Quw'utsun Newsletter - November 2023

Quw’utsun Newsletter November 2023 Cowichan Tribes offices will be closed on November 13, 2023 for the statutory holiday observing Remembrance Day. We will resume regular business hours on November 14, 2023.

After 156 years of colonial laws, our Nation is voting to reclaim our authority (jurisdiction) over Child and Family Services.

A vote for our Law is a vote for our Smun’eem (children)

IN PERSON VOTING NOVEMBER 24TH 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

At Si’em Lelum Dining Hall

QUESTIONS?

Visit us Email us Call us

ourchildlaw.cowichantribes.com ourchildlaw@cowichantribes.com 250-746-1002

WHO CAN VOTE? Cowichan Tribes Citizens, 18 years or older.

WHEN? Online Voting starts November 10th in-person November 24th.

Message from Chief

3

Message from Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

4 5

COVID-19 Update

Cowichan Tribes 5760 Allenby Rd

6-9

Ts ’e w u l h t u n H e a l t h L a l u m ’ u t u l ’ S m u n ’e e m - C h i l d a n d F a m i l y S e r v i c e s Operations and Maintenance

10-13 14

Duncan, BC V9L 5J1 P: 250.748.3196 Fax: 250.748.1233

Hours Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Social Development

15-16

Q u w ’ u t s u n S y u w ’e n t s t L e l u m

17-19

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

20-23

Advertising

Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

24-26

Full Page B+W

27

Full Page with Color

C i t i z e n s h i p a n d To b a c c o Ta x

1:00 - 4:30 pm

$49.00

$263.00

28

Emergency Services Khowutzun Development Corporation

29-30

Dairy Queen

31

Quw ’utsun Christmas Dinner

32

Deadline for December 2023 Newsletter Submission:

November 22, 2023 Please submit via Publisher or Word Send to:

Sherri Norris, Communications Coordinator in Administration Building OR

Email:

sherri.norris@cowichantribes.com

Sign-up for Quw’utsun Digital Newsletter

Message from Chief Lydia Hwitsum Si’em nu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw, Our nation has a historic opportunity to take over full responsibility for our Children and Families.

The project team has been working very hard to finalize the law through years of meetings, events, and conversations with our community members. The Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children are grounded in our teachings and is focused on prevention and keeping families together.

A yes vote is a vote for our children and will ensure that colonial governments will no longer be making decisions about Quw’utsun children.

Join the project team at their upcoming dinners November 10th, 16th, and 23rd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Si’em Lelum Gym. Ratifications officers will be on hand to assist citizens with registering and submitting their vote online. The online voting period runs from November 10th to November 24th and the in-person vote will take place at the Si’em Lelum Gym on November 24th.

Huy tseep q’u sii’em all those who joined us in person and online for our Annual Audit Meeting on October 18th. We had a song from Robert George to give thanks for the beautiful meal prepared by our cooks. Dora Wilson also provided an opening prayer to ensure our meeting proceeded in a good way. Huy ch q’u as well to the auditors from MNP that provided a presentation regarding our nation’s financial performance over the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Throughout the evening, our Council received thoughtful questions from participants regarding important topics, including housing renovation funding, multi-generational and net-zero housing, and work we are doing with KDC and BC Housing to create more homes for our people. It was also good to address questions relating to economic development, growing our nation’s own source revenue, and reducing our reliance on funding provided by other levels of government. Funding for our own search and rescue unit, food security, and broadcasting Council meetings on Zoom were additional topics of discussion. I want to recognize everyone for being engaged, respectful, and spending your evening with us. Time is a precious gift. The full transcript of the Q&A will be available in an upcoming edition of the Quw’utsun Newsletter.

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

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬3

Message from Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

‘Uy’ skweyul, I want to start by recognizing the team at Ts’ewulhtun health for their hard work to provide Flu and COVID-19 vaccines to our community members. They hosted nine vaccine clinics in October, six drive-thru and walk up clinics at our office complex and three at our long houses. COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are circulating and keeping your vaccines up to date can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. If you did not attend one of our clinics, you can book a vaccine appointment by calling: 1-833-838-2323.

As we begin to gather indoors, we can demonstrate our love and respect for one another by taking steps to protect our family members and our Elders.

Please do not attend long house events or other gatherings if you are feeling unwell. Masks also provide protection in crowded spaces. We are also sharing important information in the pages that follow about how to get treatment for COVID-19 if you do test positive. Rapid Test Kits are available at Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre and local pharmacies.

Our 2022-2023 Annual Report is now available to our community. This edition highlights the program and service enhancements our departments have achieved related to housing and infrastructure, the opioid crisis response, community safety and emergency preparedness, and our self-governance initiatives. Extensive engagement activities were also undertaken to ensure that our citizen’s perspectives are heard on important topics, such as land and marine use planning, community health and wellness, community safety, Hul’q’umi’num’ language education, the Custom Election Code, and the Child and Family Wellness Legislation. I encourage you to take a look here. Printed copies are also available in the Administration Building.

Lastly, please save the date on Wednesday, December 6th for our Quw’utsun Community Christmas Dinner. Last year’s event was a wonderful success and we look forward to building on all the fun activities and amazing food that were provided.

Huy tseep q’u, Dana (Sunaxwumaat) Thorne Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬4

COVID-19 Update

Treatment within five days of symptoms starting can prevent serious illness and fatalities

W H AT Can prevent symptoms from getting worse and reduce the chance you will need to go to hospital for treatment.

WHO

HOW

For adults who test positive for COVID-19  Are at higher risk of severe disease and needing hospital care

Within five days of testing positive for COVID-19 talk to a health care professional or call Service BC 1-888268-4319 to determine if Paxlovid is suitable for you.



How to request and receive treatment

FIRST STEP

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Positive test result from a rapid test. COVID-19 test kits are available at Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre and at local pharmacies

Contact your family doctor or nurse practitioner to talk about treatment options.

Request treatment through Service BC. Visit gov.bc.ca/ covidtreatments or call 1-888-268-4319.

Please do not attend community gatherings if you are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.

Masking is a helpful tool when attending large indoor gatherings.

Vaccination is still recommended.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬5

Ts’ewulhtun Health– Sulh-ween Schedule

Tth’at’xwumutsun (November) 2023

The time when the ground is glistening from frost to ice.

Syulwulhnet

Sxu’athuns

Sthumunt-s

Slhihws 1

We want to hear from you!

Have an idea for an activity in December?

Please contact Benecia, Activity Coordinator at (250) 715-3303

6

October Shopping Day

2 Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Footcare 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

7 Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Slhq’etsus-s

9 GFB $ due

8 Footcare 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Remembrance Day Observed (Office closed)

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

20

William Head Luncheon

14

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Tsawout Luncheon

15

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

22 Footcare 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

23 Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

November Birthday Cake

24

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Exercise 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

28

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

17

Exercise 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

21

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

16

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

27

10

Exercise 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Footcare 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Swim 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Exercise 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

13 Receive GFB

3

29 Footcare 9:00 - 4:00 p.m.

30 Hul’q’umi’num Class 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Shopping Trip

Please call us at (250) 715-3303 to book your Elders footcare appointment. Terin the pharmacist and our nurse Helena will be available in November, for home visits to complete wellness and medication checks. Please call (250) 715-3303 to book your home visit.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬6

Ts’ewulhtun Health

S l h e x u n s u n ’ t s ’a ’ C l i n i c ‫ ׀‬B r e a t h e - B e t t e r G r o u p Ask us about our Breathe-Better Group!

Host: Our Respiratory Therapist, Ann is hosting this monthly group.

Group Size: 6-8 (open to all Quw’utsun community members) When: First Wednesday of every Month from 1-3 PM (starting November 1, 2023) Location: Slhexun sun’ts’a’ Clinic at 121 Ingram Street Contact: Call the Clinic at (250) 715-3322 to sign-up Tea & light snacks provided (please let us know if you have any food allergies)

Kw u n ’a t s u s t a l C o u n s e l l i n g ‫ ׀‬Q u a n t u m H e a l i n g H y p n o s i s T h e r a p y Nancy James has completed Level 1 QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy) What is QHHT? Quantum healing hypnosis is a method used by Dolores Cannon to help her patients understand themselves better, gaining fuller control of their lives by knowing the connection between their past and present lives. The two components using this technique include past regression or the ‘past’ life and the actions of the subconscious.

Nancy is grateful and looking forward to include this in her current practice at Kwun’atsustul Counselling. Every Friday will be dedicated to providing this service. Sessions are 4 hours long and is provided in a safe environment at 200 Cowichan Way. If you are interested in having a session, please call (250) 732-0999 (cell).

In the Light Nancy James BSW, RSW Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬7

Ts’ewulhtun Health - Embracing Life

Embracing Life Healing Through Grief & Loss Workshop

When: November 28, 2023 Where: Siem Lelum Gym Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm For: Quw’utsun Mustimuhw

Cowichan Tribes will be hosting a day-long workshop for Community members.

We will be joined by facilitator Earl Lambert, a Cree/Metis motivational speaker and life coach, to create a safe, supportive, and judgement-free space for Cowichan community members to talk about their grief and loss.

Please register online using the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/121OAXAE9j3z1AI3OdsVTZu6eTXzldMyZUNyU4LJl7hg

Contact: Angelina Rice Email: Angelina.Rice@cowichantribes.com Phone: 250-732-3712 Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬8

Ts’ewulhtun Health—Youth Services

Youth Services Schedule ‫ ׀‬November 2023 Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

1 Drop-in 3-9pm

6

7 Drop-in 3-9pm Young Men’s Group 4-6pm

13 Remembrance Day Observed Office Closed

14 Drop-in 3-9pm Young Men’s Group 4-6pm

20

21 Drop-in 3-9pm Young Men’s Group 4-6pm

27

28 Drop-in 3-9pm Young Men’s Group 4-6pm

Drop-in 3-9pm

Young Women’s Group 4-6pm

Cook Night 6pm

9

Drop-in 3-9pm

10 Drop-in 3-9pm

Young Women’s Group 4-6pm

Cook Night 6pm

16

11 Drop-in 3-9pm

17

Drop-in 3-9pm

Drop-in 3-9pm

Young Women’s Group 4-6pm

Cook Night 6pm

23

18 Drop-in 3-9pm

24

Drop-in 3-9pm

Drop-in 3-9pm

Young Women’s Group 4-6pm

Cook Night 6pm

29

4 Drop-in 3-9pm

Drop-in 3-9pm

22 Drop-in 3-9pm

3

Drop-in 3-9pm

15 Drop-in 3-9pm

Sat

2

8 Drop-in 3-9pm

Fri

25 Drop-in 3-9pm

30 Drop-in 3-9pm Young Women’s Group 4-6pm Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬9

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

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬10

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

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬11

Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem - Child and Family Services A vote for our Law is a vote for o u r S m u n ’e e m ( C h i l d r e n ) .

Hello Quw’utsun Mustimuhw!

Enthu Kwut hwum qun tuni’ tsun utl’ Thi’q. I am Kwut hwum qun from Thi’q. I am also known as Matthew Louie from Cowichan Tribes. My grandparents are the late Rennie and Evelyn Louie. Dorothy August and the late Cicero August. My parents are Renee Louie and Doug August Sr. (Hilda). I have recently joined the Lalum’utul Smuneem team as an Outreach Worker. Our team will be working to continue sharing information about the Child and Family Wellness Legislation and the Ratification Voting (online and in-person). We have in mind to visit homes to share information and answer any questions and/or concerns.

Kelly August, Madison Thomas, Jeff Kinnaird, and I will serve as your Assistant Ratification Officers. Our team will be out helping people with online voting.

Huy ch q’u - Thank you for your time and attention.

I can be reached at Matthew.Louie@cowichantribes.com or at 250-746-1002.

Register for online voting here: w w w. o n e f e a t h e r. c a / n a t i o n s / c o w i c h a n Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬12

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

LUM-STAM’SH PREVENTION ‫ ׀‬Community Safety Programs Cowichan Knitting Program (Tuesday) Facilitators: Mabel Antoine & Lorraine Charlie Time: 4:45 - 6:30 p.m.

Start: November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023 Scan QR Code to register

End: January 2024 Location: Prevention Building (1-5838 Trans Canada Highway) Cultural Program: Teachings of Weaving (Wednesday) Facilitator: Stella Johnny Time: 10 am - 2:30 pm Dates: November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (last session)

Scan QR Code to register

Location: Prevention Building (1-5838 Trans Canada Highway) Learn to weave patterns to apply to cedar baskets and wool.

Healthy Relationships (Thursday) Facilitator: Calvin Swustus Time: 10 am - 2 pm Dates: November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023

Scan QR Code to register

Location: Prevention Building (1-5838 Trans Canada Highway) Paint Night (Friday) Facilitator: Bill Mawson & Cultural Support Time: 4 pm - 7:30 pm (meal included) Dates:

Scan QR Code to register

December 1 & 8, 2023 January 12 & 26, 2024 February 2 & 16, 2024 Location: To be determined

Contact information: Angela Underwood Email: Angela.Underwood@cowichantribes.com ‫׀‬

Phone: 250-715-3330 ‫׀‬

Cell: 250-732-2723

We also want to thank Clements Centre for inviting our department to be a part of the Community Inclusion Block Party back in September!

It was a delight to connect with the community and see everyone’s smiling faces.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬13

Operations and Maintenance

Operations & Maintenance

November 2023 Curbside Schedule Phone: (236) 800-5071 Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

1 Recycle

6 Garbage

7 Industrial

13 Remembrance Day

Garbage

8 Recycle

14 Garbage

2 Compost

9 Garbage

15 Recycle

3

10 Compost

16 Garbage

17 Compost

Observed

20 Garbage

21 Industrial

27 Garbage

 

22 Recycle

28 Industrial

Bags must be at curbside by 8:00 AM 3 bag limit

  

23 Garbage

29 Recycle

Bags must be tied Regular size bags ONLY Must break down boxes

24 Compost

30 Garbage



Industrial is Cowichan Tribes buildings

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬14

Social Development Cowichan Tribes Social Development Department 5760 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC V9L 5J1 Telephone 778-422-2255 Fax: 778-422-1303 Website: www.cowichantribes.com

Cheque issue day is November 21, 2023 (for December 2023) Pre-Employment Support Program Team: please check in with Sebastian Cassorla to ensure your file is up-to-date. Wenona George has joined the PES team until March 31, 2024.

Welcome aboard, Wenona.

Social Development Client Reminders: 

Monthly renewal declarations will be accepted from November 1—10, 2023 for December 2023 cheque issue. If you do not submit within this timeframe, you are required to submit in-person on November 21, 2023 to complete the renewal declaration.



Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your Band Social Development Worker.



Current BC Hydro & Fortis BC bills are required for each client file.



Annual renewal packages, please submit all required documents at the same time.



Change reports are required when someone moves in or out of your home.



All parent(s) of newborns please connect with Citizenship, prior to coming to Social Development to add your baby to your file.



PLEASE NOTE: if you are the private home owner and a Social Development client, please meet with your worker to discuss home owner’s insurance.

DESIGNATED BAND REPRESENTATIVES CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Dora Swustus cell #(250) 732-0052; email Dora.DBR@cowichantribes.com



Lori Guerin cell # (250) 732-4583; email Lori.Guerin.DBR@cowichantribes.com Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬15

Social Development

Cowichan Tribes Information Session Monday November 27th, 2023 Administration Building, Council Chambers 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Information Session is open to our community members!

Your chance to get help from any of the following: 

Social Development



Service Canada



Coast Capital



Canada Revenue



Island Savings



Income Tax filing

Do you have any questions or concerns about Canada Revenue Agency? Your taxes?

Your CRA account? Need help opening a CRA account?

Have questions for Service Canada? Are you 64? Have you applied for your pension?

Or for passport information, Employment Insurance (EI).

New account information, direct deposit forms and bank statements proved by Coast Capital. Do you need a bank account? Island Savings (Cowichan Branch) will be on site providing information on accounts and services provided at Island Savings.

If you have any questions please contact Johnny Crocker at Social Development.

(778) 422-2255 or email johnny.crocker@cowichantribes.com

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬16

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum - Culture and Education

TLE’SHATALUM YOU’RE INVITED Cowichan Tribes Education is hosting a Hul’q’umi’num Christmas Concert featuring performances by: Quw’utsun Smun’eem Elementary, Yuthuythut, and Daycare students and staff Date: December 15, 2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Cowichan Performing Arts 2687 James St. Duncan 3 tickets per student

Contact for more information: Vita Antoine at (250) 715-1022 Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬17

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum - Culture and Education

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum ‘Uy’ skweyul Quw’utsun mustimuhw.

We are still accepting bus registration forms for the school year of 2023/2024. Friendly reminder if your child(ren) is not yet registered for the school year please register as soon as possible.

Dates to Remember

INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION With the winter season fast approaching, it is important to remind everyone about Transportation’s procedures regarding inclement weather.

There may be times when bus routes will not be operating when schools in the district are closed or when road conditions are poor. Some of the less maintained and more dangerous roads with flooding season (i.e. Wil’seem Road, or with steep hills), in which cases one or more bus routes on the reserves may be cancelled. The Transportation Supervisor will determine at 5:45 a.m. who carefully assess local road conditions in the event of a severe weather warning.



Nov.1st

2pm Dismissal for Queen of Angels.

—————————



Nov.13th

Remembrance Day. ALL schools and Offices will be CLOSED. —————————



Nov.22nd

2 hour Early Dismissal for SD 79 and QSE.

The local radio station 89.7FM will be contacted about inclement weather emergencies along with our NEW Facebook page Cowichan Tribes QSL Student Transportation. We also post early dismissals, pro-d-days .

—————————

 Nov.23rd

In all these cases, the safety of our students will be the first priority.

Parents are equally encouraged to keep safety in mind when determine winter weather conditions.

& 24th Queen of Angels ONLY—No school.

Faith Day —————————

Please keep in mind that if your telephone number changes at any time throughout the school year 2023/2024, you will need to call the Education Transportation Department at (250) 715-1022 or email so we can change the contact information on your application. This is very important that our department has the ability to contact parents/guardians/or caregivers when we are in charge of your child on our buses.

Darin George, Transportation Supervisor Darin.george@cowichantribes.com



Nov.24th

Pro D Day No School SD.79 and QSE

Cheryl Sylvester, Transportation Assistant Transportation.clerk@cowichantribes.com Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬18

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum - Culture and Education

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum Cowichan House of Learning Education Jurisdiction Update Monday—Friday 8:30 am—4:30 pm 5744 Allenby Rd Duncan, BC V9L 5J1

The development of Education Law has been proceeding with input from the Education Jurisdiction Working Group. It is expected that a first draft of the law will be ready for review soon. The law will outline responsibilities of a new board or Community Education Authority to oversee the delivery of education for Cowichan Tribes. The working group will review the draft education law and policies to support the implementation of a new Community Education Authority at its upcoming meeting.

Post-Secondary

Ph: 250-715-1022 Fax: 250-715-1023

Office Closure: Remembrance Day Office will be closed Monday, November 13, 2023

Welcome back and we hope your fall semester is going smoothly. We just recently had application deadline October 16, 2023 for our January 2024 intake. If you didn’t get your completed application in on time, please submit the application anyway along with the supporting documents.

If your program is ending in December 2023, please reach out and update us and let’s make sure you’re set up for 2024. Drop us an email or give us a call so we can update your file as you get closer to graduating.

Important deadlines:   

March 31st for September start dates September 30th for January start dates January 31st for May start dates (intercession)

Send applications and supporting documents to: QSL-registration@cowichantribes.com For invoices or reimbursement receipts: QSL-invoices@cowichantribes.com For general enquiries and updates please email: Post.Secondary@cowichantribes.com or PS.Clerk@cowichantribes.com Please note that when sending in applications or supporting documents, invoices, or receipts electronically, that you send in a PDF copy which is easier to print. Screen shots, and pictures either shrink or pixelate when printing them and can cause significant delays in processing paperwork.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬19

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Goverance

Kw’atl’kwa (Ocean) Updates Marine Bird Monitoring Coastal water Bird Survey at Cherry Point Beach Cowichan Bay and Cherry Point are part of an Important Bird Area (IBA). An IBA is designated for it’s importance to threatened species, large numbers of birds or it’s specific habitat value (ibacanada.com).

The S-hwuhwa'us Thi’lut Kwa’tlkwa and Lulumexun Biologist have been contributing data to the Birds Canada Coastal Waterbird Survey since 2022. The team has been fortunate to have the mentorship of Dave Aldcroft, whose wealth of knowledge regarding coastal waterbirds has been invaluable. Recently we have been grateful to add another volunteer birder to our team, Barry Hetchko, who you may also find taking water samples around the Somenos marsh and Koksilah River.

On-water Waterbird Surveys The S-hwuhwa'us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa will be out on the Smuqw’a’ in the coming months to conduct bird counts at culturally important bird areas. The surveys will include a on-site count, as well as drone photography for later confirmation of counts.

Surveys will be repeated throughout the fall, winter and spring to get a current-baseline of which species may be found where. The team will also gather information about any potential human impacts witnessed, such as marine debris, vessel traffic or floating structures.

Photo Credit: Audra Stacey

Program Coordinator for the S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa: Kim Lagimodiere, Kimberly.lagimodiere@cowichantribes.com Cell: (250) 732-0862

Sites and bird species have been selected using a Cowichan cultural mapping project, however if you have input to contribute about where the team should be monitoring or the birds we should be counting, please reach out to our program coordinator.

Photo Credit: Clark Johnny Jr.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬20

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

November Environmental Opportunities S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa Postings are 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 for a marine debris clean up (see September’s newsletter for more details) or in bringing youth to join our crew on the beach!

Employment & Volunteer Songhees Marine Environment Coordinator: Victoria, BC. Click here for job posting 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 FUTURE WORK OPPORTUNITY FOR QUW’UTSUN YOUTH: Help organize a Marine Community Forum for 2024.

Contact Gil at (604) 828-8909, or gil@georgiastrait.org, or contact John at (236) 800-4023, Ext 6023, or john.stewart@cowichantribes.com (see poster next page)

Training Check back next month for any environment-focused training opportunities that may come up.

Other Events Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society: free monthly educational programs to the general public check out their website for more information, https://www.naturecowichan.net/wp/ Nature Kids BC: Virtual Ecosystem Explorer Day – #2 Wetlands: Scouting the Swamplands, November 18th, https://naturekidsbc.ca/explorer-day/virtual-ecosystem-explorer-day-2-wetlands-scouting-the-swamplands/ BC Watersheds Collaborative Fall Gathering: November 22, FREE, Cowichan Maritime Museum. To highlight the work being done by the Cowichan Tribes First Nation and the Province of British Columbia through the Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement. Click here for event tickets.

Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬21

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

Georgia Strait Alliance is working in partnership with Cowichan Tribes to support a team of Cowichan youth (ages 15 to 35) to help design and organize a Marine Community Forum (Spring 2024) that will offer a unique chance for participants to learn and give shape to marine based projects within Cowichan Tribes territory. You can join us!

Interested? Get in touch now!  Scan the QR code to the left and fill out our online form or  Contact Gil at (604) 828-8909 or gil@georgiastrait.org or

John at (236) 800-4023 ext. 6023 or john.stewart@cowichantribes.com Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬22

Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

What to do when a dog bites Dog bites should be reported to a Cowichan Tribes By-law Officer as soon as possible.

In the event that the bite victim is transported to the hospital, a bite complaint should be made as soon as possible after treatment is complete.

If you are the owner of a dog that has bitten: • Leash your dog and isolate it from causing further threats • Provide your contact information to the person who has been bitten • Clear concise notes of the incident in your own handwriting • If the person’s skin has been broken, isolate your dog until contacted by Public Health 

If necessary, consult an expert about your dog’s behavior

If a dog bites you and breaks the skin: • Seek medical attention (call 911 if serious) • Try to provide a clear description of dog • Obtain the dog owner’s name and address • Write down the date, time and location where the bite occurred • Information about anyone who witnessed the bite • Take a clear photo of the bite injury – document the date and time of the photo • As soon as practical in your own handwriting make clear concise notes on what happened and document the date of notes.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me by email Jason.seward@cowichantribes.com or Enforcement@cowichantribes.com 236-800-4023 Huy’ch’qu’ Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬23

Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

CAPITAL PROJECTS Low Pressure Sewer STEP System Construction is near substantial completion 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 one year warranty period will take affect at the end of October.

If you have been provided a low pressure sewer connection, 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 one year warranty. 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 or for any warranty issues.

Interested in learning more about the Capital Projects Department?

Check out our website at: www.cowichantribes.com/housing/capital-projects Quw’utsun Newsletter ‫ ׀‬24

Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

CAPITAL PROJECTS YuThuyThut Replacement Project Work on the watermain replacement has finally wrapped up as we ran into a few complications which put finishing up the work a little later than mid October. On October 18th, we tied in a short section of the new watermain just south of Siem Lelum. We had some challenges with this tie-in, but it is now completed. On October 20th, we tied in the larger section of watermain. These upgraded watermains will allow the new YTT to have the necessary water flows to operate the fire suppression system. Work is now complete and YTT is fully operational.

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.

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Capital Projects and Sustainable Housing

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING CONTACT US

REMINDER:

BY PHONE (250-715-3302)

DO NOT BLOCK

Call us Monday through Friday 8:30 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM-4:30 PM

HEAT SOURCES

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

DO NOT BLOCK

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

Whether your heat source is a wall heater, baseboard heat, floor vents or an other, it is important to keep household items away from your heat sources.

www.facebook.com/cowichantribeshousing

Keeping the area around your heat source clear will provide better heat circulation in your space and will remove any risks associated with fire.

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Emergency Services

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Citizenship and Tobacco Tax

Cowichan Tribes

Indian Registry/Citizenship Department 5760 Allenby Road, Duncan, B.C., V9L 5J1 Phone (236) 800-4023 Fax (250) 715-3323

* NOTICE * Citizenship Committee Representative Call Out The Citizenship Committee is seeking interest for one (1) Community representative.

The qualification for this Committee seat are that the individual be a Cowichan Tribes Citizen and between the ages 18 and 59 years old. The seat is open to Citizens who live on or off reserve.

It is important that the applicant be familiar with the Quw’utsun history and lineages of the Quw’utsun People. It is an asset but not a requirement to have knowledge of the Shtunni’s Tu Hwulmuhw (Citizenship Code), the Shtunni’s Tu Hwulmuhw Regulations and status registration under the Indian Act. The representative needs to be available to attend the Citizenship Committee meetings which are scheduled quarterly – January, April, July and October. With the exception that extra meetings could be scheduled during the year.

The Citizenship Committee will be selecting the representative at their next meeting in January 2024.

If you are interested in applying or have any questions, please submit a letter of interest outlining your qualifications to Jen Charlie, Citizenship Department Manager 236-800-4023 or email Jen.Charlie@cowichantribes.com

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Khowutzun Development Corporation

.com UPDATES FROM OUR TEAM Salvage Work 222 Cowichan Way Salvaging has commenced within the two commercial buildings located at 222 Cowichan Way. Roundtable contractor, Lemo Smith, is our designated Project Coordinator. He has led the coordination and the removal of salvaged items, which are going to multiple recipients who will benefit greatly. Salvaging activity will take approximately two weeks. A temporary security fence has been installed to secure the site and to make way for demolition.

Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project’s Phase 1 Completion Marks a Milestone for Conservation In a positive atmosphere of collaboration and environmental stewardship, the KDC Roundtable joined forces with the Nature Trust of BC to perform Phase 1 of the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project. This achievement, that was completed August 2023, represents a significant step towards revitalizing a vital ecosystem in the region. The focal point of this transformative effort was the removal of remnant agricultural berms that had created barriers around the Koksilah Marsh, situated adjacent to Westcan Terminal Road.

FOREST SERVICES TREE SHELTERS The 2023 wildfire season is wrapping up. KFS workers had their best fire season ever, with multiple callouts throughout the province. Dry conditions still exist, but we started back manual brushing in late September. We have several crews out conducting brushing and cone removal, and we will soon start pile burning for Mosaic. KFS intends on logging approximately 4800 m3 or 102 logging truck loads in November or December.

KFS is once again wanting to support community organizations and members. Sports teams are starting up for the fall and KFS wants to help sponsor soccer, lacrosse, hockey and football teams or CT individuals on those teams. Call Alexis at 250-746-4555 to see if you qualify. KFS wants to support more youth and elders’ functions in 2024.

KFS will once again deliver the elders’ firewood program starting in November for both on and off reserve elders. We have a list of elders from last year but any new elders wishing to participate must register with Alexis at 250 746-4555 and provide your name, address and phone number.

KHOWUTZUNFREEGRO.CA

For those who have been keeping up with Khowutzun Freegro Treeshelter projects, we are pleased to announce that we have successfully completed our largest order to date.

The Down to Earth 100,000-unit order will be shipped to Quebec to protect their sugar maple trees. Our next order will be for Mosaic who are purchasing 30,000-units of tree shelters.

If you or anyone you know is looking for employment, please drop by at Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre, or call the office line at 250-746-8350. We are willing to train the right candidate.

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Khowutzun Development Corporation

NEW VOICES We are pleased to welcome Amanda Peter to the Khowutzun Development team as the New Voices Manager. Amanda is a Cowichan Tribes member who has previously worked with the community as a liaison on the Land Code . She enjoys helping people and has experience being an advocate in the community .

Amanda looks forward to working with the community and being actively involved. She can be reached by email at: amanda.peter@khowutzun.com or by phone at 250-746-8350.

The New Voices Program is 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. KDC had the opportunity to sponsor two Cowichan youth to attend the Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Summit and Job Fair in Richmond from October 16 to October 19. We want to raise our hands to both Kinetic and Urban one for their donation to the entrepreneur summit in Richmond. Their contributions allowed many Indigenous entrepreneurs to attend at no cost.

Feature Retail expansion opportunities: Costa Canna has established a dominant brand presence within our geographic operating areas over the past four years. The retail sector has also proved to be quite profitable for the partnership and as such, we are exploring expansion opportunities both on Vancouver Island and the mainland. The competitive landscape has grown; however, our focus is strategic to new emerging municipalities that historically have not allowed retail cannabis.

We are Hiring! Positions are available in our Duncan Village and Cowichan Commons locations.

Please submit resume to info@costacanna.ca

United Greeneries establishes key markets in Thailand: United Greeneries through a Joint Venture Partnership has retained a revenue share position of a Thailand cultivation facility with no cash injection. The operations team have been working on the development project for the past six months and have finally planted the first crop as of September 30th.

Jon Coleman -JonCo Roundtable Contractor with 30+ Years of Earthworks and Civil Expertise

Jon Coleman, a seasoned contractor with more than 30 years of experience in earthworks and heavy civil projects.

He is an invaluable asset to the KDC Roundtable team. Jon, a proud member of Cowichan Tribes, combines his vast knowledge, technical proficiency, and a cheerful disposition to emerge as an essential leader and mentor to our team.

Jon is currently leading the charge of the North Island College Student Housing Project.

Excavation started second week of September. This contract requires quick stripping and bulking out of material, which is a perfect fit for Jon’s large excavator.

Jon has added a great deal of value to this project .

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Dairy Queen

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Quw’utsun Christmas Dinner

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