Welcome to Cowichan This Week, your source for the latest local news and events. Sign up to get this in your inbox every Thursday.
News and announcements
- Some business groups in the Cowichan region are responding to a call to end discrimination after reports of increasing anti-Indigenous racism in business interactions, The Discourse reports.
- Residents along Indian Road, on Cowichan Tribes reserve land, will get clean drinking water piped to their homes for the first time later this year. Jared Qwustenuxun Williams reports for The Discourse on what the project means for him and his neighbours.
- This year could see significant progress towards supporting unhoused youth in the Cowichan region, one community leader predicts. Read about those efforts in new reporting on The Discourse.
- More than 50 cars rallied in the Duncan area to oppose racism and stand with Cowichan Tribes, CHEK News reports. The event also included a virtual panel discussion featuring local community leaders.
- B.C. has announced more details of its COVID-19 vaccination plan. Most people will get vaccinated according to their age group, with the oldest people going first. According to the government’s FAQ website, health officials will reach out to residents over the age of 80 (and Indigenous seniors 65 and older) in mid-to-late February with instructions on registering for vaccinations. People ages 75 to 79 will be able to self-register in March, with younger age groups to follow.
- Great leadership, and particularly that of manager Audrey George, is to credit for preventing any spread of COVID-19 at the Ts’i’ts’uwatul’ Lelum assisted living facility after a staff member tested positive, according to an opinion article published by the Times Colonist.
- Mount Prevost is the “most important hill in Canadian downhill” mountain biking, according to a feature article recently published by Freehub Magazine.
- The Cowichan Valley branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and Cowichan Tribes have partnered to open a 30-bed extreme weather shelter in the Cowichan Tribes gym on River Road, according to a news release. The shelter will stay open until the weather improves.
- The Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society responded in a Facebook post to neighbours’ concerns over increased use of the Mount Tzouhalem trailhead at Kaspa Road. The CTSS says it does not support restricting access but will continue to advocate for respectful use of the trails and trailhead and suggest alternatives at peak times.
- Social Planning Cowichan is seeking community feedback on the household impacts of COVID-19 this winter. The deadline has been extended to Feb. 15.
- The Cowichan Valley Regional District is seeking funding for a major retrofit of the Mesachie Lake fire hall, the Lake Cowichan Gazette reports.
Community events
- Thursday, Jan. 28: ♻️ Join Synergy Foundation, Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Cowichan for a virtual lunch n’ learn exploring a vision of a thriving circular economy in Cowichan and across Vancouver Island. This event takes place virtually at noon.
- Thursday, Jan. 28: 🐟 Join the Save Our Holmes Society and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society for a virtual presentation on the rare Cowichan lamprey, 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 28: 🌊 North Cowichan is holding an online open house to answer questions about plans to reroute sewage outfall in Cowichan Bay.
- Friday, Jan. 29: 🎤 Youth Can 20/20 Cowichan will host a virtual open mic night.
- Saturday, Jan: 30: 🌱 Cowichan Green Community’s Seedy Saturday is going virtual. Sign up for one or more workshops related to local plant growing, available on a sliding scale price.
- Through March 15: 🎭 You’re invited to contribute to Pandemic Theatre: Your Stories from the Covid World, an interactive, online community theatre production slated for late May of this year. Send your stories and questions to John Mowat Steven: covid.my.story@gmail.com.
- Ongoing: ❓ The Mill Bay Malahat Historical Society is producing a series of history trivia quizzes for a bit of virtual pandemic fun. The first two videos are now available on Vimeo.
What did I miss? Let me know what events are coming up by sending me an email.
In your words
Thanks for all the feedback on Jared Qwustenuxun Williams’s article about drinking water coming to his house and others on Indian Road.
“This should be a major embarrassment to our country that we have not fulfilled the promise of clean water to ALL First Nation people. It is incomprehensible that we allow this to continue,” wrote Cecelia.
“All that background information is very interesting to me, and I believe is very good journalism. Not just the story of the day, whether it’s good news or bad news, but the back-story that paints the bigger picture,” said Bob. “Articles like this one play a valuable role in the community. Honest, but respectful.”
“It is about time. All reserves no matter where they are must have safe drinking water,” Mary said.
“I literally cried with joy,” wrote Karen.
Thanks, all. We were glad to help spread some happy news. [end]
