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
School Bus Registration & Routes
Custom Election Code
Community Christmas Dinner
2022 Tobacco Tax Applications
2022 Tobacco Tax Office Open2022 Tobacco Tax Office Open
2022 Tobacco Tax Office Open
The 2022 Tobacco Tax distribution amount will be $347.15 per person.
The Tobacco Tax Office is available at 8-180 Central Road, Duncan, B.C. until January 27, 2023. Applicants can park in the general parking around the Village Green Mall.
| APPLICATION DEADLINE | DISTRIBUTION DATE |
| Jan 13, 2023 | Jan 20, 2023 |
| Apr 7, 2023 | Apr 14, 2023 |
| July 7, 2023 | July 14, 2023 |
| Sept 8, 2023 | Sept 15, 2023 |
Youth Services Now Open!
November 22, 2022
Youth Services is now located at 5408 Stotlou Road, Duncan.
We provide a safe and positive place to hang out, learn, have fun, and build friendships. This is a space for ALL youth.
Check out our programs and hours here and watch our Cowichan Tribes Youth Services Facebook page for updates, workshops, and events.
Cowichan Tribes Welcomes Cindy Daniels as Acting Chief Administrative Officer
October 13, 2022
Today, Chief Lydia Hwitsum announced a transition in Cowichan Tribes’ senior administration. “Please join me in welcoming Cindy Daniels as Acting Chief Administrative Officer,” said Chief Hwitsum. “Cindy is a highly-qualified professional and I appreciate her stepping into this role. As many of you will recall, she previously served as our General Manager between April 2017 and September 2018. She is also a well-respected member of our Quw’utsun community and has served as a long-term Councillor and as Acting Chief for several months in 2021,” added Chief Hwitsum.
Ms. Daniels has taken leave from her role on Cowichan Tribes’ Council while serving as Acting Chief Administrative Officer. “I look forward to continuing to support our nation’s important work of providing services and programs for Quw’utsun Mustimuhw, as well as working with our staff and partners to advance the many key self-governance initiatives that we are pursuing,” said Cindy Daniels.
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 self‐governance, 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!
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.
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 drive thru and walk up Covid-19 & Flu vaccine clinics on:
Tuesday, Oct 18, Wednesday, Oct 19, and Thursday, Oct 20
10 am to 4 pm
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
November 3-4, 2022
Proactive flood mitigation work
- CTV Vancouver Island
- CBC Radio
- Global News
October 26, 2022
Changes to the BC Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) and Adoption Act