Quw'utsun Stories

Jared Qwustenuxun Williams shares Quw’utsun history and legends in this series, inspired by reader requests and questions.

graphic art of a thunderbird and killer whale by Shawn Johnny

The story of S-hwu-hwa’us and Qul-lhanumutsun

Jared Qwustenuxun Williams explains how the Cowichan Tribes logo is rooted in a story that’s been passed down for generations

The Cowichan River is int he bottom third of the photo. The rest of the photo is taken up by rocky cliffs that have some small trees and greenery growing on them. The top left corner of the photo is a patch of cloudy sky.
Sta’lo’ Mustimuhw: A story of the river people

The story of the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River) goes back well before the first Quw’utsun ancestor, writes Jared Qwustenuxun Williams.

The story of Sheshuq’um, the monster at Octopus Point

Perhaps Sheshuq’um is just a misunderstood character, an untamable animal, a force of nature.

cowichan folklore
The story of Q’ise’q and Quamichan Creek

This is a story, a sxweim, a tall tale with magic and power beyond any mortal person.

shawnigan lake first nations history
What’s the First Nations history of Shawnigan Lake?

'This lake has a story that is rooted in our oldest legends, our creation stories.'

Cowichan first nation ceremony
What were those people in regalia doing?

This question is a gateway to the world of Cowichan culture.

Mount Prevost Swuq'us
The ancient story of Swuq’us

How Mount Prevost got its name.

mount prevost history
How did Mount Prevost get its name?

The mountain defines the Cowichan landscape, and it has carried more than one name.

mount tzouhalem
Who was Chief Tzouhalem?

This is the story of the man and the legend that gave Mount Tzouhalem its name.

battle at maple bay
What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay?

In the mid-19th century, a fierce battle brought together Coast Salish people against a common enemy.