Indigenous Culture

Quw’utsun (Cowichan) is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun.” Experience the rich, warm culture.

Land Acknowledgement

Tourism Cowichan respectfully acknowledges that we operate on the unceded and traditional territory of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples.⁠⁠

Many of the First Nations communities in the Cowichan region are Hul’q’umi’num peoples, who speak the Hul’q’umi’num language, within a larger First Nations group referred to as the Coast Salish People. Additionally, there are two First Nations part of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples who speak Ditidaht.

‘Uy’ kw’unus ‘i lumnamu

“It is good to see you” – most Indigenous communities in the Cowichan region speak a dialect of Hul’qumi’num.

Quw’utsun

Life was rooted in spirituality – still honoured and practiced today.

You might recognize the world famous, handknit Cowichan Sweaters – this is just one facet of the Quw’utsun peoples. Throughout history, the Quw’ustun Nation has modernized but still practices many traditions and ceremonies such as carving, singing, dancing and food preparation.

Malahat

Home of the Malahat SkyWalk.

The Malahat people still practice many traditions today. Additionally, they are keen on community and economic development for their people. One major project that has arisen, is the Malahat Skywalk.

Ts’uubaa-asatx

English translation is “People of the Lake”.

The Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation may be small in size, but they are strong stewards and strive for a healthy growth in their economy. They are located on Cowichan Lake – visit their traditional territory with Kaatza Adventures.

More on the Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation

Halalt

From the village xeláltxw, meaning “marked houses” or “painted houses.”

Currently, the Halalt peoples are located on the lower Chemainus River. Historically and according to oral history, they were located along the Cowichan River with forefathers originating from this site.

Penelakut

A community with a strong culture and a vibrant local economy.

The peoples of Penelakut Tribe, have a strong community that practices traditions and cultural customs. They have an active local economy with many community facilities, programs and services.

Stz’uminus

Bordering the Strait of Georgia and Ladysmith Harbour.

Stz’uminus people’s traditional territory is located along the Salish Sea and Ladysmith Harbour. They have strong and progressive economic development. Stay at the Microtel by Wyndam, or visit the Oyster Bay Store for Indigenous merchandise.

Lyackson

Valdes Island is the centre of the Lyackson community.

The Lyackson community stems from four main groups of ancestors – Thi’Xvulece , Swin’yleth , Swute’se’Dick , and Shulqvilum. These ancestors resided in winter villages throughout Valdes Island – T’a’at’ka7 (Shingle Point) , Th’a’ x el (Cardale Point) and Th’ x we’ksen (Porlier Pass).

Pauquachin

Land of the cliffs and bluffs.

The Saanich people hold a deep relationship with the land and the forest is especially significant as a spiritual place. The Saanich Nation, including Pauquachin, shares the sacred mountain of ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱, which translates to “place of refuge”.

Ditidaht

dubayaax a ts’awalk – everything is one.

A majority of the Indigenous communities in the Cowichan region are Coast Salish peoples, who speak a dialect of Hul’qumi’num. However, the Ditidaht First Nations are part of a larger group, Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. The Ditidaht people speak a dialect from the Wakashan Language Family, called Ditidaht.

Pacheedaht

Pacheedaht translates to “Children of the Sea Foam.”

The Pacheedaht language is similar to that of their neighbours and relatives, the Ditidaht First Nation and the Makah people across the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington State. The Pacheedaht language is also similar to the language spoken by the various Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations further to the north and west along Vancouver Island’s coast.

Cowichan Knitters

Made carefully with warmth and love by a group of dedicated knitters here in Cowichan – the iconic Cowichan Sweater is wooly and thick, often featuring classis Coast Salish motifs seen on totem poles like bears, ravens, thunderbirds and whales.

Pi’paam

This local landmark originally named “Shkewetsen” (“warming in the sun”) by the local people was renamed after Quamichan Chief Ts’uwxilum who was banished to the mountain by his own people.

Duncan Totems

44 hand-carved and colourfully painted totem poles are spread throughout downtown Duncan. Typically carved from red cedar, these totem poles hold great cultural significance and each tells a compelling story.