sessions

Commitment and attendance is important and upon completion the participants will receive a certificate of completion.

There are 11 modules completed over 10 weeks.

The sessions help understand:

 healthy and unhealthy relationships.

 learning coping skills

 dealing with anger

 communication

 intergenerational trauma

 learn healthy relationships tools.

For more information contact: Angela Underwood, Community Safety Coordinator

PH: 250-732-2723

Email: Angela.Underwood@cowichantribes.com

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

LALUM’UTUL’SMUN’EEM

LUM-STAM’SHPREVENTIONCOMMUNITY SAFETY

CEDAR HARVESTING WORKSHOP

FACIILITATOR: Darcy Joe

DATES: MAY 4th & MAY 18th, 2023

TIME: 9 AM - 2 PM

LOCATION: to be determined

Registration with Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSdfywT6sMLf_a9Zc0FHGcfuSau8j5sWRpGDjA3qS_6fQsxf3A/viewform? usp=sf_link

For more information contact: Angela Underwood, BSW Community Safety Coordinator

LUM-STAM’SH Prevention Cell: 250-732-2723

Email: Angela.Underwood@cowichantribes.com

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem—Child and Family Services

LALUM’UTUL’SMUN’EEM

LUM-STAM’SHPREVENTIONCOMMUNITY SAFETY

CEDAR GRAD CAP WORKSHOP

FACIILITATOR: Karla Joe

DATE: MAY 30-31, 2023

TIME: 10 AM - 3 PM

LOCATION: to be determined

Registration with Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnVaXuTik4GytUlhjkWdbgGPMGhv6J_Fv-wUCo88Gfg8Jtw/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information contact:

Angela Underwood, BSW

Community Safety Coordinator

LUM-STAM’SH Prevention

Cell: 250-732-2723

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

 Learn how to cut fish for canning

 How much time is required

 How to use pressure cooker

 How prepare jars

 How to store once complete

 How to prepare/ process & dispose of fish

Supplies:

We will provide but if you have anything to contribute, it would be greatly appreciated .

 Pressure cookers

 Fish

 Sharp knives

 Canning jars (clean)

 Containers for guts

Come and sign up to learn how to use a pressure cooker to prepare canned fish.

When: May 18 1st group

May 25—2nd group

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: New Life Church

Contact: Molly Paige 250-732-8645 Molly.paige@cowichantribes.com

Adele Joe—250-732-4750, Karrighan Mitchell 250-732-6133

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem LUM-STAM-SH

Prevention Family Connections

Invitation to Cowichan Community Members

Friday Paint Night

Learn how to create stories, draw and do traditional painting with Bill Mawson. Contact Karrighan Mitchell to sign up!

Dates:

 May 5th, 2023

 May 12th, 2023

 May 19th, 2023

 May 26th, 2023

 June 2nd, 2023

 June 9th, 2023

 June 16th, 2023

 June 23rd, 2023

Time: 5-8 pm

Location: Elders Building

5760 Allenby Rd, Duncan BC

For more information contact:

Karrighan Mitchell cell: 250-732-6133 | Karrighan.Mitchell@cowichantribes.com

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

May Conservation Corner

S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa Survey of Private Moorage Impacts in Core Quw’utsun Marine Territory

Background

The proliferation of private moorages is impacting the environment and preventing community members from accessing the marine territory. From August 2021– August 2023 the Province of BC put into effect a moorage moratorium preventing further private moorage applications. The Quw’utsun Nation (QN) and British Columbia also signed a Government to Government Agreement that includes addressing the cumulative impacts of private moorages on the ability of QN members to exercise their harvesting rights and to enter into a co-governance process to manage private moorages within the QN’s territory.

Our Surveys

As a first step toward measuring the cumulative impacts of private moorages in QN territory, Cowichan Tribes’ S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kw'atl'kwa conducted on-water and land-based field surveys of private moorage impacts from January 1 – March 31 2023. Unauthorized trespass docks; derelict vessels and vessels of concern; structures below the high water mark, and; beach and/or marine debris originating from these were identified, described, mapped, and reported.

Results

115 observations were documented over only 30 days, underscoring the severity of the issue and impact (Figure 1).

19 unauthorized beach structures and 7 unauthorized docks were documented that were previously undocumented and unknown to the Province.

We cross-referenced field observations with property line markers to reveal a potential legal permitting loophole that allows property owners to build unpermitted structures below the high water mark. (more results on next page)

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

May Conservation

Corner

Surveys confirmed that a thorough assessment of cumulative impacts of private moorages and foreshore infrastructure/impacts has not been conducted by BC, but is necessary, and must be regular and ongoing.

These surveys are a first step toward comprehensively measuring and mitigating full private moorage cumulative impacts across unceded QN territory.

marine waters were surveyed in the area pictured.

Figure 1 ( upper left): Map of survey observations. Due to study limitations (e.g. time, high day-time tides, lack of access, etc.) not all beaches and

Figure 2 (lower left): Numerical Results of monitoring.

XWULQW’SELU CORNER

Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed

Sustainability Plan Update

bility Plan Updates, we have introduced representatives from Cowichan Tribes, and the Province, who have supported the scoping and planning processes, and delivered updates on the status and purpose of the Agreement, and highlighted the Cowichan Tribes vision for a healthy watershed. Please see our Newsletter features: October 2022 (pp. 30-31), March 2023 (p.58), and April 2023 (p. 52), for a refresher on where the work has come from and where the next steps of this work will lead to.

‘Uy’ skweyul, sii’em’, i siiye’yu. Good day respected ones and friends. We are honored to formally invite all Quw’utsun Mustimuhw to the Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement (S-x-ats-thut-tst) Signing Ceremony. Please see the community invitation on the following page for details on location, time, and itinerary. This event marks the agreement between Cowichan Tribes and the Province of British Columbia to begin the next phase of our shared work in protecting the Xwulqw’selu-Koksilah Watershed. In our previous Lulumexun features of the Cowichan Tribes Newsletters, Xwulqw’selu Corner: Watershed Sustaina-

We look forward to celebrating as a community on May 12th, as we gather to witness and give life to a new foundation for working together, guided by our Quw’utsun cultural ways and teachings. Stl'i' tl'eshun tseep- Join us- as we mark this important event and look to the next steps in developing a Xwuqlw’selu Watershed Sustainability Plan.

Huy tseep q’u, Lulumexun – Xwulqw’selu Planning Team

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Riparian Guardians Program Update

ALERT-TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD!

Beginning May 31, 2023, VIU will deliver a unique Quw’utsun Environmental Technicians

Certificate training program (Q-ETC). This training will take place over 9 weeks, with 60% of the learning occurring on the lands and waters throughout Quw’utsun traditional territory. The Q-ETC courses and program are highly applied ‘hands-on’ training sessions, with field work, demonstrations, and/or field training taking place most days. Graduates of the program will become certified environmental monitors, with abilities and opportunities to work in Guardian and Stewardship Programs while monitoring, protecting, and restoring traditional Indigenous territories; as well as many more sectors such as hydro development; fisheries, and other environmental and natural resource-based careers.

Applicants from Cowichan Tribes will be given first priority. Those who are interested in applying should be able to commit to the full length of training. Please see the poster on the following page for more details, including who to contact for further inquiries and to request an application.

Certified technicians continue to be in high demand. If you are suited to working in the environment or know someone who is passionate about working outdoors and stewarding the land, please be in touch and consider applying!

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

This training is a partnership between Cowichan Tribes Lulumexun - Lands and SelfGovernance department. Quw’utsun Employment and Training and Vancouver Island University. Please contact any contacts mentioned below for more information on how to apply.

VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

QUW’UTSUN ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIANS CERTIFICATE (Q-ETC)

MAY 31 - JULY 26, 2023

 Featuring Quw’utsun culture and teachings

 9 week, 300 hour accredited hands on training

 Graduates will gain employment opportunities with Cowichan Tribes, Parks Canada, DFO, Environment Canada and more!

 Delivered in Quw’utsun both in the classroom and on the land

 Daily lunch provided

 Applicants must be 18 +

 Inquire within for tuition and equipment funding

 Application deadline: May 10, 2023

Lucy Shaw, QET Intake Worker

T: 778-422-2255

Lucy.Shaw@cowichantribes.com

Bill (William) Viksush, QET Coordinator

T: 778-422-2255

William.Viksush@cowichantribes.com

Q-ETC TRAINING MODULES

 Land Monitoring Skills (5 days)

 Water Monitoring Skills (5 days)

 Construction Site Monitoring Skills (5 days)

 Fish and Fish Habitat Monitoring Skills (5 days)

 Essential Field Skills (5 days)

COMPLIMENTARY TRAINING:

 SWIFT Water Rescue Training

 Basic First Aid

 Weekly elder and knowledge holder visits

Cheyenne Williams, Xwulqw’selu Riparian Guardians Coordinator

T: 250-710-0237

cwilliams5902@gmail.com

Iwould like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported the Wilson family as they grieved the loss of a beautiful sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and so much more.

This support will not be forgotten. Huy tseep q'u. Friends came to sit with us.

Food donations were aplenty every day, and monetary donations towards the family table was so touching to my heart. My appreciation also goes to my friends from Ts’ewulhtun Health Center for your support during this time.

Thank you Cowichan Tribes fisheries for supplying the food fish and meat provided. Thank you to each and every one who surrounded our families with love, care, support and prayers.

Thank you,

Doreen Peter

Khowutzun Development Corporation

UPDATES FROM OUR TEAM

Our building “Eyuhwum” was nominated and won the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board award for the commercial “Affordable Housing” category. We have been privileged to be able to use the name of the family that owned this land in the 1930s, “Eyuhwum”. This is Eyuhwum and his wife Agnes in front of their house in Somena on top of the hill, with their daughter Esther Bear. The Eyuhwum name is still being used to this day and has been passed down from generation to generation. Eyuhwum’s English name is Johnny Bear George.

FOREST SERVICES

If you are 18 or older it is the final call if you are interested in firefighting for KFS in 2023. There is still an opportunity to join the KFS Warriors firefighting team. There is one last training session in early May so don’t delay, call Alexis at 250-746-4555 or come by our office at 200 Cowichan Way. The KFS firewood program for Cowichan Tribes elders ended and will recommence in November. Those that received firewood this year will automatically receive firewood this fall. If elders wish to be added to the KFS firewood list, please call Alexis at 250-746-4555

Our planting crews have been planting for the last month and a half. The late snowfall means our program will be running into late May this year. Our brushing program with Mosaic Forests is well under way. KFS started the BC Timber Sales planting and brushing program in late April.

KFS is once again wanting to support community members. KFS has begun funding charities, sports teams and individuals for the 2023/24 fiscal year. If you are a sports team or an individual that requires financial assistance, KFS may be able to help with personal sports equipment and registration fees. Call Alexis at 250-746-4555 to see if you qualify.

KHOWUTZUNFREEGRO.CA

Our team is always expanding and growing with the demand of our Freegro Tree Shelter units. We are currently working on a 52,500-unit order for July 2023.

We have positions for seamstress and on-call positions. If you are interested in learning more about what Khowutzun Freegro Tree Shelters has to offer for job opportunities, please drop by in person, email Kimberly.Sullivan@khowutzun.com, or visit our website at www.khowutzun.com

We are willing to train the right candidate.

TREE SHELTERS

Khowutzun Development Corporation

NEW VOICES

We will host a dinner May 31, 2023 for our citizens to meet and talk with our companies, KDC, KFS, and KFT. We will provide an update our citizens on our current projects, training and career opportunities, our strategic plan, and get input from our community. We will show our new "year in review video" and our "New Voices Video". We will have tables for each company, with information to take home, staff to answer questions and provide further information, as well as an area for dinner and discussion.

We are going to do pre-registration for this event with limited seats, so be sure to sign up right away. For pre-registration, please contact Braeden: at Braeden.george@khowutzun.com or phone 250-746-8350. Flyer’s will be delivered, we will post on our KDC Facebook page, our Website and on Cowichan Tribes Facebook, so keep an eye out for that.

The New Voices Program is a program designed to align First Nations youth and those members that have not been predominantly involved in the workforce or are looking for a new career path with opportunities arising from economic development initiatives. There are various locations where the New Voices team will reach out to the community members, such as high schools, Cowichan Tribes, Universities, Yuthuy Thut, Hiiye’ yu Lelum Society, Coast Salish Employment and Training and WorkBC.

We are also posting for a Manager for our New Voices program: please see our Facebook page and website for posting. Please submit resumes to: resumes@khowutzun.com

Feature

Costa Canna is currently focused on identifying new advantageous locations on the mainland to expand our retail chain. The town of Surrey, who have been against cannabis since legalization, have now begun to advance bylaws to support the recreational cannabis retail distribution. Costa Canna sees this as a major opportunity to increase our brand awareness along with revenues through the potential development of our first mainland location.

We are exploring a major partnership with another First Nation for the strategic development of our retail store portfolio. This partnership has been two years in the making and if successful, will position Costa Canna in one of the tourist destination locations in Canada.

This month we are going to be showcasing Fran Williams, Member of Cowichan Tribes and owner of Fran’s Trucking.

Fran has 32 years of trucking experience. She enjoys working with KDC and the Roundtable. She is currently on contract at the new hospital site and working there it has been well organized, with great team work.

United Greeneries prepares for Germany product Launch: Further to our notice in March, United Greeneries’ 1st German shipment has landed in country and is being processed for release to the market. The marketing team is finalizing a news release within Germany to promote our premium First Nations products, specifically focused on flower, within the medical market. We anticipate our second shipment to be leaving Canada soon

Thailand Joint Venture (Viva Reefa): Over the past three months, the team at United Greeneries have been actively designing and preparing for a Joint Venture development project in Thailand with our London partner, Viva Reefa. The project allows for United Greeneries to realize a perpetual 40% revenue share position for all products produced and distributed under our partnership. Viva Reefa provides all development capital, whilst United Greeneries provides facility design, equipment selection, implementation, and ongoing operations oversight. The Thailand market is medical only and provides a significant upside in pricing to the Canadian market. This is another step in ensuring our long term success is realized through the international market.

Cowichan Tribes Open House