About Cowichan Tribes

About Cowichan Tribes

With over 5,000 members, we are the largest single First Nation Band in British Columbia.

About half of our members live on the Cowichan Tribes Reserve.  Ours demographic consists of a relatively young population, with a large percentage of the population under the age of 35.

We have seven traditional villages: Kwa'mutsun, Qwum’yiqun’, Xwulqw'selu, S’amunu Lhumlhumuluts', Xinupsum, Tl’ulpalus. 

We have been delegated responsibilities for a variety of member services including Children & Families, Education, Health, Housing, Membership, and Social Development.

Other Facts

  • Total Reserve area is currently 2,400 hectares (5,900 acres), made up of nine Reserves. 
  • Core Traditional Territory is approximately 375,000 hectares (900,000 acres). 
  • Governed by a Chief and 12 Councillors, within the framework of the Indian Act. 
  • Part of the Hul’q'umi’num' Treaty Group. In Stage 5 (Final Agreement negotiation) of the Treaty Process. 
  • Delegated responsibilities in Children and Families, Education, Health, Housing, and Social Development. 
  • Own and operate Khowutzun Development Corporation (KDC) group of companies, which includes: 
    • Khowutzun Forest Services Limited Partnership (KFCLP) 
  • Collective annual revenues of over $90 million. 
  • One of the single largest employers in the region.