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
Call to Action on Community Safety
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2023
Duncan, B.C., Quw’utsun Territory – Cowichan Tribes Chief and Council are sending their love and condolences to the family of a 15-year-old youth with ties to Cowichan who passed away last week. Our prayers are with her family as they lay their loved one to rest.
Cowichan Tribes departments have been actively providing supports to community members. “The safety and wellbeing of Quw’utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan people) and vulnerable populations in our region is a top priority for me and our entire Council,” said Chief Lydia Hwitsum. “Too many of our community members have experienced the unspeakable loss of a family member at a young age. We need to work together community-wide to combat crime and demand safety by reporting any and all suspicious activities to the RCMP,” added Hwitsum.
Cowichan Tribes has been in contact with the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP regarding this tragedy. We are appealing to witnesses or anyone with information regarding the circumstances leading to this young woman's death to support the investigation. Please call the RCMP detachment at (250) 748-5522 or report online here: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/bc/en. "We are asking our entire community to come together to support justice for this family," said Chief Hwitsum. "Active reporting is an important way our citizens can help law enforcement in the work they are doing," stated Hwitsum. "We are grateful to those who have come forward to provide information to advance this investigation thus far," said Inspector Chris Bear, Officer in Charge of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
Cowichan Tribes takes issues impacting the safety of our citizens very seriously. On May 5th, we co-hosted a walk in partnership with Tsow Tun Le Lum Society in honour of the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls that was attended by hundreds of supporters. This issue affects First Nations across the country and earlier this month a motion was passed unanimously in the House of Commons calling the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous women a national emergency and stating funding is needed for an alert system.
Cowichan Tribes representatives meet regularly with members from our local RCMP Detachment regarding community safety. On June 29th, for the second time this year, RCMP and Cowichan Tribes will host a Town Hall meeting at the Si’em Lelum Dining Hall at 6:00 pm.
Link to personal safety recommendations
Link to key safety and reporting contacts
Link to crisis lines and supports
Toxic Drug Supply
Opioid Crisis Response
We ask ALL Quw'utsun Mustimuhw to please have Narcan (naloxone) and know how to use it. The street drug supply is toxic and deadly.
Call Ed at Ts'ewulhtun Health to get Narcan and training: 250-746-6184. Narcan kits are also free at London Drugs with your status card.
For help with addiction treatment and supports, 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
#OurQuw'utsunChildLaw
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
May 2023
The Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement - S-xats-thut tst - Signing with the Province of B.C.