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
Community Alert
Community Alert
Octopus Point Fuel Spill
September 18, 2022
Today, Canadian Coast Guard, fishing vessel owner, and contracted divers and salvage crew were on hand at Octopus Point for the recovery of the partially submerged fishing vessel. The Cowichan Tribes Marine Spill Response Team, S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa', and Smuqw’a’ vessel were also on hand to monitor this operation and redirect marine traffic to reduce wake impacts.
The vessel has been removed and transported for recovery. Cowichan Tribes Spill Response Team and S-hwuhwa’us Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa' will continue to monitor the area periodically over the coming days.
Huy tseep q’u siiem to all of the partners and our staff for their efforts to contain as much of this spill as possible with the resources available.
September 16, 2022
Please be advised that a private fishing vessel near Octopus Point and Sansum Narrows has released fuel into the water after colliding with exposed rocks on September 14, 2022. Quw’utsun citizens are asked to avoid the area and refrain from fishing or shellfish harvesting in the region.
The vessel has been surrounded by containment booms. Efforts led by the Canadian Coast Guard in to remove the vessel have so far been unsuccessful and this work with the vessel owner is ongoing. Cowichan Tribes S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kwa'tl'kwa and Marine Spill Response Team have been monitoring the scene. They have been working in collaboration with the Malahat, Pauquachin, and Stz'uminus Nations Nations to deploy some additional equipment in the surrounding area to support containment of the spill.
School Bus Registration & Routes
Custom Election Code
How should we use, build on, and protect Tumuhw (land) and water for future generations?
Your participation in this survey is important and will help to shape how we manage Tumuhw and the marine environment.
We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on land and marine related issues that impact the environment, Tumuhw, and Quw'utsun Mustimuhw. Topics include: community amenities and infrastructure, mobility supports, housing types, and many more.
Take the survey here.
To support our nation’s selfâgovernance, Cowichan Tribes has been developing a Custom Election Code. Our Custom Election Code is based on members’ input and will outline a valid and fair process of how our leaders are selected, and how an election can be appealed, if needed.
To learn more visit https://cowichantribes.com/election-code
Take our survey: 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 a prize draw: a $200 VISA gift card!
Drug Poisioning / Overdose Advisory for Cowichan Valley
Land & Marine Use Plan Community Survey
September 20, 2022
Overdoses are increasing in the region. Friends, family, and community members using opioids and stimulants face increased risk from both injection and inhalation.
School Bus Registration & Route Changes
Student Transportation has received hundreds of school bus registrations this week. There will be changes to some bus routes as we accommodate these new registrations.
All students must register to take the bus every year, even if their school and residence remain the same. If you have not done so already, please register your child(ren) as soon as possible as we are trying to finalize these route changes. Forms are available on the student transportation webpage here.
Once finalized, updated bus route schedules will be posted on our website, social media, and sent home with students.
Huy tseep q'u to our bus drivers for their flexibility this week.
On June 27, Cowichan Tribes members passed changes to the Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw, or Citizenship Code, with 79% of votes cast supporting the amendments.
Learn more about the vote results.
The FireSmart program takes a proactive approach to mitigating the risk of fires. Visit the FireSmart page for more information.
COVID-19
COVID-19 Updates Page
Order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO)
COVID-19 Navigators Response Line: 250-715-3339
Email: covid19@cowichantribes.com
RAPID TESTS
Need a COVID rapid test? Cowichan Tribes households (living on and off reserve) can pick up a kit of 5 rapid tests.
Where: Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre
When: 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Fridays
This kit includes 5 rapid tests, instructions on how to use the test and how to report a positive result. Please save these tests for when someone in your household has symptoms of COVID as we have a limited amount to distribute to our community.
COVID Vaccine Update
Ts'ewultun Health Centre is hosting drive thru COVID vaccine clinics this week for ages 12+ on Wednesday, Sept 14 and Thursday, Sept 15 from 1-6 pm. Unfortunately, COVID vaccines for ages 5-11 are not available at this week's clinic.
For ages under 12, vaccines are available by calling 250.715.1024 or booking online tsewulhtunhealth.janeapp.com.
Hwial’asmut ch tun’ s-ye’lh (Take care of your health)
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
Important Bulletins
Bus Routes for September 2022
Bus Routes for 2022-2023 School Year
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
Indian Road Water Project completion celebration on August 19, 2022.