Quw'utsun Sta'lo' Skweyul (Cowichan River Day) 2025

Honour the Lifeblood of the Cowichan Valley

Beneath the tall cedars and along the flowing waters of the Cowichan River, a special gathering awaits. Each year, community members, knowledge keepers, and visitors come together to celebrate the river’s role in culture, history, and the future of Vancouver Island. In the week leading up to BC Rivers Day — a province-wide recognition of waterways on September 28 — the Cowichan Valley hosts its own unique celebration. On September 21, 2025, you’re invited to be part of Quw'utsun Sta'lo' Skweyul (Cowichan River Day) — a day of stories, traditions, and connection with the river that sustains life in the valley.

Event Overview

Event Name: Quw'utsun Sta'lo' Skweyul (Cowichan River Day)

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Siem Lelum Gymnasium, 5574 River Road, Duncan, Vancouver Island

Admission: Free – Everyone is welcome!

Special Note: Guests are asked to wear an orange shirt in recognition and respect.

What to Expect

Traditional Performances

Enjoy captivating performances by the Tzinquaw Dancers, led by Robert George, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Cowichan people.

Cultural Teachings

Learn from Cowichan elders and knowledge keepers as they share traditional skills such as carving, cedar weaving, and medicinal plant use, passed down through generations.

Hands-On Learning

Experience interactive demonstrations, from fishery biologists performing a river seine to insights into how a new weir supports salmon conservation.

Wildlife Encounters

Meet majestic raptors from NW Pacific Raptors and discover the important role these birds play in the local ecosystem.

Community Dialogue

Connect with local organizations and individuals dedicated to protecting Cowichan watersheds, and explore ways to get involved in river stewardship.

Why the Cowichan River Matters

The Quw'utsun Sta'lo' (Cowichan River) is more than water flowing through the valley — it is the lifeblood of the Quw'utsun Mustinhw (Cowichan People). For millennia, it has provided food, transportation, medicine, and a place for community.

Today, climate change and long droughts are straining rivers across Vancouver Island. Salmon, plants, and animals face growing challenges. The Cowichan River is one of only three Heritage Rivers in British Columbia, and its weir plays a vital role in holding and releasing water to help salmon survive. Cowichan River Day is a reminder that education and engagement are key to sustaining these waters for future generations.

Accessibility

The organizers welcome everyone and are committed to inclusivity. If you need accessibility support, please reach out to the event team in advance to ensure accommodations are available.

How to Get There

The event takes place in Duncan, BC, located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

From Victoria

Distance: Approximately 61 km (38 miles) via Highway 1
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Public Transit: BC Transit offers bus services from Victoria to Duncan, with travel times around 1 hour and 12 minutes.

From Nanaimo

Distance: Approximately 50 km (31 miles) via Highway 1
Travel Time: Around 45 minutes by car
Public Transit: BC Transit provides bus services from Nanaimo to Duncan, with travel times around 42 minutes.

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