Twists and turns: Establishing early roads in the Cowichan Valley
Why are the roads so winding? These streets tell a story of history, geography and colonization.
Local History
Guided by your questions, The Discourse is sharing stories about the history of the Cowichan region. Find stories by Jared Qwustenuxun Williams about the stories of this place from a Coast Salish perspective, and other nuggets of local history, guided by your curiosity.
Timber, tourism, and tall tales: How Mill Bay got its settler name
And how the small logging town grew into the destination community it is today.
Future of public access at Kingzett Lake quarry remains in limbo
The formerly popular Shawnigan Lake swimming hole remains shuttered, despite years of talk on turning it into a regional park.
What’s the First Nations history of Shawnigan Lake?
‘This lake has a story that is rooted in our oldest legends, our creation stories.’
What’s the story of Duncan’s Round Building?
Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1971, but it wasn’t for the Round Building’s grand opening.
What happened to the Cowichan wool carding machine?
A reader asked what happened to a piece of Cowichan history. I consulted an expert knitter to find out.
What were those people in regalia doing?
This question is a gateway to the world of Cowichan culture.
The ancient story of Swuq’us
How Mount Prevost got its name, the second in a series.
How did Mount Prevost get its name?
The mountain defines the Cowichan landscape, and it has carried more than one name.
Ditidaht students map the contours of language and land
High school students are reconnecting with their vast traditional territories through a digital mapping project.
