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
August 15, 2022
Food fish initial distribution will begin Wednesday, August 17th with Elders being contacted first.
Please note, only those who have been issued food fish cards issued in 2022 will be contacted. All Cowichan citizen households need to apply for food fish cards each year. Cards from previous years are not valid. To apply, you must visit the Lands office during office hours. Citizens must provide current contact information in order to be notified about food fish distribution. Food fish quantities are allocated based on the quantity harvested each year.
This year, Cowichan Tribes is testing a pilot program to deliver food fish to on-reserve Elders. The effectiveness of this program will be evaluated to determine if it will continue in future years. Off-reserve Elders will continue to pick up food fish for their household.
Once Elders distribution has been completed, on-reserve citizen households, followed by off-reserve citizen households, will be called to pick up their food fish. Additional announcements will be made as additional information is available
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!
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.
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
Still needing a 1st, 2nd or booster dose of COVID vaccine? Call to book an appointment at Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre 250.715.1024. Vaccines are available for ages 5+.
Second doses are given 8 weeks after 1st dose and booster doses for ages 12+ are given 6 months after 2nd dose.
Download Posters & Documents:
Opioid Crisis Response
Chief Seymour 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.
Important Bulletins
Direct Deposit
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.
Digital Newsletter
Essential Services Edition:
Employment Opportunities
Cowichan Tribes in the News
Cowichan Tribes is receiving a $14,400 grant to recycle 565 scrapped tires to provide a rubberized surface space for its planned outdoor playground at 2770 Boys Rd.
Read more in the Cowichan Valley Citizen article.
