Eric Richards

Meet the researcher putting Indigenous knowledge at the heart of ecological restoration

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 26, 2026

For decades, well-intentioned conservationists have been restoring culturally significant Indigenous places without the peoples they belong to. Researcher Jennifer Grenz says that’s exactly why so many of those efforts have failed.

‘Evicted to nowhere’: Cowichan Valley residents push for permanent solution for unhoused locals

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 19, 2026

As a temporary winter shelter in Duncan closes its doors, unhoused residents are faced with few other options for housing.

‘Consent is not new’: Cowichan Valley Women’s Day event addresses consent as a community issue

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 12, 2026

The Discourse and Cowichan Valley IWD held their annual International Women’s Day event on March 8, exploring how consent can lay a foundation for a healthier community.

Q&A: How loss and love led Zena Sharman to write her debut memoir

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● March 5, 2026

Sharman reflects on grief, queer kinship, family and inheritance in Staying Power.

Is the town hall disappearing from Canadian politics?

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 26, 2026

Gone are the days of open town hall events in Canadian politics. They have been replaced with partisan events that cater to party loyalists and potential donors, a political scientist says.

‘Many Hands — Working Together’ celebrates how art unites all communities

By Eric Richards ● Cowichan Valley ● February 5, 2026

The exhibition can be viewed from Feb. 4 to Feb. 28 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery.