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 29^th, 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

Link to addictions resources

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