Author

Shalu Mehta

Shalu's Latest Articles

Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a shares traditional plant knowledge in new book

‘Plant Teachings from my Auntie’ by Snuneymuxw Elder C’tasi:a and ethnobotanist Nancy Turner delves into traditional plants and plant medicine.

A group of four volunteers stand in a pool of water and on a dry riverbed with nets and buckets to rescue salmon in the Cowichan Valley
What to do and who to call when juvenile salmon are in danger

Officials say Cowichan Valley residents should call experts to move salmon in isolated pools because of risks associated with relocation.

Courtenay City Hall
How do Comox Valley governments and public organizations use AI?

The Discourse reached out to Comox Valley governments and organizations to find out how they are handling the use of AI.

A crowd of Nanaimo Blues Festival goers stands in front of a stage at Maffeo Sutton Park
Nanaimo Blues Festival brings international headliners and local talent to Maffeo Sutton Park

‘Blues is for everyone,’ says Nanaimo Blues Society president

What to do and where to go during extreme heat events in Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and the Cowichan Valley

A guide to prepare for extreme heat events on Vancouver Island

A headshot of Kiera Chealine, local poet who will present at the Cowichan Valley International Women's Day event on March 8, 2026.
Q&A: Poet Kiera Chealine on finding the power in ‘No’

Local poet writes about consent and empowerment for International Women’s Day.

A forested trail brings locals to a well-loved area of the Nanaimo River known as Red Gate. A surrounding area was recently logged.
Survey: What stories should The Discourse cover in 2026?

Your feedback will drive our reporting for the year — tell us what matters to you!

Plastic cones protect saplings planted in dense forest in North Cowichan Municipal Forest Reserve
What does adapting to climate change look like for North Cowichan?

North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas says there is ‘a significant cost’ to inaction on climate change.

doctor
What are Cowichan Valley candidates saying about health care?

Cowichan candidates answer reader questions about health care in the lead-up to B.C. election.

CMHA Cowichan Warmland House
What are Cowichan Valley candidates saying about homelessness and social supports?

Cowichan candidates answer reader questions about homelessness and social supports in the lead-up to B.C. election.