CWB 2024 Annual Report-Final

In Reflection: A Message from the Co-Chairs

As Co-Chairs of the Cowichan Watershed Board, we are pleased to introduce this 2024 Annual Report. It reflects the shared efforts of many hands and hearts working together in service to the Quw’utsun and Xwulqw’selu watersheds.
This past year has brought both significant milestones and meaningful reminders of the responsibility we all carry in caring for this land and water. We continued to make progress on longstanding priorities, including a major leap forward in the Cowichan Weir replacement project and steady development of the Xwulqw’selu Watershed Plan—both efforts grounded in Indigenous leadership, community input, and intergovernmental cooperation.
We also witnessed the power of collective action. Through coordinated monitoring and local response, we avoided another devastating fish kill in the Cowichan River. Community-driven initiatives like Project 84,000 and the Xpey’ (Cedar) restoration project deepened public connection to the watershed and elevated the cultural knowledge that sustains our work.
At the same time, challenges have tested our resolve—gaps in monitoring and response systems, disappearing water conservation signage, and the ever-present pressure of climate change remind us that our work is far from finished. Yet these moments only reinforce our commitment to the principle that guides this Board: Nutsamat kws yaay’us tu qa’— we come together as a whole to work together to be stronger as partners for the watershed.
This report outlines the progress we’ve made together. It also serves as a call to continue our journey with open minds, strong convictions and the courage to adapt. We raise our hands in thanks to all who contributed to this year’s efforts—our partners, staff, Elders, volunteers, youth, and all those who care deeply for this watershed.

With respect and gratitude,

Chief Cindy Daniels,  Chief, Cowichan Tribes

Kate Segall, Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District

Co-Chairs for the Cowichan Watershed Board