Shalu Mehta, Author at The Discourse.

A crowd of people near a totem pole and a police car

How are RCMP trained to respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people?

By Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● June 8, 2023 June 8, 2023

After a ‘miscommunication’ regarding the suspicious death of 15-year-old Carsyn Mackenzie Seaweed, The Discourse asked RCMP about its training related to missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Carsyn Mackenzie Seaweed's family is pictured at the march, a crowd of people behind them. They wear t-shirts with her photo on them. Carsyn's mom, younger sister and grandma have a red handprint painted on their faces. People hold signs calling for justice for Carsyn and one large sign is seen in the background above people's heads that says "Sacred Rage."

Hundreds march in memory of Carsyn Mackenzie Seaweed as community seeks answers

By Shalu Mehta & Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Cowichan Valley ● June 1, 2023 June 1, 2023

Family and allies gather in Duncan for the Na̱mǥis and Quw’utsun’ teen who was loved by many.

Insp. Chris Bear, in his RCMP uniform stands on the left, looking at a sign that Adrian Sylvester (on the right) is holding. The sign says "Justice For Carsyn." A man stands behind both of them holding a sign that says "No more stolen sisters."

Community rallies for Carsyn Mackenzie Seaweed, as RCMP apologize for ‘miscommunication’ in her case

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter & Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● May 29, 2023 May 30, 2023

Family and friends are rattled after the tragic loss of the 15-year-old, remembered as ‘a very caring person.’

An older couple surrounded by sunflowers.

Duncan drag show backlash met with community support

By Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● May 18, 2023 May 19, 2023

Event sponsors received threatening calls and emails, but ‘there’s more love than hate in the world, in Duncan and in Cowichan.’

Solutions for women’s and reproductive health in Cowichan

By Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● April 8, 2023 April 8, 2023

A recent event highlighted community efforts to boost local health care and support for women and families.

Youth holding signs and waving rainbow flags are pictured from behind, lining a sidewalk along the left of the photo. Meanwhile, another youth walking with their bike and wearing a helmet walks to the right of the line, towards the camera. The photo focus is on a rainbow flag held by someone on the left. The background, including the person with the bike, is blurred.

How does SOGI 123 show up in Cowichan Valley schools?

By Shalu Mehta ● Cowichan Valley ● March 30, 2023 March 30, 2023

“We know that SOGI-inclusive schools have positive mental health outcomes for all students, no matter how they identify,” says SOGI 123 national program manager Scout Gray.