Quw'utsun Newsletter - May 2024

Punhwe’num (May) 2024 3

Message from Chief Daniels

4-5

Chief & Council Boards and Committee Assignments

Cowichan Tribes 5760 Allenby Rd Duncan, BC V9L 5J1 P: 250.748.3196

6

Message from Acting Chief Administrative Officer

Fax: 250.748.1233

Hours

Stsi’elh stuhw’ew’t-hw tun Smun’eem

7-9

Board of Directors Recruitment

Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Ts’ewulhtun Health

10-14

Social Development

16 17

Emergency Services Spring Clean Up

18-19

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum - Culture & Education

20-27

Lulumexun

28-30

Sustainable Housing and Capital Projects

31-35

Advertising Full Page B+W $49.00

Full Page with Color $263.00

Mail Subscription for off-reserve Cowichan Members $48.00/year

Save the Date! Open House

Deadline for May 2024 Newsletter Submission:

May 22, 2024 Please submit via Publisher or Word or Canva (with edit link) Send to:

Cowichan Tribes Communications

Email:

communications@cowichantribes.com

36 Sign-up for Quw’utsun Digital Newsletter For Free!

Message from Chief Cindy Daniels

Quw’utsun Mustimuhw, I’m pleased to report that in late March, our council met to determine the composition of our Council Committees and Boards. You can find updated information regarding the Council members that serve on these committees on our website here: https://cowichantribes.com/tribes-governance/chief-and-council/committeesindex and in the following pages. Additionally, it was decided that Calvin Swustus Sr. will serve as our Deputy Chief. This position is outlined in our Custom Election Law: https://cowichantribes.com/election-code.

After generations of having been excluded from decision making related to our forests, Cowichan Tribes through the Quw’utsun Nation, is in discussions with the Municipality of North Cowichan to develop a co-management framework regarding the Municipal Forest Reserve (MFR). While this work is underway, North Cowichan will suspend all new decisions or initiatives related to the MFR. Ongoing forest related work such as FireSmart mitigation, danger tree assessments and removals, storm clean up, silviculture activities, and invasive plant management will continue as required. Cowichan Tribes, along with the other Quw'utsun Nation communities, is looking forward to working more closely with North Cowichan to take up our stewardship responsibilities within our ancestral territory.

As Chief of Cowichan Tribes, I am deeply concerned regarding the recent reports I have seen relating to a publication entitled, Grave Error: How the Media Misled Us. This compilation seeks to minimize and defend the traumatic and often deadly experiences forced upon generations of Residential School attendees. The intergenerational impacts of Residential Schools on our community are lived each day by our people; they are not a theoretical concept that can be disproven by those with a political agenda.

The content of this book and others that promote disinformation and seek to deny our lived experiences are not to be supported. Cowichan Tribes stands in solidarity with the Lhtako Dene Nation, the City Councillors of Quesnel, and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations in denouncing this propaganda and standing up against denialists.

This month, Council meetings will be held on May 14th and May 28th.

Please join me in wishing all our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and caregivers a 'Iyus T-en Skweyul (Happy Mother’s Day) on May 12th.

Chief Cindy Daniels

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Chief & Council Boards and Committee Assignments Chief & Council Boards and Committee Assignments Please note: 

The Chief sits on all Council Boards and Committees.



The numbered companies are not committees and do not meet. They are companies holding assets for Cowichan Tribes. The Councilors are shareholders on behalf of the Nation. Most numbered company business will be managed with one meeting a year if necessary.

Terri Allen Costa Canna Workforce and Development Committee (previously Human Resources Committee) Land Investigation Committee Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue Education Committee Governance Policy and Law Committee

Christopher Alphonse Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc. Cowichan Watershed Board Finance & Audit Committee Housing Committee Tumuhw’ Committee Land Investigation Committee Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee Cowichan Nation Alliance Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue Education Committee Youth and Rec Committee Governance Policy and Law Committee 0990409 BC Ltd. 0942071 (Dike) 0944623 (Gravel)

Francine Alphonse Khowutzun Development Corporation Khowutzun Development LLP City of Duncan/North Cowichan/CVRD Cowichan Bay Planning Committee Health Advisory Committee Natural Resources Committee (previously Fishing Committee Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue Youth and Rec Committee 0942071 (Dike) 0944623 (Gravel)

Tasha Brooks Khowutzun Development Corporation Duncan – Chamber of Commerce Workforce and Development Committee (previously Human Resource Committee) Finance & Audit Committee Education Committee

Jennifer Charlie Village Green Mall-Cowichan Mini Mall Ltd. Workforce and Development Committee (previously Human Resources Committee) Citizenship Committee Housing Committee Governance Policy and Law Committee 0942071 (Dike)

Troy Elliott Citizenship Committee Tumuhw’ Committee (alternate) Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee Cowichan Nation Alliance Education Committee Natural Resources Committee (formerly Fishing Committee) 0990409 BC Ltd. 0942071 (Dike) 0944623 (Gravel)

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Chief & Council Boards and Committee Assignments Chief & Council Boards and Committee Assignments Please note: 

The Chief sits on all Council Boards and Committees.



The numbered companies are not committees and do not meet. They are companies holding assets for Cowichan Tribes. The Councilors are shareholders on behalf of the Nation. Most numbered company business will be managed with one meeting a year if necessary.

Audrey George Land Investigation Committee Elder’s Advisory Committee Finance & Audit Committee Khowutzun Development LLP Quw’utsun Kw’atl’kwa Fisheries Society 0626875 (Nursery Lands)

Howie George Khowutzun Development Corporation Cowichan Nation Alliance Khowutzun Development LLP

Calvin Swustus Jr Khowutzun Gaming Corporation Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee Cowichan Nation Alliance Cowichan Core Recreation 0942071 (Dike) 0944623 (Gravel)

Calvin Swustus Sr. Khowutzun Development Corporation Khowutzun Gaming Corporation Island Corridor Foundation Cowichan Watershed Board Cowichan Public Art Gallery Board Workforce and Development Committee (previously Human Resources Committee) Finance & Audit Committee Health Advisory Committee Tumuhw’ Committee Land Investigation Committee Cowichan Tribes Treaty Committee Cowichan Nation Alliance HTG Board of Directors (alternate) Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue Education Committee Elder’s Advisory Committee Governance Policy and Law Committee Costa Canna 0942071 (Dike) 0944623 (Gravel)

Amanda Sylvester Citizenship Committee Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue Youth and Rec Committee Khowutzun Development LLP 0990409 BC Ltd.

Debra Toporowski Khowutzun Gaming Corporation Mustimuhw Information Solutions Inc. Duncan – Chamber of Commerce Health Advisory Committee Tumuhw’ Committee Natural Resources Committee (previously Fishing Committee) Lalum’utul Smun’eem Jurisdiction WG – Child and Family Legislation Project issue

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Message from Acting Chief Administrative Officer ‘Uy’ skweyul, Our departments are busy getting ready for our annual Open House on May 15th from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Si’em Lelum Gym. Our goal is to create a fun, family-friendly event with something for everyone. We invite you to come see us to:  Learn about and ask questions regarding the programs and services our departments provide, including employment and training opportunities. Some departments will even have services available onsite.  Share your input and ideas regarding a variety of initiatives.  Meet some of our partner organizations and learn about the work we are doing together  Enjoy a BBQ, participate in cultural activities, and enter to win prizes!

Following the adoption of the Custom Election Law, an independent Complaints and Appeals Board has been created. The Board is comprised of a Cowichan Tribes Elder, Cowichan Tribes citizens, and a representative that is not a citizen, but has expertise in law, conflict, or elections. Board members cannot work for Cowichan Tribes or be part of the election.

The Complaints and Appeals Board is responsible for hearing petitions to remove a chief or councillor, and appeals of a Cowichan Election. They must integrate Syuwentst (the teachings) into all aspects of their work. To learn more or for contact information, please visit the Complaints & Appeals Board’s website: https://www.quwutsunappeals.ca.

Following the successful passing of the Snuy’uy’ulhtst ti Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqwa’a’ l’ Smun’eem - Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children, we are now preparing for full jurisdiction of Child and Family Services. This work includes recruiting 5-9 individuals to serve on the Stsi’elh stuhw’ew’t -hw tun Smun’eem Board of Directors. Preference will be given to Cowichan citizens on and off reserve and the Board will include at least one Sul-hween, one youth, and one fluent Hul’q’umi’num’ speaker.

Applications are available at www.cowichantribes.com and the deadline is to submit your package is May 6, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

It’s that time of year again! Spring Clean Up is underway. Check out the calendar and information regarding pick up in this newsletter.

Dana (Sunaxwumaat) Thorne

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

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

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

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Ts’ewulhtun Health

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Ts’ewulhtun Health

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Ts’ewulhtun Health - Youth Services & Embracing Life

Youth Services Schedule ‫ ׀‬Punhwe’num (May) 2024 TUES

WED

THURS 1

Drop-in 3-9 pm

FRI 2

Drop-in 3-9 pm

Ask Auntie 4-7pm 7

8

3 Drop-in 3-9pm

Cooking Night 6-8pm

Cowichan Sport & Recreation Fair 11am-3pm

9

10

Drop-in 3-9 pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

Drop-in 3-9pm

Youth Mother’s Day Craft Night 5 - 8pm

Ask Auntie 4-7pm

Weight Training 5-7pm

Cooking Night 6-8pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

15

16 Drop-in 3-9pm

Ask Auntie 4-7pm

Weight Training 5-7pm

Cooking Night 6-8pm

22

28

24 Drop-in 3-9pm

25 Drop-in 3-9 pm

Cooking Night 6-8pm 29

Drop-in 3-9 pm

18 Drop-in 3-9 pm

23 Drop-in 3-9 pm

Ask Auntie 4-7pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

17

Drop-in 3-9 pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

11 Drop-in 3-9 pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

21 Drop-in 3-9 pm

4

Drop-in 3-9pm

Drop-in 3-9 pm

14

SAT

30 Drop-in 3-9 pm

Ask Auntie 4-7pm

31 Drop-in 3-9pm Cooking Night 6-8pm Ask Auntie Camping

Youth Services 5408 Statlou Rd

250-746-0607

REGISTERING FOR SPORTS? Scan to access the Youth Recreation Funding Application Package!

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Ts’ewulhtun Health - Youth Services

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Ts’ewulhtun Health - Sul-hween Punhwe'num (May) 2024 (The time when the blue camas blooms) Sthumunt-s Slhihws Sxu'athuns Slhq'etsus-s

Syulwulhne Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1 Foot Care 9:00am-4:00pm

6

13

14

15

Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am William Head Luncheon Receive GFB 20 21 Swim 9:00am-11:00am

9 Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

Foot Care 9:00am-4:00pm

16 Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

17 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Exercise Class 10:30am-11am

22 Foot Care 9:00am-4:00pm

23 Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

24 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Exercise Class 10:30am-11am

28 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am Hearing Clinic 9:00am-12:00pm

10 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Exercise Class 10:30am-11am Good Food Bag $ due

Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am 27

3 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Exercise Class 10:30am-11am

8 Foot Care 9:00am-4:00pm

Swim 9:00am-11:00am

STAT Victoria Day

Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

7 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

2

29 Cowichan Tribes Island Elders Luncheon at Si’em Lelum Gym

Cowichan Tribes Elders Program Committee Nominations and Elections

30 Hul'q'umi'num Class 10:30am-11:30am

31 Swim 9:00am-11:00am Exercise Class 10:30am-11am

Shopping Trip

Current Elders Program Committee: Chair

Ed Elliott

Tum’tem (When): Friday, May 3, 2024, after lunch

Co-Chair

Sharon George

Untsu (Where): Cowichan Tribes Elders Building

Fundraiser

Georgina Crocker

Cowichan Tribes Elders (over the age of 60) are eligible to

Communications

Ken George

nominate and vote for your Elders Program Committee

Member at Large

Lemo Smith

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Happy Mothers Day!

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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

May 21, 2024 cheque issue for June 2024 Social Development Reminders: 

Stubs are to be completed May 1 - 10, 2024; all utility bills (BC Hydro, Fortis BC, etc.) are to come to Social Development so client share is paid and up to date;



Please pick up your T5 is you have not already done so. The deadline to complete 2023 income tax returns is April 30, 2024. A copy of client “Notice of Assessment” is required for your Social Development file each year. Please note - filing income taxes on time will mean there will be no delay in benefits;



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 are considered “Employable”, you are required to be actively seeking employment and/or taking part in Pre-employment Support Program.

Social Development Programs: 

Pre-Employment Supports Program team consists of: Shelley Thorne, Wenona George, Sebastian Cassorla, and Sherry Jimmy. Please follow up with the team if you have been referred; there will be upcoming programs.

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Emergency Services

Flood Preparedness Never Stops at Emergency Services!

Through funding from multiple grants, Cowichan Tribes Emergency Services Team has been working hard to secure the necessary equipment and personnel to ensure we are as ready as we can be during a flood.

There is a Flood Response Plan ready to activate at all times that is continuously updated. This plan includes deployment of equipment and staff including two Tiger Dam Trailers, designated Emergency Support Services Team, and an Emergency Operations Centre.

Cowichan Tribes works closely with various agencies, and other government organizations to clarify roles and responsibilities during and after a flood. As we continue to complete training, and gain equipment, we also can apply what we learned from previous floods to complete successful planning supporting flood preparedness, flood response, and flood recovery.

We are asking Quw'utsun Mustimuhw to do their part and complete their Emergency Plan, and to know what to do during a disaster - such as a flood - by preparing before it happens. An emergency plan says how you and the people you live with will respond to a disaster. Knowing what to do, where to go, and who to contact will reduce stress and help keep you focused and safe.

Use the QR code or link to find more information on how to complete your Emergency Plan with your family. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/ preparedbc/make-your-plan Cowichan Tribes offers the Hawk Solutions App as a quick and effective way to communicate during an emergency - download is free for either Apple or Android devices.

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Operations and Maintenance - Spring Clean Up

CURBSIDE & SPRING CLEAN UP SCHEDULE

MAY 2024 Syulwulhnet

Sthumunt-s

Slhihws

Sxu’athuns

Slhq’etsus-s

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

1

2

3

GARBAGE Compost in a.m.

Recycle in a.m.

6

7

8

GARBAGE

9

10

GARBAGE

13

Compost in a.m.

Recycle in a.m.

Industrialinina.m. a.m.

Industrial

14

15

GARBAGE

16

17

GARBAGE Industrial in a.m.

20 STATUTORY HOLIDAY

Compost in a.m.

Recycle in a.m.

21

22

GARBAGE

24

GARBAGE Compost in a.m.

Recycle in a.m.

Industrial in a.m.

27

23

28

29

GARBAGE

30

31

GARBAGE Compost in a.m.

Recycle in a.m.

Industrial in a.m.

FOR REGULAR GARBAGE DAYS 

ALL BAGS AT CURB BY 8:00 AM



ALL BAGS MUST BE TIED



3 BAG LIMIT PER HOUSE



NO RIPS OR TEARS IN THE BAGS



NO ORANGE, BLUE OR CLEAR BAGS

Call Wendy at (236) 800-5071 if you need garbage stickers.

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Operations and Maintenance - Spring Clean Up

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

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Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum’ - Transportation Did You Miss Early Registration Day ?

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, is Cowichan Tribes Annual Open House - visit all our departments!

Come stop by the Education table from 12-6pm and get ready for September 2024/2025.

Ready Set, Register, and get rolling and scheduled for the new school year with Transportation.

We can also email you a bus application or stop by the office at 5744 Allenby Road.

BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER AND GET YOUR ROUTES TO YOU. DATES TO REMEMBER FOR MAY Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Queen of Angels will be dismissed at 2pm.

Friday, May 3, 2024 - Professional Development Day-schools will closed for SD# 79 and Quw’utsun Smuneem Elementary School.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 2-hour Early Dismissal for SD#79 and Quw’utsun Smuneem Elementary only Friday May, 17, 2024 - Queen of Angels School only will be closed for Professional Development Day. Monday, May, 20, 2024 - Statutory Holiday – ALL SCHOOLS AND OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR VICTORIA DAY. PLEASE CALL 250-715-1022 & ASK FOR TRANSPORTATION IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS/QUESTIONS Huy Tseep q’u (Thank you Everyone)

Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum’ - Post-Secondary Department

Updates from the Post- Secondary Team Two important updates: Proof of Enrollment: Living allowance for May, June, July, or August, cannot be extended until you have provided proof of enrollment for the summer session. Confirmation that you are registered and committed to the summer session you applied for is required. Two courses will be considered full-time at most universities or colleges.

Are you graduating this summer? Please contact us if you’re graduating this summer. We will need to receive your unofficial transcript once summer sessions are complete, so you’re included in the graduation ceremony this summer. The ceremony will be held in July or August.

Great work everyone and keep up all the hard work!

Richard Hock and Ellen Seymour in the Post-Secondary dept.

Thanykou!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

May Environmental Opportunities Volunteer Rugged Coast Research Society: research, monitoring, education, and restoration of BC shorelines. Training provided. https://www.ruggedcoastresearchsociety.com/volunteer Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre: no special qualifications required, training provided. https:// www.cowichanestuary.ca/volunteer/

Employment Marine Environmental Project Manager: Cowichan Tribes is accepting applications to join the Lulumexun Lands and Self-Governance department in advancing all aspects of Cowichan Tribes environmental projects that hold potential to impact fresh water, estuarine environments and the marine foreshore. Application deadline is May 10. For full job posting, visit: http://www.cowichantribes.com/employment FUTURE WORK OPPORTUNITY FOR QUW’UTSUN YOUTH: Help organize a Marine Community Forum for 2024. Contact John Stewart, Marine Projects Supervisor at (236) 800-4023, Ext 6023, or john.stewart@cowichantribes.com.

Youth Science Ambassador (YSA): Ocean Networks Canada’s YSA program connects youth with ocean science and Indigenous wisdom. Part-time, remote work positions for ages 18—30. For details, visit: www.oceannetworks.ca/about-onc/jobs-and-opportunities

Events Youth, Elders and Leadership Event on Sidney Island: The Indigenous Management Board, in collaboration with Parks Canada, is planning an event on June 19 to bring Youth, Elders, and Leadership of the 11 coastal Nations together on the lands and waters. The event will involve travel by water taxi from Cowichan Bay, and opportunities to learn about ecological restoration projects and food harvesting. For more details, contact erika.laanela@cowichantribes.com.

Western Washington University and the eDNA Collaborative—Virtual Roundtable: eDNA in the Salish Sea: eDNA Director Ryan Kelly will discuss how eDNA provides insights for ecosystem management, highlighting recent research and applications, like tracking the European Green Crab. May 7 12:30pm—1:30pm. To learn more and register, visit: www.pugetsoundinstitute.org/collaboration/salish-sea-science-roundtable Southern Gulf Islands Sea Gardens Campouts—The Hul’q’umi’num’ Lands and Resources Society and Parks Canada will be holding regular campouts to maintain the Sea Gardens in the Gulf Islands, sites nurtured by our ancestors to enhance food species populations. Food and camping gear provided. To register, or for more information, contact: Kathleen Johnnie: salishkat@outlook.com or Erich Kelch: erich.kelch@pc.gc.ca.

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Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance

Kw’atl’kwa (Ocean) Updates The S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa Youth Outreach Program in Full Swing Students Gaining Hands-On Experience in Indigenous-Led Marine Stewardship Empowering Quw’utsun Youth

Youth-Led Marine Forum Cowichan Tribes, in partnership with The Georgia Strait This month, the S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kwa'tl'kwa Alliance, is working to engage community members of (Thunderbird Protecting the Ocean) team hosted all ages to support the ongoing development of current students from the Quw-utsun Hu-yix'wule' school (ages and future programming of Cowichan Tribes’ Marine 13-18) and the Environmental Stewardship program at Territory Vision.

This summer, with support from Quw'utsun elders and Cowichan Secondary School on the beaches of knowledge keepers, we are looking to work directly Cowichan Bay. The students are learning about the important stewardship work being done by our Marine with Cowichan youth to design their vision of a Marine Community Forum, to be held this fall. Possible Team using our binoculars and scope to collect data, concepts include, but are not limited to: and conducting on-water monitoring on our vessel, the  In-field educational workshops Smuqw’a’. 

Traditional foods and medicines open house



Online video series, or social media campaign



Hands-on invasive species removal gatherings

In June, we will be holding paid planning sessions to gauge interest and determine the project’s direction.

Follow us on Facebook for more updates.

This forum will provide an exciting opportunity for sharing and learning about Cowichan Tribes marine territory and the stewardship projects therein. Interested youth can add These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make connections with Quw'utsun youth and engage them in their name to the growing list of caring for our Tumuhw (land, water, air) and all beings applicants using the code or link: that inhabit these areas.

YOUTH-LED MARINE FORUM

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Lulumexun - Lands and Self-Governance Revitalizing Natural Systems: An Important Update on the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project Significant changes have occurred in the Cowichan This month, as project leaders and property owners, the estuary since the arrival of European colonizers in the Nature Trust of BC (NTBC) will be undertaking the 1800’s. These alterations include river training, diking of required application process through the BC marsh habitat, and use of the estuary for logging and Agricultural Land Commission to decommission the shipping. In the 1950’s, the estuary was bisected by the Dinsdale Dike. Recognizing that this project advances construction of the Westcan Terminal Causeway, long-term goals and efforts that Cowichan Tribes has cutting off the southern half of the estuary from the been pursuing on behalf of our members, Lulumexun Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River) and altering natural will be in attendance in support of NTBC’s application. tidal processes.

The restoration and enhancement of Chinook salmon habitat and safe shellfish harvesting, and the Since 2018, partners of the Cowichan Estuary reintroduction of native food and medicinal plant Restoration Project have been studying and assessing the estuary’s resiliency to climate change impacts. This species will help restore our traditional agricultural practices and advance food sovereignty for Quw’utsun process included rigorous engineering and hydraulic Mustimuhw. analysis by independent researchers, as well as by federal and provincial government ministries. Its findings have been reviewed by regional authorities and approved under the Dike Maintenance Act of BC. The assessments clearly demonstrate that, without intervention, sea level rise will drown marsh surface sediment necessary for eelgrass and other wildlife to survive.

This project also prompts us to reconsider fundamental questions, such as ‘What constitutes agriculture?’ For thousands of years, prior to colonization, our ancestors supported large communities through intricate food and trade systems, all while maintaining a minimal impact on the ecosystems they depended upon. Now, through initiatives like the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project, which includes invasive species removal and food system restoration, we anticipate a revival of opportunities for our citizens.

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Sustainable Housing Department

Punhwe’num tun’a xew’s lhqelts’ ‘The new month is May’

JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

Home Maintenance Saves Money

When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 12:00 PM—6:00 PM Where: Si’em Lelum Gymnasium Connect with members of our team and ask housing related questions!

Play our Maintenance Plinko game for a chance to win PRIZES! Members of our staff will be available to discuss: 

Home Maintenance



Tenant Relations



Customer Service



New Construction

AND MORE!!! www.cowichantribes.com/housing

Why is Home Maintenance Important?

By keeping up with regular maintenance, you avoid the need to pay for major repairs which are often very expensive.

Appliances Run More Efficiently When you maintain your appliances, they run more efficiently. More efficient appliances mean lower utility bills.

Increases Home Value When a home is properly maintained, its value is higher because its systems do not require expensive repairs.

If you feel unable to manage maintenance on your own, its important to ask for help. Reach out to our Department and we can connect you with professionals who can help.

(250) 715-3302

facebook@cowichantribeshousing

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Sustainable Housing Department

IMPORTANT NOTICE UNINSURED VEHICLES Please be advised, all vehicles on band land are required to have valid insurance. If vehicles are uninsured, they risk being towed at the owner’s expense.

If you currently have an uninsured vehicle parked on band land, please consider one of these 2 options: 1. Have the vehicle crushed by Al at Sounders Towing and receive payment of $100.

Please contact (250) 252-1224 to arrange this solution.

2. Contact John Charlie for the following services: a) $150/month for storage (available for 3 months maximum) b) Sign over vehicle ownership to John for removal c) If vehicle is abandoned, John will pick up free of charge All primary tenants are required to have vehicles insured, crushed or towed. If a vehicle is found to be uninsured, it will be towed at owner’s expense and the primary tenant will receive a notice regarding non-compliance of the Band Rental Agreement.

Please keep in mind, if you currently park a vehicle that encroaches on the curb or sidewalk, you are required to move the vehicle immediately. This issue is a safety concern which can affect the ability of emergency vehicles to attend emergent scenes. If you continue to park on the curb or sidewalk the primary tenant will receive a notice for non-compliance and additional measures for a solution will be explored. Huy ch q’u (Thank you) for your attention to this important housing matter. www.cowichantribes.com/housing

(250) 715-3302

facebook@cowichantribeshousing

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Sustainable Housing Department

HOW TO START A

VEGETABLE

GARDEN

Did you know a small garden can provide your family with a steady stream of fresh vegetables all summer long? There are also numerous health benefits to getting a garden going.

Choosing Garden Location Choosing the location of your garden is important. Gardens need at least 6-8 hours of full sun every day so make sure your garden is in an open area. Try to locate your garden near your home or patio to make watering and weeding easier.

Dirt Matters

Raised Beds or Containers

Having soil with enough nutrients is key to growing a garden. Aim for 50% garden soil and 50% compost or mix some compost into your existing yard soil to keep vegetables happy.

We recommend using raised beds or planters for your garden. Elevating the veggies even this small amount can help control weeds and save you lots of time in the long run.

Choosing Supplies You don’t need much, but we recommend having a spade, garden rake, some good gloves and gardening shears.

Selecting Vegetables While it can be tempting to plant a variety of vegetables, it might be best to start small and work your way up to a larger garden. Start with a couple varieties that are known to grow well in your area and once you have mastered the basics, branch out to other vegetables next Spring.

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Capital Projects

CAPITAL PROJECTS PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION Low Pressure Sewer Project – Zones 1,2,3,4,5-2 Construction is substantially complete for the Low Pressure Sewer Project – Zones 1,2,3,4,5-2 with the minor deficiencies remaining. Zone 1 (Shmaqwathut Road), Zone 2 (Glenora Road), Zones 3 (Koksilah Road), and Zone 4 (Boys Road Area) have all been successfully connected to municipal sewer and are operational. Check out some of our project photos!

Pictured right is installation of 75mm HDPE pipe on Mission Road.

Pictured left is a 15,000 Litre Septic Tank installed on Boys Road.

WARRANTY IN EFFECT A 1 year warranty period is in affect since the end of October 2023 to October 2024. 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 1 year warranty. We appreciate your patience as we complete this project. Please contact James Ouellette in the Capital Projects Department at (250) 715-3302 with any questions or concerns related to this project.

Pictured above is a connection to the CVRD force main on Mission Road.

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Capital Projects

CAPITAL PROJECTS PROJECT FUNDED AND IN PLANNING STAGES Lhumlhumuluts' Low Pressure Sewer Project (Zone 7) Project funding has been obtained to connect the following areas to the municipal sewer system: 

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



Sahilton Road, East of Wil’seem Road

A total of 24 existing houses and 1 community building (Lhumlhumuluts’ Big House) are to be connected with allowance for future connections. These connections will be by a STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) low pressure sewer system installed at individual houses at the location of the existing septic tank. They will be connected to a sewer force main on the main road, transporting the effluent to the municipal system. This will include a new septic tank, pump, pump panel, and service line to be installed at each house and community building. Existing septic tanks and fields will be decommissioned. The Contract for this work is currently in the tender/bidding process.

If you are a Cowichan Tribes owned contracting company and wish to meet with the prospective General Contractor, please contact James Ouellette at the Capital Projects Department at james.ouellette@cowichantribes.com. A meeting will be held with the General Contractor and any interested Cowichan Tribes Contractors to discuss opportunities for work on this project.

Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2024. Further information on timing and community disruptions will be provided once available.

It may seem as though there isn’t a lot of Capital Project work happening around the community, but there is a lot happening behind the scenes. Our buildings team is in the planning stages of a new Health Centre and a Recreation/Youth Centre, as well as some landscaping changes surrounding the Band Administration Offices. We are also continuing to work on property acquisitions both on and off-Reserve to support department programming and housing.

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