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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

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● April 6, 2023

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

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● November 17, 2022

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

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● January 5, 2021

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

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● December 21, 2020

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?

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● October 6, 2020

‘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?

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● August 25, 2020

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

Mount Prevost Swuq'us

The ancient story of Swuq’us

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● July 14, 2020

How Mount Prevost got its name.

mount prevost history

How did Mount Prevost get its name?

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● July 7, 2020

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

mount tzouhalem

Who was Chief Tzouhalem?

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● June 21, 2020

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?

By Jared Qwustenuxun Williams ● Cowichan Valley ● May 5, 2020

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

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Shipbreaking

Q&A: Lawyer speaks on groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case against Union Bay shipbreaking company

Union Bay locals await next steps after controversial shipbreaking lease cancelled

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Deep Water Recovery executives say shipbreaking operations aren’t polluting Union Bay

Quw'utsun Stories

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

Sta’lo’ Mustimuhw: A story of the river people

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

The ancient story of Swuq’us

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Deep Dive: It Takes a Village

Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society name change to Ballenas ‘in discussion’ for years,’ says CEO

Reporter Julie Chadwick and advocate Roxy Noble sit at a table looking out at participants during a speaking session

10 ways to better support tenants with vulnerabilities due to income, age or disabilities

‘I want it to stop’: Tenants and advocates allege bullying by non-profit housing provider

A building entrance way shows the words Corlett Place

Q and A: What are vulnerable tenants rights in non-profit housing?

A four storey building stands tall from the opposite side of the street as cars go by.

Who will protect low-income seniors from dying in extreme heat?

A blonde senior raises a hand a knock on the front door of a patio-style complex.

Seniors left in distress — or dead — for days in Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society units

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