Special Edition: May 2020

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 1

Table of Contents Table of Contents 2

Resource Phone Directory 3

Cowichan Tribes Chief’s Update 4

5760 Allenby Road General Manager’s Update 5-6 Duncan, BC Flood Management Team 7 V9L 5J1 Ts’ewulhtun Health 8-12 Ph.: (250)-748-3196 Social Development 13 Fax: (250)-748-1233 Lulumexun Lands & Governance 14-17 Office Hours: Lalum’utul Smun’eem Child & Family Services 18-19 Monday to Friday Sustainable Housing 20-22 8:30 am to 12:00pm Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum— Education 23-24 1:00pm to 4:30pm Finance 25-27 Newsletter Operations & Maintenance 28-30 Subscription Price Membership & Tobacco Tax 31-33 (for 12 months) Advertising/Announcements 34-40 Canadian & $100.00 Business Deadline for JUNE 2020 Newsletter Submissions: MAY 20, 2020— NO LATER THAN 4:00 PM USA $120.00 Reminder please submit your items via: PUBLISHER or WORD

Off Reserve $36.00 Send to: Sherri Norris Cowichan Members in the Admin Building OR E-Mail: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE — ALL ADVERTISING MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE THE

DEADLINE.

PRICE FOR ADVERTISING ARE AS FOLLOWS: Please restrain your dogs or we will not be able to deliver  HALF PAGE—$24.50 information to your home.  FULL PAGE—$49.00 ~Huy tseep qu!!  FULL PAGE WITH COLOUR $263.00 Quw’utsun Newsletter | 2

Cowichan Tribes—Regular Hours Administration Office ········································································250.748.3196 Cowichan Tribes Security ··································································250.732.1449 Social Development ··········································································778.422.2255 Lalum’utul Smun’eem ········································································250.746.1002 Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum—Education ·········································250.715.1022 Ya Thuy Thut ············································································· 250.746.7170 Le’lumel Daycare ······································································250.746.5966 Quw’utsun Smun’eem Elementary ············································250.748.1779 Lulumexun Lands & Governance ·······················································236.800.4023 Si’em Lelum Gymnasium ····································································250.748.1831 Sustainable Housing Department ······················································250.715.3302 Ts’ewulhtun Health ············································································250.746.6184 Dental Office ············································································250.715.3305 Medical Taxi ··············································································250.746.6644 Slhexun Sun’ts’a Clinic (Doctor’s Office) ···································250.715.3322 Youth Center ······················································································250.746.0607 Cowichan Tribes—After Hours Ts’ewulhtun Health ( 12:00—1:00 PM & 4:30—7:00 PM) ·························250.252.0207 Cowichan Community Security ··························································250.732.1449 EMERGENCY CONTACTS Other Resources

Housing Emergency (24/7) 250.715.3302 Hiiye’Lelum Society Friendship Aboriginal Community Legal Center Worker Infrastructure Emergency (Rick Wilson) 250.252.0453 250.748.2242 Anita Paige Native Court Worker 302-238 Government St Urgent Matters (Derek Thompson) 250.732.4962 Mabel Peter 250.748.1160 or

1.877.811..1190 Ext 259 [email protected] Children’s Helpline (24/7) 310.1234

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 3

Chief William Seymour Update as of April 20, 2020

COVID 19 Update: At this time, Cowichan Tribes schools, Cowichan Tribes Chief and Council have daycare, Si’em Lelum Gym, and Youth been meeting on a weekly basis in regards Centre are closed. Medical Transportation to the COVID 19 updates. We continue to and Elders Programs, remain closed until roll-out new supports for members further notice. For more information about including food and financial supports. programs and services, please call:  Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre: I would like to thank Derek Thompson, (250) 746-6184 Acting General Manager, along with the  Slhexun Sun’ts’a Clinic (250) 715-3322 Operational Leadership Team, who have  Social Development (778) 422-2255 been working hard to keep our staff and community safe. We also have a Working  Cowichan Tribes Security (250) 732-1449 Group, set up dealing with the pandemic  Sustainable Housing Emergency Line plan. (24/7) (250) 715-3302 A coronavirus information line has been set Cowichan Tribes is still only providing up by BC Service BC at 1.888.268.4319. essentials service that contribute to the health and safety of our community, these services include the following. Information about the virus is changing daily. To stay up to date or find further  Social Assistance information, please check the following  Education Living Allowance resources:  Lease Payments  Frequently asked questions about COVID 19 signs and symptoms, include  Garbage, recycle and compost pick up screening criteria, is available on the  Slhexun Sun’ts’a’ Clinic– No bookings BCCDC website at www.bccdc.ca/health- (client phone calls only) 9:00 am-4:00 info/diseases-conditions/covid19 pm.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has  Community Health Nurses can be set up a novel coronavirus information CALLED 250-748-6184 or line at 1.833.784.4397 TEXT 250-732-4205  Cowichan Tribes website  Security Guard Program www.cowichantribes.com  Enforcement Program-Emergencies I am asking the community to be safe, this COVID 19 virus is serious, if you have any  Sustainable Housing– Emergency Line 24/7 symptoms, please isolate yourself. Please call the information line, or do the self  Water Monitoring assessment if your not sure.  Meals on Wheels (reduced service) Take care of our elders, especially the young  On-call Mental Health Crisis Counselling children and refrain from gatherings. This is for the health and safety of yourself and  Lalum’utul Smun’eem Child and Family your family. Services– on call.

Huy tseep q’u Quw’utsun Newsletter | 4

A/ General Manager, Derek Thompson

These last few weeks have been both trying and uncertain, individually and collectively. The days and weeks that pass test our resolve, patience and confidence. The obvious physical limitations create not so obvious mental and emotional confines that can have us feeling alone and lacking the resilience to manage life, work and home. It is a necessary and fulfilling practice to enable our ability to express our feelings, strengthen our self-esteem and to embrace all that is good and positive in our life. I encourage all of you to reach out for help if you feel that you need the support, and to also reach out for help if you feel that someone you know is struggling and not able to ask for help. There are services available to assist and support us through this pandemic and it is important to ask for help if you feel that you need it. Please reach out to any of the essential services offered by Cowichan Tribes and we will be able to assist you in seeking out relevant supports.

I continue to work diligently with Chief and Council and the Operational Leadership Team to implement our COVID-19 Response Plan. We are also working on setting up one central telephone number that membership can call and there will be Response Navigators that will be able to assist and direct you to the appropriate department based on your specific needs. We have produced a number of videos from Ts’ewulhtun and Chief and Council in an effort to consistently keep you up-to-date with information and instructions. We have also produced a number of posters in an effort to ensure safety of our most precious resource - our Elders. We will continue to work efficiently and effectively to better the serve the needs of this great good community during this pandemic.

Cowichan Tribes has received monies from Indigenous Services Canada to assist us in supporting membership over the medium to long term, and this money will be used to ensure food security and the ability to respond quickly to COVID-19 in the event that the virus impacts our community. Cowichan Tribes Chief and Council agreed to match this contribution and approved additional monies that will include a one-time cash distribution to all members, as well as to support the implementation of our COVID-19 Response Plan over the long term. Once we work out the details of these budgets we will provide key updates on how the monies are being used and distributed.

You may have noted in the media that the 2020 Summer Olympics have been postponed to 2021, and that the Prime Minister has officially canceled all statutory events for 2020 including Canada Day. Premier Horgan has also made similar compromises by postponing all holiday and social occasions to 2021. In the interest of community and public safety we also need to seriously consider such measures by cancelling or postponing all social, family and cultural events to 2021. Chief and Council will be developing an official response to all members of the community in regards to this concern, and I ask for your continued patience as we are developing our plans to respond this ongoing global pandemic Quw’utsun Newsletter | 5

A/ General Manager, Derek Thompson

Although this information is repetitive and routine it is critically important for all of us to follow the restrictions that are in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This includes being informed on the guidelines for Social/Physical Distancing, Proper Hygiene and Proper Cleaning. Social/Physical Distancing means:

 avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings  avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes or hugs  limiting contact with people who are at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health  keeping a distance of at least two-arm’s length (about 2 meters) from others Proper Hygiene means:

 wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the wash- room and when preparing food  cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand  dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards  avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands Proper Cleaning means: cleaners can play a role in helping to limit the transfer of microorganisms such as COVID-19 Health Canada recommends cleaning often, using either regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) on the following high-touch surfaces:  Toys  Toilets  Phones  Electronics  Door handles  Bedside tables  Television remotes You can find important information on the internet at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/ diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html?topic=tilelink#p, as well as in this special edition of the May 2020 Newsletter. We are all in this together.

RESPECTFULLY YOURS, Derek Thompson A/General Manager Cowichan Tribes

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 6

Flood Management Team FLOOD 2020 Team IMPORTANT UPDATES

Disaster Financial Appeal Deadline Funding Is Not Just For Assistance If you feel the assessment done Damage The deadline is fast approaching. to repair the damages is not Financial assistance is available Be sure to get your applications accurate, you can appeal the for cleaning up after the flood for Financial Assistance in by May funding you have received. (even if you did it on your own) 4, 2020. and replacing lost or damaged The deadline to appeal is 60 days furniture, tools, appliances, and following the date of your other items. funding assistance letter.

NEED HELP?

The FLOOD2020 Team is working remotely from home under the COVID-19 pandemic safety protocol. We are here to answer questions you may have.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

You can also call Emergency Services BC at (250) 715-3333.

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Ts’ewulhtun Health

COVID-19 Testing

Anyone with symptoms of a Cold, Influenza (Flu) or COVID-19 can be tested Symptoms:

 Cough

 Fever

 Shortness of Breath

 Body aches and pains

 Headache

 Fever

 Nasal Congestion

 Sneezing

 Runny Nose

 Sore Throat

 Nausea

 Vomiting and Diarrhea

 Feeling very tired

Contact your doctor, nurse practitioner or 8-1-1 to be referred to the Cowichan District Hospital Testing Center. If you have no symptoms you do not need a test. Quw’utsun Newsletter | 8

Ts’ewulhtun Health COVID -19 CORONAVIRUS vs. COLD vs. INFLUENZA/FLU vs. ALLERGIES

SYMPTOMS COVID-19 COLD INFLUENZA/FLU ALLERGIES

FEVER COMMON RARE COMMON NO

COMMON COMMON COUGH MILD SOMETIMES Usually dry Usually dry

SHORTNESS OF SOMETIMES NO NO COMMON BREATH

SNEEZE RARE COMMON NO COMMON

ACHES & PAINS SOMETIMES COMMON COMMON NO

FATIGUE SOMETIMES SOMETIMES COMMON SOMETIMES

RUNNY OR RARE COMMON SOMETIMES COMMON STUFFY NOSE

SORE THROAT SOMETIMES COMMON SOMETIMES NO

HEADACHE SOMETIMES RARE COMMON SOMETIMES

DIARRHEA RARE NO SOMETIMES NO

Sources: World Health Organization, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Quw’utsun Newsletter | 9

Ts’ewulhtun Health

Ts’ewulhtun Health Centre is Open for Baby Immunizations!

to Month Old Babies

Call or Text to Book an Appointment:

250-732-3487 We Look Forward to Seeing You!

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 10

Ts’ewulhtun Health—Kwun’atsustul Counselling

Tips to Manage Stress Related to COVID – 19

Stress can help motivate us to take action when needed, but when it becomes overwhelming and long-term, it can take a toll on your immune system. The recent COVID-19 outbreak may cause some anxiety and worries for your own health or the health of your friends and family members.

However, effective stress management will help you build a stronger immunity system making you more resistant to infectious diseases as well as increasing your overall health.

Signs of Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak:  Fears for your health and the health of your loved ones  Changes in sleep and eating patterns  Confusion or difficulty concentrating  Worsening of chronic health problems (such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma)  Worsening of mental health conditions  Increased substance misuse (alcohol, tobacco or other drugs)

Common Reactions to COVID-19  Concerns about protecting yourself or your family  Concerns that regular services could be disrupted (such as medical care or public transportation)  Feeling socially isolated  Feeling guilty if loved ones are helping you with daily activities

Those at Higher Risk for Crisis Related Stress:  Older people, children and youth  People with chronic diseases  Healthcare providers and first responders  People with mental health conditions including problems with substance use  Those with lower income or language barriers

Ways to Cope with Stress:  Take a break from news stories and social media related to the pandemic  Increase your activity level  Eat healthy  Get plenty of sleep  Avoid drugs and alcohol  Take time to unwind with activities that you enjoy  Practice good self-care  Talk to someone you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling  Practicing spiritual health  Maintain socializing through telephone, email or social media Quw’utsun Newsletter | 11

Ts’ewulhtun Health—Kwun’atsustul Counselling

Tips to Manage Stress Related to COVID – 19 Cont’d

Watch for Behavior Changes in Children and Youth:  Excessive crying or irritation  Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (bedwetting, tantrums)  Excessive worry or sadness  Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits  Avoiding school  Difficulty with attention and concentrating  Avoiding activities previously enjoyed in the past  Unexplained headaches or body pain  Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

Supporting Children and Youth:  Answer questions about COVID –19 in a way they can understand  Limit news coverage  Try keep regular routines as much as possible  Be a role model for healthy stress management

Remember that stress and anxiety are normal responses to processing and responding to challenging circumstances. It is when stress and anxiety impact your health and regular functioning that you should reach out for support.

Here are some support options: Kwun’atsustul Counselling: 250-746-6184 Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 Children’s Helpline: 310-1234 Cowichan Valley RCMP Non– Emergency: 250-748-5522

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Social Development Social Development (778) 422-2255 SPECIAL EDITION—COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE

The health and safety of community are an upmost priority. Cowichan Tribes has initiated a COVID-19 pandemic response plan based on the latest available recommendations from British Columbia and Canadian Public Health officials in an effort to limit transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Social Development Department staff are working to continue to ensure services are delivered. JUNE 2020 cheques will be available on MAY 26, 2020. Thank you to clients that have set up DIRECT DEPOSIT.

Band Social Development Worker email addresses: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]— if unsure who to connect with

MAY 1-8, 2020 is the timeline for Monthly Renewal Declarations (also known as ‘stubs’); please complete via email or phone in for stub completion.

We are continuing to provide services, however, for the safety of everyone, please bear with us as we work in a ‘new way’.

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Lulumexun Lands & Governance

Who To Call Cowichan Tribes Enforcement Services Emergencies Only Dial 911  For immediate medical attention  For crimes in progress or about to happen  To report emergencies to police/fire/ambulance

Non-Emergencies (RCMP) 250-748-5522 24 hours, 7 days a week  To report a crime after occurrence  To report suspicious/illegal activity

Cowichan Tribes Enforcement Officers 236-800-4023 | [email protected] Monday to Friday, 8:30– 4:30 p.m.  To report bylaw infractions including animal concerns, illegal dumping, squatting/encampments, illegal fireworks

Cowichan Tribes Security Guardians 250-732-1449 | 250-732-0453 | [email protected] 4:00 pm—5:00 am, 7 days a week  Their role is to deter public nuisance and observe and report incidents such as trespassing, vandalism or other property damage or theft.

Questions? Contact Lulumexun Department 236-800-4023 | [email protected]

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Lulumexun Lands & Governance

The Lulumexun Lands and Governance is continuing to work from home and provide essential field work services to our members. We are reminding members; we are best reached at [email protected] and 236-800-4023.

Fisheries Our Fisheries team is actively planning and preparing for upcoming food fish distributions for on and off-reserve members. Door-to-door delivery for on reserve households will take place on May 4-5.

Food fish for members living off-reserve will take place at Koksilah Nursery on May 6-7, 2020 from 9 AM - 5 PM. Please check our Lulumexun Facebook Page for details and important health and safety procedures.

Security and Bylaw Enforcement Our Security and Bylaw team are performing regular patrols and responding to emergencies only. We are encouraging members to contact Bylaw at [email protected] or 236-800-4023 and Security at [email protected] or 250-732-1449.

Referrals Lulumexun is working in a Government to Government relationship with the Province of BC to help protect the Xwulqw'selu Sto'lo (Koksilah River) watershed. In January 2020 Chief Seymour and Minister Donaldson signed an Interim Letter of Agreement agreeing to work together to address the seasonal drought issues in the watershed. A Steering Committee, led by Cowichan Tribes and BC as partners, is directing a 3-part scoping project to assess key problems and come up with options under the Water Sustainability Act. The scoping project involves a technical data gap analysis, stakeholder outreach, and traditional and local knowledge gathering. The process is beginning, and we want to let Cowichan members know that the work will continue despite COVID-19 office closures. We hope to have some recommendations to share in September 2020, that all going to plan, could be implemented in 2021.

BC Parks Closure Lulumexun is reminding our community members, about BC Parks closures, with noted indigenous practices continuing. Visit their website for more details http://bcparks.ca/

Lulumexun Facebook Page Be sure to ‘Like’ our page to ensure you receive the most recent updates and be in the loop if information changes. Our page link: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Lulumexun-343370786331315/ about/?ref=page_internal

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Lulumexun Lands & Governance

Food Fish On Reserve: May 4 & 5, 2020 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 Member must be home

 Place tote or container outside

 Stay in your home

 Fisheries staff will place fish in tote

 Member can then pick up food

Food Fish Off Reserve: May 6 & 7, 2020 9:00 a.m.— 5:00 p.m.

 Bring a tote (Koksilah Nursery)

 Identification Provided

 Proof of Address

Practice social distancing| Stay safe

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 16

Lulumexun Lands & Governance

Coming Soon to Quw’utsun: We are looking for a new name for this team, something that reflects the history The Salish Sea Watch! and culture of Quw’utsun and the work The Salish Sea Watch will be patrolling our that the Salish Sea Watch will be doing as marine territory as part of the Lands and marine caretakers. Self-Governance Department team of Cowichan Tribes. They will ensure a If you have a name to submit to the Lands stronger Quw’utsun presence on the water department by May 29th, the person who in our traditional marine territory, submits the chosen name will win a observing, recording & reporting human marine-themed gift basket. Open to activities. Cowichan Members of all ages.

The mission of this team is to ensure ***One Submission per person sensitive ecosystems, animals, culturally significant sites and important food harvest areas are better protected from Email your name submission to: [email protected] destruction and misuse.

Call/or text: 250-732-0862

Eventually, in addition to being observers,

they will be key players of Cowichan Tribes Reply on Facebook by messaging the Lulumexun Facebook in marine research, habitat restoration and Page emergency spill response.

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 17

Lalum’utul Smun’eem Child & Family Services

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 18

Lalum’utul Smun’eem Child & Family Services

EMBRACING LIFE UPDATE

DID YOU KNOW? ABOUT LYLA: Cedar Wellness Counselling: Lyla Harman’s traditional name is Lyla Harman is offeringFREE sessions for all Peye’tunaat. status First Nations. We would also like to reassure you the sessions are kept safe and She is a Cowichan Tribes member that comes strictly confidential. for the Canute family, her late Grandmother is Madeline Canute Gonzales. With Shuswap, To ensure we are still practicing social English, and Scottish roots as well. distancing protocols there will be video and telephone counselling available. Lyla has worked at Cowichan Tribes as a Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor for 11 Cedar Wellness Contact Info: years. She lives and continues to works in the Cowichan Valley. Call: (250) 748-1592

Email: [email protected] Counselling services she provides for; Book Direct: www.cedarwellness.ca Facebook: Cedar-Wellness  Individuals  Couples In the event of an emergency:  Families healing from trauma Call: 911 Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 Lyla is confident working with complex trauma such as; Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

Other after hours supports:  Grief Crisis Chat: crisiscentrechat.ca  Crisis response  Healing impact from Indian Crisis Text: 686868 Residential School Suicide Stop: www.suicidestop.com  Anxiety boundaries  Sexual trauma  Self-esteem  Personal growth

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Sustainable Housing HUY CH Q’U, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED COOPERATION DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS

The Housing Department is working to serve the community to the best of our ability in the midst of this Pandemic. We would like to thank our valued community members for their patience and understanding as we work to meet your housing related needs.

Please remember, there is a strict zero-tolerance policy in effect for all rentals. This means no alcohol or drugs and no partying. Anyone found participating in these activities on rental property will result in immediate investigation and action, up to and including eviction.

CONTACT US BY PHONE (250-715-3302) Call us Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM & 1:00 PM-4:30 PM. BY EMAIL Send us a message at [email protected]. AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES (250-715-3302) Our After Hours Emergency Line remains open. Call for emergencies only such as such as flood, power or heat system failure, a broken window or a leaking roof. LEAVE US A MESSAGE ON OUR WEBSITE Visit us at www.cowichantribes.com/housing to report any concerns regarding your rental unit, another rental unit or a tenant in the community. If you prefer, reports can remain anonymous. PAY RENT Send e-Transfer to: [email protected]. ALL direct deposits must state the rental address and tenant name(s) the payment is for. Please see Page 25 for more information.

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Sustainable Housing

We are excited to announce the Tenant Selection Process is complete and the Mini Homes are now occupied! Look forward to new projects including the Triplex on Statlou Crescent currently under construction and expected to be complete and ready for new tenants this coming fall.

IS YOUR HOUSING APPLICATION UP TO DATE? Many Housing Applications remain INCOMPLETE. To ensure your Application remains in good standing be sure to:

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION We need a way to contact you. Make sure your phone number is up-to-date or, if e-mail is preferred, let us know.

PROVIDE PROOF OF INCOME ONCE A YEAR We need income verification at least once a year. Examples include paystubs, letters from employers, tax records, bank statements or government benefit statements.

INFORM US OF ANY CHANGES IN FAMILY SIZE Family size is a huge factor in the tenant selection process. Let us know if your family changes in size because of birth, adoption, fostering, a child leaving the home or any other circumstance.

Maximum Occupancy Rates for Rentals 1 Bedroom = 3 People 2 Bedroom = 5 People 3 Bedroom = 7 People 4 Bedroom = 9 People 5 Bedroom = 11 People Please note: Maximum Occupancy can change based on the demographics of the family. National Occupancy Standards apply regarding who can share bedrooms spaces.

COMING SOON—ONLINE HOUSING APPLICATIONS Keep checking our website for an online fillable application to update your existing application, or fill out a new one.

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Sustainable Housing MAINTENANCE DURING COVID-19

 We are continuing to practice safety measures for our maintenance staff. Please continue to give our employees at least 6 FEET of room if they are working in your home. Please sanitize before our workers arrive and after they leave your home.

 Please continue to Report ALL Maintenance Issues in your home. We need to keep open lines of communication with our tenants while we practice social distancing. All calls will be entered into the system and dealt with when safe to do so.

 Pest treatments remain ONGOING. This is the perfect time to focus on eliminating pests from your home—by cleaning and sanitizing. Make sure you are ready for any scheduled pest treatments.

During this COVID-19 Crisis contractors may need to ask you questions over the phonebefore they enter your home. If an outside contractor is scheduled to come to your home for a repair, members MUST be accessible by the phone number they provided. If you are using someone else’s phone to call in your maintenance issue, be sure someone is monitoring that phone.

If you are unavailable to answer the contractors questions over the phone, they will have no choice but to leave without completing the repair.

HUY CH Q’U, THANK YOU for your continued cooperation.

The safety of our members and staff are our priority. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

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Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum—Education

A Message from A/ Director of Education, Stephanie Atleo

The health and safety of our community is our upmost priority. Cowichan Tribes has initiated a COVID-19 pandemic response plan based on the latest available recommendations from British Columbia and Canadian Public Health officials in an effort to limit transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

In response to the COVD-19 pandemic Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum continues to keep our office closed as well as the schools and daycare. We continue to work from home and in office when required. We are doing our best to socially distance ourselves to protect our families, community elders and children. What we are doing:

 We have started a Quw’utusn Syuw’entst Lelum Facebook page to keep in touch with our families and post important notices and information. Please look us up and invite others to the page.

 Administration– we continue to process payments, post-secondary living allowance and while working from home will be reviewing policies, processes and work plans.

 Early Registration– Due to the pandemic we have cancelled our early registration day. We will get out information as soon as we have a new plan to replace or event.

 Post-Secondary is busy closing out the past school year payments and we will be getting things ready to notify students of their upcoming studies. We will also start accepting applications for our students heading to class in September 2020. The deadline will remain in May 15th so please do not delay in getting this in to us.

 Schools– we are keeping our doors closed until further notice but we are not closing down on delivering lessons to your children. The teachers are putting together learning packages for the month of April and will be mailing out to our students early next week. Please review your package and if you have any questions please reach out to our principals and teachers.

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Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum—Education

 Daycare – our daycare will remain closed until further notice. Our staff is on stand by to come back as soon as we can re-open our doors.

 Hul’qumi’num lessons to promote continued learning. Our language team is working at the school to develop a plan to support our student’s language lessons. We will update our families as soon as plans are put in place.

 Grads and Grad celebration—at this time we are unable to plan for our recognition celebration but all our grads are so important to us and celebrating accomplishments is as well. This will be delayed but we are going to ensure we do for this years grads as we do for everyone; however, depending on how things move forward it may look different this year.

 Cowichan Tribes departments are looking at ways to support our families with food to help through this pandemic. Currently all the departments are reaching out to their families in need to add their home to the list of homes for food delivery. Our principals and daycare manager has joined in on this food initiative and will continue to work on teams to bring support to our families.

 I am checking our voicemail and we are all checking our emails daily. If anyone needs to get in contact please do not hesitate to call or email us. IMPORTANT NEWS: K-12 Our advisors are calling all the families on our nominal role and our Education Advisor is trying to reach out to our off reserve members who have K-12 students at home in need of technology support. I am applying for funds to purchase chrome books for homes in need. Please if your children do not have access to their on-line learning reach out to Chris Modeste, Audrey Best or Sophia Elliott. It is our hope to at least support each home in need as we will not have the resources to support per child. IMPORTANT NEWS POST SECONDARY:

 If you are in need of technology support please contact Sophia Elliott who is assisting in collecting the data to support our request for funds.

 Deadline for Post secondary funding for September 2020 start is May 15, 2020. The application is on the Cowichan Tribes website: https://www.cowichantribes.com/application/ files/4015/2525/7799/2017-2018_Post- secondary_Student_Support_Program_Application_Package.pdf

 The Federal Government has announced some changes to include University Students under the COVID -19 benefits. You will need to read through and apply individually. Cowichan Tribes does not apply for this as it is an EI type program/benefit. You can read about the new benefits at: https://pm.gc.ca/en/ news/news-releases/2020/04/22/support-students-and-new-grads-affected-covid-19

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 24

Finance Message from Finance Department

Cheque and Cash Payments in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

In a continued effort to ensure safety of staff while continuing to provide the services to our members in a modified arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing the following steps to limit the transmission of virus.

We have instructed our staff to continue to practice social distancing and ensure they are avoiding all unnecessary contact with the community.

Accounts Payable

We will discontinue all cheque payments after May 22, 2020. All of the payments will be made using the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Please complete an electronic funds transfer form (attached) and submit to [email protected].

This is for our Community Members who receive:  Social assistance  Post-Secondary living allowance  K-12 attendance allowance  Child and family caregiver payment  Lease distribution  Meeting honorarium  Any other payments from Cowichan Tribes

Accounts Receivable/Payments

Effective immediately, Cowichan Tribes no longer accepts cash or cheque for payments. This is effective for our members who pay the monthly housing rent, business license and any other payments. We have the following payment options:

 Email Money Transfer Please email the payment to [email protected] and indicate the nature of the payment in the subject line. No password is required as Autodeposit is set up for the account.

 Online Financial Institutions Visit your financial institution’s website and make payment online. Cowichan Tribes is set up as payee by the following financial institutions online:  Credit Unions of British Columbia  TD Canada Trust We are currently working on adding Cowichan Tribes as bill payee with the major financial institutions in Canada to have more payment options available to our Community Members.

For our members who are required to pay with cash should make special arrangements with Finance department. Please email [email protected] with your request.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to maintain the highest level of service to our Community during the pandemic. Quw’utsun Newsletter | 25

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER FORM (EFT) Finance

Date: ______

(1) EFT Action Requested (check one)

START CHANGE CANCEL

IMPORTANT: For a start or change request, attach a voided cheque or Electronic Payment Information on company letterhead with completed form.

(2) Vendor Information

Vendor Name:

Vendor Address:

(3) Vendor Contact Information

Primary EFT Contact Name: E-Mail Address: Phone Number: Fax Number:

(4) Financial Institution Information

Financial Institution Name:

Address:

Routing Transit Number (9 digits)

Account Title: (Account Holder’s Name)

Account Number

Account Type: (Check One) CHEQUING SAVINGS

(5) Vendor Authorization

Signature & Title of Authorized Official: Date:

(6) ***FOR COWICHAN TRIBES ONLY***

Vendor ID # Verification Signature & Date: Quw’utsun Newsletter | 26

Finance Instructions for Completing ‘Request for Vendor EFT Information’ Form

1. EFT Action Requested Section: Place an “X” in the appropriate box to indicate if you are requesting to start EFT, change your cur- rent EFT information on file with Cowichan Tribes, or cancel (discontinue) receiving payments via EFT.

2. Vendor Information Section: Provide the Vendor name and address.

3. Vendor Contact Information: Provide the name, -e mail, phone and fax number of the individual who will be the primary EFT contact.

4. Financial Institution Information: The information provided by the vendor in this section will determine to which financial institution and account Cowichan Tribes directs payments. The cheque image below should aid in gathering financial information to complete this form.

a. Financial Institution Name—Provide the name of the financial institution to which payments are to be directed.

b. Address- Provide the full address of the financial institution to which payments are to be directed.

c. Routing Transit Number– A bank identifier, always found at the bottom of your check. This number is 9 digits long.

d. Account Title– Provide the depositor’s name (account holder’s name) on the account to which payments are to be directed

e. Account Number– Your bank account number at your financial institution. There is no fixed number of digits, account numbers vary in length from bank to bank.

f. Account Type– Place an “X” in the appropriate box to indicate a chequing and savings account. b NAME OF DEPOSITOR 001 STREET ADDRESS CITY, PROV ______,20XX PAY TO THE ORDER OF: ______$ ______

a ______DOLLARS

Name of your Bank ______Authorized Signature

c e 6. Vendor Authorization: Proper authorization must be provided by an authorized official in order for Cowichan Tribes to process the EFT Request form. The authorized official should sign and date the form, as well provide his/her title. 7. ***For Cowichan Tribes Use*** Section: This section will be completed by Cowichan Tribes. This information aids us in vendor identification within the payables system.

Mail the completed EFT form along with a voided cheque to: Cowichan Tribes, Finance Department, Attn: Account Payable Supervisor 5760 Allenby Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 5J1

Or send via fax: (250)748-2725 Or email: [email protected]

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 27

Operations & Maintenance

Operations & Maintenance Phone: 236-800-5071

Attention Community Members who reside “On Reserve”

Starting May 2020 the Recycling team will not be taking any “plastic bags” (grocery bags), glass jars (spaghetti, jam, peanut butter) during the recycle day, Wednesdays.

These items are usually “CONTAMINATED” with food etc.

Do not put these 2 items in the Blue Recycle Bins. They will be taken out of the bins and left on the curbside.

Thank you for your co-operation, from the O&M staff

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 28

Operations & Maintenance Operations & Maintenance Phone: 236-800-5071

If you have items to get rid of between now and the next scheduled pick up- Spring or Fall Clean Up you have the following options:

Bings Creek Transfer Facility- 3900 Drinkwater Road Most garbage, furniture items and mattresses, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, propane tanks, gas tanks, used oil and oil containers, jars and wine bottles. METAL- free, so if you have a lot let the scale know and you can drop this off and go through the scale again with the chargeable items. FRIDGE AND FREEZERS – must be clean. First one free, second one is a $15 charge. TIRES- up to 4 are free, charge per tire after that.

Bottle Depot Island Return It– 6476 Norcross Road All beverage containers (pop can & bottles, beer cans & bottles, juice containers) - collect deposit. Electronics - Free Drop Off. Paint - Still in original can, free drop off.

Coast Environmental- 3015 Boys Road 250-746-4573 METAL- Free Drop Off DRYWALL – If no “date” stamped or “not tested” you must double bag with 6 ml poly asbestos label bags and then goose neck tie it. Coast Environmental sells these bags for a cost, and if you have any questions then call them. GARBAGE - Inquire within. WOOD – Inquire within.

WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION? Every year when we do a clean up some residents continue to put items out all year round. This is aside from the “illegal dumping” that constantly happens on our reserve. If we can get all the junk picked up in one round this time what can we do to keep residents from starting new piles after we leave when fines are an option. If you have an idea do NOT call me or talk about it on Facebook (FB), but send me an email [email protected]

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 29

Operations & Maintenance

Cowichan Tribes 2020 Curbside Pick-up Operations & Maintenance Department 5760 Allenby Road • 236-800-5071 MAY 2020 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Compost

4 5 6 7 8 Garbage Schools/Offices Recycling Garbage Compost

11 12 13 14 15 Garbage Schools/Offices Recycling Garbage Compost

18 19 20 21 22 Garbage Schools/Offices Recycling Garbage Compost

25 26 27 28 29 Garbage Schools/Offices Recycling Garbage Compost

Garbage must be at the “CURBSIDE” (not behind cars or on the porch).

 3 bag limit per household - GREEN EXTRA STICKERS $3.00 each

 NO ORANGE INDUSTRIAL BAGS will be accepted.

 No clothes, blankets, leaves, blackberry bushes OR Fish bones/guts in garbage bags.

 Garbage must be outside before garbage truck arrives; they will not be called back. Quw’utsun Newsletter | 30

Membership & Tobacco Tax Membership & Tobacco Tax Huy tseep q’a, Quw’utsun!

Your patience and understanding is appreciated while Cowichan Tribes creates solutions to service our Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic that requires social distancing and self-isolation. The Membership & Tobacco Tax department has limited access to our office, phone calls and Jen Charlie - voicemails. Tthi’hwum tseep, email ALL inquiries to: Membership [email protected] Adminstrator/IRA

Samantha Wilson- Membership Assistant/IRA

Pauline Thorne - Membership Intake Worker/

Tobacco Tax The Membership Department is happy to serve of April and October have been impacted by the you to the best of our ability during the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic and the next pending meeting is January 2021. Hilda Paige— pandemic, but our operations are affected by the following: Community We are still able to assist with Tobacco Tax 2019 applications and distribution, please email Indigenous Services Canada is closed, therefore Engagement inquiries to the central email. anything to do with Status and registration is not Coordinator, operating. Our department has not received any We are still able to assist with documenting life Shtunni’s tu shipments from the government to produce the events like births, deaths, legal change of name, laminated cards for 2020. marriage, divorce and updating contact infor- Hwulmuhw mation. Cowichan Tribes is operating on essential If you applied for a Secure Certificate of Indian services. Tse’wulhtun is the lead for health and Status (SCIS) and received anything back, you can safety of the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw and still email the central email for help. employees. Our department is working cooperatively while the policy and procedure to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic are being Send all inquiries for our entire department developed. to: We are still accepting membership applications, [email protected] please send them to our central email. However, so we can identify who can assist you! the quarterly Membership Committee meetings

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 31

Membership and Tobacco Tax

Huy tseep q’a Quw’utsun, for your patience and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic! Cowichan Tribes has the health and safety of the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw and the employees as top priority during these unprecedented times. Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw and the Membership Department have been impacted by the provisions of the BC government and its mandated protective measures against COVID-19 through self-isolation and social distancing. Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw is an ongoing project that will require creativity, innovation, and teamwork! We look forward to continue working with you to make sure that your voice is heard for this important update to our membership law. Tthi’hwum tseep, complete the Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw Questionnaire (write your answers and take a picture/type it out/complete however you can) and send it to: [email protected] Be sure to connect with hilda.paige.37 on Facebook to stay updated on the communication for Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw.

OUR LAW, OUR NAME. Hilda Paige For Quw’utsun’ Mustimuhw by Quw’utsun’ Mustimuhw. hilda.paige.37

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 32

Membership & Tobacco Tax Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw (Membership Rules) Questionnaire Tth’ihwum/please return completed to the Coordinator WE NEED YOUR HELP! YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT. Cowichan Tribes’ Membership Rules have not been updated since 1992. We are working hard to update our Membership Rules and started by having the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw create a new name for the Membership Rules, Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw. Tth’ihwum, please write your answers below and if you have any questions please contact Hilda Paige at 236-800-4023/[email protected]/hilda.paige.37 on FB

How much Cowichan blood should an applicant have in order for Chief and Council to accept their application? (1/2 Cowichan, 1/4 Cowichan, etc.)

Should Shtunni’s tu Hwulmuhw include banishment or have membership taken away if a person commits crimes or harmful actions?

Is the residency (where a person lives) important for an applicant in order to be a Cowichan member?

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 33

Advertising/Announcements

Words of appreciation with loss of my Muna "Gerry Charlie"

I am so grateful for the kindness & generosity of our community members near and far. Everyone who connected with the grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles and many cousins. The words of expressing all is overwhelming love, support, food donations, financial support and traditional teachings can not be ex- pressed in words alone. I want to thank the many relatives who assisted our families in time of darkness as it has changed many of our lives today.

I truly cannot express how much family, community members, friends and co-workers have touched the hearts of our family, each of you made an impact on us and we are truly grateful for this. Community working together, walking together, holding each other up is demonstrating the richness of our traditional values, beliefs and teachings of our ancestors, we are rich and powerful with culture.

The true value of our traditional teachings, kindness, respect, humbleness was shown throughout the days of darkness, family took care of family. The unconditional love that was given by my family, my siblings, John, Harriot, Dixie, Dean, Floyd, Nina, Lesley-ann, Hilda, Adele, Shannen, Vanesa, Martine, Daryl & Terri-anne for cooking daily for the family.

All of the people who helped with the traditional ceremony, we are very thankful for the work and support provided to all of us, we will truly cherish this day.

I would like to especially thank niece Jen Charlie for assisting with communication to community members and families for continuously updating the importance of safety due to COVID 19. Much appreciation for John (Barb) Gary (Stephanie) Fred, Zena for taking care of their families especially grandparents Pat & Leon Crouse. Zena for cooking for the family and for the traditional burning.

For my son's Wayne Jr (Muriel) and Kevin (Evangeline) and grandchildren Dallas, Rita, Myles, Hazel, Janelle & Hunter for the daily support and love for the children and myself. Bill Rice who came to sit and support us on daily basis helped everyone especially the grandchildren. My wife, Molly for the unconditional love and support for the grandchildren and myself. Having everyone close or help out has been a true medicine for the heart, soul and spirit. All the prayers that was given or sent for the families is a true gift to everyone.

With respect, love, gratitude and much appreciation

Wayne Paige Sr

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 34

Advertising/Announcements

On behalf of the children of late “Gerald (Gerry) Charlie”

With respect, love, gratitude, & appreciation we would like to hug, squeeze and kiss each person who came forward to support us and our FAMILY. We were shattered by the “Creators” decision to chose our father (daddy) to join our great grand-parents whom he loved and missed dearly, along with his aunts, uncles and cousins, we know he is not alone and they will walk with him on his new journey.

Although due to COVID 19, many relatives from Chilliwack, Chehalis, Nanaimo to far south Saanich sent a hand- shake, hankie, food or financial support to all of us. We are very rich with our traditional culture of values and beliefs, that we live with on daily basis.

It has been very heartwarming having our grandma Pat, grandpa Leon, papa Wayne and mamma Molly, uncle’s Dallas, Wayno (Muriel), Kevin (Evangeline) especially our mom Vanessa (Martine) who all gave us unconditional love and support.

The huge loss of our dad, has been challenging, difficult, and heart wrenching however having traditional teachings, unconditional support from near and far from relatives from all over helped each of us and will never be forgotten. The people who stood by us who became our eyes and traditional cane in our time of darkness we are very grateful for this.

All the people who helped with the traditional ceremony, this was amazing for us children, we felt uplifted as this created a beautiful path for our dad for his next journey. Each of you are truly amazing to us in our time of darkness and you brought light to our hearts.

We want to thank our aunts, uncles, grandparents & cousins for walking with our grandma Pat and grandpa Leon. John, Barb, Gary (Stephanie) Fred, Zena for cooking and providing nourishment for the family. Especially our aunty Jen Charlie for the loving kind support of organization for the whole family and community.

Our Papa Wayne’s siblings John, Wayne, Harriot, Dixie, Dean and Daryl Page for cooking for everyone on daily basis. Terri-anne Johnny who brought food and many tasty dessert daily for everyone. Elder Bill Rice who sat with us each day and shared traditional teachings. Papa Floyd Page, Mama Adele and Shannen who never left our side and kept us safe and we were never alone. The many relatives who sat with us daily, each of you are very special to us children and we will always remember each of you.

All of our local community who provided the support even through COVID 19, each person helped our huge family and this will always be embedded in our hearts.

Huy ch q’u Si’ em Gerickah, Tyrone (Niah), Gerry Jr & Mia Charlie

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 35

Advertising/Announcements

Quw’utsun Newsletter | 36

STOP Self-Isolation High Risk Residents

We are NOT accepting any visitors

We are following the physical distancing guidelines If you want to connect with us, you can do so via text, phone, or virtual video chats.