What’s the story of the Hermit’s Trail in Chemainus?
The story of a man who lived alone in the woods has echoes today.
Local History
Guided by your questions, The Discourse is sharing stories about the history of the Cowichan region. Find stories by Jared Qwustenuxun Williams about the stories of this place from a Coast Salish perspective, and other nuggets of local history, guided by your curiosity.
Who was Chief Tzouhalem?
This is the story of the man and the legend that gave Mount Tzouhalem its name.
What’s the history of the Brentwood College site?
How Mill Bay became home to B.C.’s first children’s hospital.
Cougar tales grace the wall of Honeymoon Bay Hall
A century ago, two Cowichan Lake youngsters earned fame by fending off a cougar attack.
What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay?
In the mid-19th century, a fierce battle brought together Coast Salish people against a common enemy.
Why are First Nations and non-First Nations communities so separate?
A reader sent a question about social distance in Cowichan. I’ll do my best to answer.
Remembering Ladysmith’s great coal mining strike
More than a century ago, coal miners across Vancouver Island rose up to fight for safer working conditions. That past still echoes today.
Cowichan Nation Alliance’s land rights case comes to Duncan
The fight to reclaim a historic fishing village in Richmond is in Duncan court this week to allow local elders to be heard.
A glimpse into the rich Sikh history in Cowichan
Why the town of Paldi was a major centre for Punjabi immigrants in Canada.
What were the rum-running days like in Mill Bay?
The sensational tale of one of Cowichan’s biggest alleged bootleggers.
