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.
Effective, April 12, 2023, staff, contractors, citizens, and clients are no longer required to wear masks. Cowichan Tribes buildings are now operating as mask-friendly sites and each individual’s decision to wear or not wear a mask will be respected.
Community Updates
Overdose Advisory
Toxic Drug Supply
Opioid Crisis Response
Private, at-home Narcan (naloxone) training is now available to all members. Please call the Outreach Team to book a confidential, free training visit at your home:
250-732-4326 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
We are asking ALL members to have Narcan in your household and know how to use it. Narcan is a safe, life-saving drug that can reverse an overdose.
You can also drop by Ts'ewulhtun Health Centre to pick up Narcan and book a private training session. Narcan is also free at pharmacies with your status card.
For help with addiction, treatment, and supports, please contact:
- Sa'qw'thut Culturally-Grounded Treatment Program: (250) 732-3487
- Kwun'atsustul's Treatment Coordinator: (250) 732-6055, or message on Facebook: Kwun'atsustul Treatment | Facebook
- or visit: https://cowichantribes.com/opioid-response.
#OurQuw'utsunChildLaw Ratification Vote
Results of the ratification vote for the Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqw’a’ i’ Smun’eem - “The Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children”
Total citizens voted: 416
Online: 277
In person: 139
The result is:
347 in favour (83%)
69 opposed (17%)
0 spoiled ballots
The Law is: passed.
This is a historic moment for our community. Huy tseep q’u to everyone who took the time to vote, contribute to the development of the Law, and learn about our Law. We are grateful for everyone’s contributions to the process.
Learn more here: https://ourchildlaw.cowichantribes.com/news/
Contact us: (250) 746-1002 or ourchildlaw@cowichantribes.com
The Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children
Cowichan-Tribes_Child-anf-Family-Law-Overview_singles_Sept-2023 (1).pdf
COVID-19
COVID-19 Continues to Circulate
We are reminding our citizens and staff that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and elsewhere. Please do not attend family or community events if you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.
If you are feeling unwell, please test for COVID-19 ASAP. Rapid tests kits are available for free at Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre and local pharmacies.
If you have travelled, taken a plane or used another mode of transportation with confined spaces, attended a large event indoors, or been in close contact with anyone that has COVID-19, please monitor yourself closely for symptoms for up to 10 days. Elders, those with pre-existing health conditions, and those whose vaccines are not up-to-date are at higher risk.
If you have COVID-19
- Treatments are available for people at high risk from COVID-19 who tested positive for COVID-19 by PCR or rapid antigen test. To find out if you may benefit from treatment and how to get the treatment, please call 1-888-268-4319 (Monday-Friday 7am-7pm) or visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/treatments. Treatments are only effective within a few days of symptoms starting. Please test early.
- Stay home and away from others until your fever is gone (without the use of medicines that reduce fever, like Tylenol) and you feel well enough to participate in daily activities.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people at higher risk of severe illness or complications from COVID-19.
- If you cannot avoid close contact with others, take preventative measures, including wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly.
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:
Get Covid-19 Vaccines & Boosters
Call 1-833-838-2323 or visit: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
Addiction & Toxic Drugs
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 Addictions & Toxic Drugs Supports & Resources page for info on overdose prevention and where to get help.
Home
Fall Department Guide
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
November 2023
Child and Family Law Ratification Vote