Quw'utsun Newsletter - October 2023

Message from Lydia Hwitsum, Chief

Si’em nu Quwutsun Mustimuhw,

I was pleased to represent our nation at the BC AFN 20th Annual General Meeting from September 19-21th. It is always a good opportunity to gather with First Nations leaders from across the province to discuss important issues and resolutions, ranging from gender-affirming health care, to a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation. I also provided an update on behalf of the BC First Nations Justice Council.

As our people know, our rivers and everything they sustain continue to suffer from drought conditions. This spring and summer have once again been exceptionally dry; and in midSeptember pumping from Lake Cowichan into the River became necessary to sustain the minimum volume of water flow for fish populations. We consider this life support rather than an adequate solution.

Even prior to this pumping, the fish were at-risk with a die off event occurring in July. Cowichan Tribes staff immediately responded to the River and worked with partners to assess the site and impact. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans recently reported that environmental stress stemming from high water temperatures and low water flows was likely a factor in the fish deaths, with more testing and analysis underway.

As Co-Chairs of the Cowichan Watershed Board, the CVRD Chair and I continue to speak up for the Cowichan River and our people to move forward with building a higher weir so that it can retain more water during the rainy season. Federal funding for this work has been secured; however, a commitment from the Province is needed. We have requested joint or individual meetings with seven provincial ministers to discuss provincial funding.

Over the summer, the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project began the process of returning 70 hectares of habitat to health for our relatives, including the salmon, shellfish, and many species of birds. This project is taking place on land acquired by the Nature’s Trust of British Columbia and Ducks Unlimited, and is led by the Nature’s Trust. Cowichan Tribes is one of the government partners in the project, in addition to the provincial and federal governments. Our Council has been briefed regarding the project and continues to ensure that Cowichan Tribes’ voice and priorities are heard. You can learn more about the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project in the September newsletter or by visiting https://www.estuaryresilience.ca/cowichan-estuaryrestoration-project.

Lalum a thut tseep, Xtli’li ye’ Chief Lydia Hwitsum

Message from Dana Thorne, A/ Chief Administrative Officer

‘Uy’ skweyul,

We have kicked off a very busy fall by making history with the passing of our Custom Election Code and charting for our nation another step away from the Indian Act. Our custom election code increases council terms to four years, updates Council eligibility requirements, and creates clearer process for managing electoral process issues and Council complaints with the creation of an independent Complaint and Appeals Board. Our community engagement team worked hard to encourage all our voting aged Citizens to get out and vote; and we hope to see more and more Citizens exercising their right to vote going forward. Your opinion matters for the future of our nation and our youth. This successful ratification vote is a wonderful accomplishment for our community!

Next, Quw’utsun Mustimuhw will have the opportunity to vote on our new Child and Family Wellness Law. Online voting will be available at www.onefeather.ca between November 10 –24, 2023 and the in-person vote has been set for November 24th. You can learn more about the law in the pages that follow or by attending a dinner event on November 10th, 16th or 23rd at the Si’em Lelum Dining Hall. Community Champions will also be sharing information and going door to door. Please help increase our numbers at the polls and encourage your fellow Cowichan Citizens to exercise their right to vote.

In accordance with our Financial Administrative Law, we have posted our financial information for the 2022-2023 fiscal year on our website. We will host our Annual Audit Meeting on October 18, 2023 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium. It will be a hybrid event, so Quw’utsun Mustimuhw who are unable to attend in person can participate via Zoom. There will be a presentation made by a representative from our auditor, MNP and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. We look forward to seeing you.

I am also pleased to highlight that our Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre will be hosting a series of nine Flu + COVID-19 vaccine clinics in October. There will be drive thru clinics, as well as long house clinics at Kwa’mutsun, Lhumlhumuluts’ and S’amunu. Keeping up to date on our vaccinations is one of the best ways we can protect our health, especially at this time of year when flu, COVID-19 and RSV (Respiratory Cyncytial Virus) are circulating in our community. Full details are available in the poster featured in this newsletter.

Huy tseep q’u, Dana (Sunaxwumaat) Thorne

Flu + COVID vaccine clinics

Get your flu and COVID vaccine to help keep you healthy this fall.

ELDERS ONLY

AGES 60+

October 10, 11, 12, 2023

Ages 6 months+

COMMUNITY FLU + COVID CLINICS

KWA’MUTSUN (QUAMICHAN)

Ages 6 months+

October 26, 2023

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

LHUMLHUMULUTS’ (CLEM CLEM)

Ages 6 months+

October 27, 2023

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Long House Dates

S’AMUNU (SOMENA)

Ages 6 months+

October 28, 2023

2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Health - Youth Services

OCTOBER 2023

Upcoming Events

Indigenous Men’s Group

Bringing Healthy Birth Back to Quw’utsun

What: We invite Quw’utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan community members only) to hear the results of the Preterm Birth Study and share feedback.

When: Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Where: Si’em Lelum (Gym)

**Dinner, childminding, and rides available!**

Contact: brenda.yuen@cowichantribes.com or Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre Front Desk (250-746-6184)

The Quw’utsun Preterm Birth Study Team: Sul-hween Lydia Seymour, Sul-hween Doreen Peter, Liz Spry, Brenda Yuen, Jen Murray. Research Advisory Committee: Maia Thomas, Eugenia Tinoco, Lynsey Johnny, Marnie Elliott, Fairlie Mendoza, Barb Webster, Joban Dhanoa, Ashley Simpson, Dr. Diane Sawchuck, Dr. Shannon Waters.

Saturday, October 14th and Sunday October, 15th

9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Both days)

5th Floor of Oceanfront Suites, 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd.

SCAN CODE TO SIGN UP

Contact: Elizabeth Ibarra, Kwun’atsustul Counsellor at (250) 246-7148 or elizabeth.ibarra@cowichantribes.com

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Sul -hween (Elders)

HWISULENUHW (OCTOBER) 2023

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Low Pressure Sewer STEP System

Construction is near completion for the Low Pressure Sewer Project – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-2 with the remaining of the works being surface restoration and deficiencies. 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 fully operational. Surface restoration work and deficiency corrections began the week of September 25th and continue into early October. The contractor will be providing notices outlining the works to occur on individual properties in order to correct of complete surface restoration. We appreciate your patience as we look to complete this project.

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

Interested in learning more about the Capital Projects Department?

Check out our website at www.cowichantribes.com/housing/capital-projects

Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

CAPITAL PROJECTS

YuThuyThut Replacement Project

Work has nearly completed on the new YuThuyThut school and the students and staff are all settled in to complete the school year. Finishing touches around the exterior are still being worked on and will be fully complete in early October. A grand opening event is being planned for the end of October.

Work on the watermain replacement is still ongoing and will complete in mid-October. This will provide the necessary fire flows to the school’s fire suppression system. The area can expect some minor disruption in water service when the new watermain is activated prior to completion.

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

Are you a Certificate of Possession (CP) holder who may be interested in selling all or a portion of your CP land to Cowichan Tribes for the purposes of building community projects? If this is something you would consider please contact Lauren Miller in the Capital Projects Department at (250)715-3302.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

CONTACT US

BY PHONE (250-715-3302)

Call us Monday through Friday

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

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

PAY RENT

Send an e-Transfer to directdeposit@cowichantribes.com

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

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/cowichantribeshousing

The transition from Sumer to Fall marks an important time in preparing your home for the upcoming cooler months.

Please Remember...

If you are unable to complete proper home maintenance, contact our department so we can help you determine what needs to be completed and next steps.

Tenants are reminded that they are responsible for the maintenance of their rental unit as outlined in Schedule C and in your Tenant Handbook. If you are unsure of your responsibilities as a tenant, please contact us for more information.

Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Hwisulenuhw - October

The time when the leaves are shaken from the trees

 Roof & Gutters

Your roof needs to be inspected twice per year for damage, signs of moss and to ensure excess debris is removed. Gutters also need to be cleaned at least once per year. Proper maintenance protects against structural damage, pest infestation and prolongs the lifespan of your roof. Visit our website for more information: www.cowichantribes.com/roofs-gutters

 Pest Check-Up

Keeping your property free from pests is central to good health. Remove any cardboard, garbage, old empties and food as well as other debris from inside and outside your home. Not only are these items considered a fire hazard when piled up, but they make perfect homes for unwanted pests.

 Yard Maintenance

Your yard and deck are often ignored as part of getting your home ready for cooler months. However, not taking care of your yard and deck can leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Make sure to:

 Cover and store outdoor furniture, barbeques, etc.

 Drain hoses and shut off or cover outdoor water valves.

 Seal cracks around doors and windows

 Repair and seal driveway

 Fireplace/Chimney

Your fireplace and chimney need to be swept and inspected twice per year. An inspection will ensure everything is working correctly and sweeping will ensure everything is clean and safe for you and your family. Remember to store dry firewood at least 15 feet away from your home to prevent pest infestations.

 Furnaces

Gas and oil furnaces need to be serviced by a professional at least once per year to ensure they are in proper working condition as well as the required annual maintenance.

 Baseboard Heat

Baseboard heaters need to be cleaned just like other surfaces in your home. Shut off heaters and let them cool before cleaning. Check for missing or damages prongs and ensure nothing is stuck inside the heaters. If you find damage, please fix or replace the heater. Ensure heaters are kept clear of material that could cause a fire.

HRV Units

By using your HRV unit will result in lower Hydro bills, cleaner air and better heat circulation throughout the cooler months. Check out more on HRV units on the next page.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Let’s talk about……. HRV UNITS

Q: What is an HRV Unit?

HRV stands for Heat Recovery Ventilator. These systems use fresh air from outdoors to provide high indoor air quality through the removal of moisture, smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases as well as temperature control and oxygen replenishment.

MAINTENANCE

Make sure to turn off and unplug the unit from its power source before conducting any maintenance.

Your HRV requires regular maintenance to ensure it is in proper working condition. This maintenance includes cleaning the filters and the core of the machine. Most filters can be easily removed for cleaning in newer HRV units or can be replaced at a low cost in older units.

Proper care instructions for your HRV unit are located inside your manual. If you do not have a copy of your manual, please contact shd.maintenance@cowichantribes.com and a copy can be emailed to you.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Nothing works:

 Make sure the unit is plugged in

 Make sure the unit is receiving power from the house circuit breaker

Q: What are the benefits?

Benefits health by reducing indoor air pollutants

Reduces high levels of humidity and moisture

Retains heat by recycling from other sources

Saves you money on your hydro bill

 Press the push button once to make sure the unit is not in stand by mode

Condensation on windows (air too humid):

 If possible, turn the unit on high speed until the situation is corrected

 Leave curtains half-open to allow air circulation

 Store all firewood in a closed room or outdoors

 Do not adjust the thermostat to below 18˚C (64˚F)

Air too cold at air grill supply:

 Make sure the exterior vent is not blocked

 Do not adjust the thermostat to below 18˚C (64˚F)

 Turn the unit to low speed

Social Development

Cowichan Tribes

October 24, 2023 cheque issue for November, 2023

Social Development Income Assistance:

 Work search is a requirement for all employable clients when applying for Social Assistance. Work search must be fully completed name of the business, date dropped off resume to business, a contact number or email address and the result of the activity.

 Monthly renewal declarations (MRD’s) for November cheque issue are due between October 2-10, 2023. If there are two adults on a file, both must be present in office to sign. Late MRD will be accepted on October 24, 2023 (Cheque issue day).

Pre-Employment Supports Program: Shelley Thorne and Sebastian Cassorla are following up with next Mel Shun Um program (New Path) scheduled to start late fall. If you are interested, please meet with them to ensure your PES file is in compliance. In between programs, there are short term program certificate classes available.

Designated Band Representatives (DBR’s):

We have two Designated Band Representatives (DBR’s) Dora Swustus and Lori Guerin. They are both here to assist our families with Child and Family Services issues. Dora and Lori assist with Cowichan Tribes members on and off reserve.

If you require assistance, DBR’s help Cowichan Tribes child(ren) and youth in all areas of Child Welfare including: Cowichan Tribes Advisory Committee Meetings, adoptions, permanency planning, child safety, investigations, guardianship, foster care, providing input and advocacy for you in high risk situations and for children and youth that are in care. They ensure proper cultural planning and supports are part of the child’s plan of care and updated with the child and include the family for their input. They support the decision making process with adoption and aging out. They also participate in all family meetings, child and youth interviews, care plan meetings.

My Canada Revenue Agency account:

My Canada Revenue Agency account can be found on-line. Go to Internet/Google and search for “My CRA Account”. Then select “Register”. Once registered, you will be able to access government documents that pertain to your information such as: Income Tax information/statements, Child Tax information/Statements and GST information.

We Wish You a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Lulumexun - Lands and Self -Governance

Kw’atl’kwa (Ocean)

Updates

MARINE OUTREACH & EDUCATION

Marine Community Forum coming 2024:

The marine team of Cowichan Tribes is working in collaboration with the Georgia Strait Alliance to host some opportunities for Cowichan Tribes members to be involved in further developing a vision for the marine territory. Currently the team is seeking Cowichan youth to help plan and coordinate a spring-time Marine Community Forum (see poster next page). This project also seeks to engage and encourage participation from youth from the broader Quw'utsun Nation (Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz'uminus First Nation).

S-hwuhwa'us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa beach walks:

Attention educators and youth group organizers

The S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa crew held beach walks for some classes last spring and are looking to invite more Quw’utsun Youth out on the beach. If you work with Quw’utsun Youth and would like to schedule some time out on the beach with the crew for monitoring, data collection and learning more about caring for the marine territory, please contact us.

Program Coordinator, Kim Lagimodiere at Kimberly.lagimodiere@Cowichantribes.com

INVASIVE SPECIES MONITORING

The S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa crew completed sampling in Cowichan Bay in September and NO European Green Crabs were found. This summer European Green Crabs were found by Penelakut Tribe monitors on the East side of Penelakut Island. Monitoring, in collaboration with the DFO Aquatic Invasive Species team, will continue this October and next year at both locations.

October Environmental Opportunities

S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa

Postings still in progress for marine related jobs in the Lulumexun Department. Contact Kim if you are interested in the temporary work being offered this fall in a debris clean up (see September’s newsletter for more details).

Employment & Volunteer

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

VOLUNTEER: Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, training provided. https://www.somenosmarsh.com/volunteer-with-us

VOLUNTEER AT NATURE KIDS BC: co-club leader to help run their Cowichan Valley Club. Start time ASAP.

https://volunteercowichan.bc.ca/volunteer-postings/show-volunteer-postings/5612/

Training

VIU: Natural Resources Extension Program. FREE COURSES! Some online, some delivered on-campus. https://scitech.viu.ca/natural-resource-extension/schedule

Forage Fish Training with MABBRI: learn how to conduct forage fish spawning habitat monitoring! On Salt Spring Island. FREE! Saturday October 14th, 11:00—3:00.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/forage-fish-training-with-mabrri-and-transition-salt-springtickets-680166595597?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Other Events

ART CONTEST: Salmon conservation stamp art, Pacific Salmon Foundation, deadline is Tuesday, October 31, at 4:00PM. $6000 prize! Click here for more details, and the entry form

COWICHAN VALLEY NATURALISTS SOCIETY: free monthly educational programs to the general public check out their website for more information, https://www.naturecowichan.net/wp/

Citizenship and Tobacco Tax

Citizenship Department & Tobacco Tax

Tobacco Tax 2023

The next Citizenship Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The Tobacco Tax team is expected to start soon. Please watch for further updates.

Tobacco Tax office: 8-180 Central Rd office located at the Village Green Mall.

Also, the 2023 Tobacco Tax forms will be made available soon.

This is the last meeting for applicants to qualify for the 2023 Tobacco Tax distribution.

Tobacco Tax distribution date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023. The deadline for this distribution is Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Current Bank Information

Ensure we have your current bank information on file. Submit direct deposit forms in PDF directdeposit@cowichantribes.com or in person to our Tobacco Tax team.

Custody Documents

Parents and legal guardians please submit up-to-date custody court documents with your application.

The same applies for Power of Attorney documents.

Citizenship Department

5760 Allenby Rd

Duncan, BC V9L 5J1

Phone: 236-800-4023

Email: membership@cowichantribes.com

Citizenship Manager—Jen Charlie

Citizenship Assistant—Pauline Thorne

Citizenship Intake worker—Alana Joe

Happy Birthday to the 413 Cowichan citizens born in October!

Happy Halloween

Get a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS)

SCISforages16andolder,expiresafter10years;andforages15andunder,expiresafter5years.

ISC also known as Indigenous Service Canada will be here to assist with the new Secure Status Card applications. A virtual queueing system will be set up to help avoid long line ups.

Where: Si’em Lelum dining hall

When: Tuesday, October 17, 2023. From 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

What you need:

 Valid picture ID (Government issued ID). This can include laminated status cards less then 6 months expired.

 Legal documents for custody, marriage that hasn’t been reported previously and legal name changes (if applicable)

 If you do not have ID then a guarantor form can be done to assist you.

Photos will be processed on site. No charge for this service.

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Team is growing!

We have expanded our department to support the protection of the Salish Sea in the event of an emergency with the addition of two oil spill response staff members.

Pleased welcome Brigham Smith and Paula Lash to the Cowichan Tribes Emergency Services Team. Brigham and Paula will advance the development of the Cowichan Tribes Oil Spill Program in cooperation with the Marine Team from Lulumexun, Lands & Self Governance.

Brigham started his role as oil spill coordinator with Cowichan Tribes in late August. As we move our spill response capabilities into an operational role, Brigham's 28 years of Emergency Management, Emergency Health, and Coast Guard experience will be a valuable asset. Having lived in BC his entire life, Brigham and his family moved to the Cowichan Valley 16 years ago. Brigham's wife is the Health Director for Malahat Nation, and his teen daughters attend Francis Kelsey secondary school. Brigham strives to balance work and life by fishing on the West Coast and riding his Harley.

Originally from Arizona in the US, Paula has been working in and around the Marine Science field for the last 20 years. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University and has worked across the US, Australia, and New Zealand before moving to Canada in 2008.

Most recently, Paula was part of the research program at the Vancouver Aquarium, partnering with UBC on various projects aimed at marine mammal conservation and education. She relocated to the Cowichan Valley in 2020.

Both Paula and Brigham bring a wealth of knowledge to our program.

BrighamSmith- OilSpillCoordinator

PaulaLash–OilSpillResearch andCommunicationsAssistant

Think before it starts

Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape

Learn the Sounds of Safety

October 8th –14th is National Fire Prevention week and we are pleased to share this years theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU.”

Check out these fun activities for you and your family to work on together.

As well you will find a link to help with more information about fire prevention.

https://www.nfpa.org/

BEING PREPARED IS KEY

Our Emergency Preparedness

Goals:

 #1 Prevent loss of life

 Protect properties from damage

 Avoid downtimes caused by operation disruptions.

10 Fire Prevention Tips You Need to Know

1. Avoid electrical overloading

2. Check electrical connections for faulty wiring

3. Fireproof your kitchen

4. Turn off gas tanks when not in use

5. Keep your light sources secured

6. Remove common fire hazards

7. Practice good housekeeping habits

8. Observe proper smoking etiquette

9. Install smoke alarms

10. Get a fire extinguisher

INITIAL FLOOD PREPARATIONS

With the Climate change challenges we face each year, we are starting our fall flood preparation work.

We recommend community members check their the crawlspaces and basements to ensure they are clear of any valuables, including keepsake items, regalia, blankets and giveaways for gatherings.

The Emergency Management Team is always available for questions and concerns about Fire Safety. Please call or stop in to chat anytime.

(250)-715-3333

Emergency Management

OIL SPILL RESPONSE

As part of expanding our Emergency Services Department, several staff from the Oil Spill Response and Bylaw teams had an informative and collaborative day visiting the Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) site in Nanaimo on September 21st.

During the time on site, staff toured the area and got to see the latest oil spill recovery equipment, as well as learning about the action plans that WCMRC has in place for dealing with oil spills up and down our coastline. The Emergency Services Department’s goal is to ensure we have the capacity on site initiate a fast response to an oil spill in our waters until a larger recovery response can be put into action.

Cowichan Tribes is working hard to build a reliable and consistent plan to deal with oil spill emergencies off of our vibrant coastline, ensuring we can protect the resources that are most important to our members and future generations

MONDAY OCTOBER 2, 2023

ARRIVAL TIME 9AM

WALK BEGINS 9:30AM

SI’EM LELUM SOCCER FIELDS ON RIVER ROAD

NEAR SI’EM LELUM GYMNASIUM 5574 RIVER RD

Events

GuestSpeakers, Tzinquaw Performance, Youth ShowCase,FoodTrucks andVendors orpackyourownlunch!

Contacts

Organizer Audrey George

Call/text: 250-732-1708

Email: ageorge@makola.bc.ca

Volunteer Coordinator Rosalie: Call/text 250-701-3134