Shhweenustham 'u tu Quw'utsun Hwulmuhw
The People of the Warm Land Welcome You
With 5,300+ members, we are the largest single First Nation Band in British Columbia.
Our ‘warm land’ is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
Learn about our history and culture.
Find out about the wide range of member services.
Check out the exciting projects and initiatives we have underway.
Cowichan Tribes Offices were pleased to re-open to the community on April 12, 2022. Please note, our mask mandate remains in effect for entering all Cowichan Tribes' buildings and attending Cowichan Tribes events.
Community Updates
Did you live on Cowichan IR No. 1, Est-Patrolas IR No. 4, and Tzart-Lam IR No.5, between 2001 and 2021? If so, you may qualify for compensation.
The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement provides compensation to many First Nations that have been under long-term drinking water advisories, including Cowichan Tribes. But you must submit a claim before the deadline (March 7, 2023).
SUBMIT YOUR CLAIM
You can also assess your eligibility and submit a claim online or on paper here.
If you would like assistance with this process, there are supports available:
~ Contact our Special Project Clerk, Kwut hwum qun Matthew Louie via email: at matthew.louie@cowichantribes.com and phone: 250-748-3196 Ext. 1013. Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
~ Use the interactive guide here.
Our community is creating its own custom election code to replace what was imposed on us through the Indian Act. We need our citizens to share their perspectives about how to select our leadership table.
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Community Information Sessions on Zoom with our Working Group members, as well as Keisha Sampson and Dominique August who have been going door to door assisting with the survey:
- Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Share your ideas and ask questions! All citizens are welcome!
You can also contact Dominque and Keisha with questions or to schedule a time to go through the survey with you.
- Email: election.code@cowichantribes.com
- Phone: (236) 800-4088
Be sure to take the survey before the February 24th deadline: https://bit.ly/CowichanTribesElectionCode
As a token of our appreciation for taking the time to share your ideas, we invite you to submit your name at the end of the survey for our February draw for a $200 gift card! Congratulations to our January draw winner: Beverly Wilson!
To learn more visit https://cowichantribes.com/election-code
Sa'qw'thut Culturally-Grounded Treatment Program
The next program launches January 24, 2023. Intakes are ongoing and participants are welcome to join throughout the 22-week program.
The program runs Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
For more information or to register for the program Contact: Deanna Thompson at:
(250) 732-3487 or deanna.thompson[@]cowichantribes.com.
Learn more here.
COVID-19
Get Covid-19 Vaccines & Boosters
Covid-19, flu, and other vaccines are available by calling 250.715.1024 or booking online at: tsewulhtunhealth.janeapp.com.
You can also register to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster at your local pharmacy. Call 1-833-838-2323 or visit: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
Covid-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinics
Ts'ewultun Health Centre hosted walk in Covid-19 & Flu vaccine clinics on:
Tuesday, December 6th and Wednesday, December 7th
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Si'em Lelum Gym
Stay tuned for future clinic dates.
Resources if you have COVID-19
COVID-19 treatment for people with vulnerable health conditions is available: a doctor can prescribe treatment if requested within the first 5-7 days of symptoms.
For COVID-19 First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) isloation benefits, please call 1-888-305-1505.
Rapid Antigen Tests
Kits are available at Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre and local pharmacies free of charge.
The kits include 5 rapid tests, instructions on how to use the test and how to report a positive result.
Please use these tests for when someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19.
Download Posters & Documents:
Opioid Crisis Response
Chief and Council have designated an Opioid Crisis Response Working Group to lead our nation’s ongoing response to the opioid overdose epidemic.
Please visit the Opioid Response Section for info on overdose prevention and where to get help.
Digital Newsletter
Employment Opportunities
Direct Deposit
Bus Routes for September 2022
If you are receiving payments such as Social Assistance, Living Allowance, Caregiver payments and commercial land lease distribution from Cowichan Tribes, we encourage you to sign up for the Electronic Funds Transfer.
Please email directdeposit@cowichantribes.com for a form to be sent to you.
Cowichan Tribes in the News
January 2023
Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project