The Speakers Series features engaging speakers sharing their knowledge and expertise on topics relevant to the well-being and sustainability of the Cowichan watershed, within Quw’utsun territory.
The series is hosted by the Cowichan Watershed Board, with the support of VIU Cowichan, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and our generous speakers. We are grateful for Elder T'awahwiye Philomena Williams who opens each event with a welcoming lesson.
When: 3rd Monday of the month, in select months, 7pm
Where: VIU Cowichan Campus, Lecture Hall 140.
Cost: Always free.
The 2024 Speaker Series has concluded. Tentatively returning February 2025—stay tuned for updates!
PREVIOUSLY IN THE SPEAKERS SERIES
Mon November 18th
Brackish Biodiversity: Come "Sea" What We See at the CENC! An Up Close Look at Estuary Life using an Observation Tank!
Featuring the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and Cowichan Tribes’ Marine Team
What: Have you ever wondered what kinds of life can thrive where freshwater rivers meet the salty ocean? This is a unique chance to get up close with these brackish beings from the comfort of the VIU-Cowichan lecture hall. Join us!
- Cowichan Tribes’ S-Kw’atl’kwa Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa (Thunderbird Protecting the Ocean) Program Coordinator, Kim Lagimodiere, will talk with us about the importance of the Estuary to Quw'utsun Mustimuhw.
- Bethany Coultard, Cowichan Tribes’ Marine Projects Supervisor, will share a glimpse into the Marine Team’s work in the Estuary and beyond.
- Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre Board member and marine biologist, Sean Hacker Teper, will then guide us through a live “Observation Tank” experience. The audience can connect with estuary critters up close, discovering their unique adaptations and the pivotal role they play in the unique, in-between ecosystem of the Cowichan Estuary! Thanks to Sean’s students from Brentwood College who will do a dive just for this purpose!
- Finally, we will hear from two young ecologists and a Mom from the Nature Centre’s home learner's program, speaking about the importance of science spaces for kids. CENC staff and Board members will be on hand all night to share updates about the Nature Centre’s many educational programs, resources and volunteer opportunities to encourage people at all levels to dive in for lifelong Estuary learning!
When: Monday Nov. 18th 2024, 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Island University, Cowichan Campus, Lecture Hall 140
About the Speakers:
- Kim Lagimodiere, BSc, BEd S-Kw’atl’kwa Thi’lut Kw’atl’kwa (Thunderbird Protecting the Ocean) Program Coordinator Cowichan Tribes, Lulumexun Lands and Self Governance Department Fisheries biologist, teacher, Quw’utsun community member
- Bethany Coulthard, PhD Marine Projects Supervisor Cowichan Tribes, Lulumexun Lands and Self Governance Department Paleoclimate Scientist, PhD in Geography.
- Sean Hacker Teper, MSc Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre Board member Marine biologist, High School teacher (Brentwood), scuba diver, photographer. Website: seanhtphotography.com
- About the Cowichan Estuary Nature Center: The estuary is a dynamic environment where diverse species and ecosystems thrive. Similarly, the Nature Centre relies on the expertise and dedication of our skilled volunteers. We invite individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to a range of essential volunteer activities—from guiding educational programs for young learners and leading citizen science initiatives to supporting our conservation efforts. The Nature Centre is committed to fostering knowledge, scientific curiosity, and a connection to our unique local ecosystem. Learn more at https://www.cowichanestuary.ca/ or find us on Facebook.
- About Cowichan Tribes S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kw'atl'kwa: The S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kw'atl'kwa (Thunderbird Protecting the Ocean) program is Cowichan Tribes’ marine stewardship project, run by Lulumexun (Lands and Natural Resources Department). The program encompasses a wide range of focus areas, from marine management to hands-on monitoring of Quw’utsun traditional marine territory. Their biologists and marine crew use digital tools to identify, monitor, record, and report disturbances in the marine environment. Through observation and regular presence, they collect and analyze data to witness changes and impacts to our marine ecosystem. S-hwuhwa'us Thi'lut Kw’atl’kwa is committed to increasing Cowichan Tribes’ presence on the water and beaches in our ancestral marine territory and fulfilling our responsibility to protect and care for Tumuhw and other beings. Learn more at https://cowichantribes.com/ or find Lulumexun on Facebook.
Mon Oct 21st 2024
Dr. Ken Ashley presents Cowichan CSI (Crisis Scene Investigation): Understanding the 2023 Cowichan River Fish Kill and What Comes Next
[Download Ken's slidedeck] [Watch the talk on YouTube]
The Cowichan Watershed Board is honoured to kick off our Fall Speaker Series with Dr. Ken Ashley. Ken is highly respected as both a biologist and engineer, and he has been generously volunteering that unique blend of expertise to help community partners here understand what happened on the Cowichan River in 2023, and how to respond.
He will discuss how the natural environment (Cowichan River and watershed) interacted with the built environment (Town of Lake Cowichan wastewater treatment plant, and climate change) to cause the 2023 fish kill, and what can be done to create a sustainable eco-centric community in the future. Co-hosted with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society’s WildWings Festival.
WHEN: Monday October 21, 2024 7:00-8:30 pm
WHERE: Vancouver Island University, Cowichan Campus, 2011 University Way, Duncan. Lecture Hall 140 (Seating capacity 80.)
Ken Ashley takes questions at Speaker Night - Oct 2024
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Ken Ashley was born and raised in Vancouver. He attended UBC where he received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Zoology, and M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. in Engineering. He has spent his entire career and education trying to reconcile these opposing camps, and offer insights from this unique merger. He worked for the Ministry of Environment, Fisheries Research and Development, initially as a project biologist, and eventually as Section Head for Fisheries Restoration and Bioengineering. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in the design, operation and effects of lake destratification and hypolimnetic aeration/oxygenation systems, lake and reservoir fertilization, and stream/river enrichment. Ken received the Murray A. Newman Award in 1997 from the Vancouver Aquarium for Significant Achievement in Aquatic Research, the Fisheries Professional of the Year in 1999 from the BC Ministry of Environment, the Seth Diamond Award for Interdisciplinary Conservation Research in 2001 from the University of Idaho-Moscow an
Ken Ashley accepts the traditional Speaker Night gift - a Cowichan toque - from Watershed Board members and E.D.
d University of Montana-Missoula and the Applied Research Award in 2022 from BCIT. Ken transferred to the Greater Vancouver Regional District from 2005 to 2007 as Senior Engineer and held responsibility for raw drinking water quality, and monitoring the environmental effects of wastewater discharges from the region’s wastewater treatment plants and municipal water withdrawals from several rivers. He was Director of the Rivers Institute, and an instructor of Ecological Restoration at BCIT. Ken is also Vice-Chair and a Director-Trustee of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and a Director with the North Shore Streamkeepers Society.
Ken has been generously volunteering his time and invaluable expertise to help community partners understand and respond to the dire water quality situation that caused a massive fish die-off in the Quw’utsun River in 2023, and another in the S’amunu (Somenos) sub-basin in 2024. (Huy ch q’u Ken!)
Mon May 13th 2024
Algae and Art
Ecosystem Fragility, Monitoring, and Community Response
A Free Lecture by Dr. Dave Preikshot about Algae Issues in the Cowichan Watershed.
(Find the slidedeck for this talk here)
PLUS Project 84,000: All Welcome for a Hands-on Art Activity Pre-Event.
WHAT: The Cowichan Watershed Board's May Speaker Night will focus on the complex and critically important algae issues facing the Cowichan Watershed, and what is being done in response. A special, optional, ‘pre-event’ art activity is being offered in advance to reflect on the massive fish-kill that occurred last July.
- Dr. Dave Preikshot, fish biologist and Senior Environmental Specialist with Municipality of North Cowichan, will share his recent work to study and understand local algae populations and their impacts on fish habitats.
- Project 84,000: Come early to participate in the creation of a massive art installation to honour and memorialize the fish that died in the Cowichan River last summer. “Project 84,000 — a community art project that is “for the love of water and fish.” Learn more here and below.
WHEN: Monday May 13th 2024
- 6:30-7:00pm – Project 84,000 art activity
- 7-8:30pm – Lecture and Q&A
WHERE: Vancouver Island University, Cowichan Campus, 2011 University Way, Duncan. Lecture Hall 140 (Seating capacity 80.)
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Dave Preikshot is an aquatic scientist who uses field-derived data to help policy makers define management goals and develop paths to attain those goals. His research examines how changes in aquatic species reflect the physical and chemical dynamics of their ecosystems. Dave is originally from Winnipeg and has a PhD in fisheries sciences. He previously served as a naval officer, then as a fisheries scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Madrone Environmental services, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society and now as the Senior Environmental Specialist for the Municipality of North Cowichan. Recently, he has been studying algae in the Somenos and Quamichan Lakes, within the Cowichan Watershed.
ABOUT THE ART
[CBC News] Drought signs raise fears of another fish die-off in B.C. rivers
COST: Free
NOTES: Date is one week earlier to avoid May long weekend. There will be an additional, hands-on guided art activity with the 84,000 Project from 6:30-7pm. This a project of Xwulqw'selu Connections and the Cowichan Lake and River Stewards to commemorate and connect with the fish who tragically perished in the Cowichan River last July .
Monday April 15th 2024, 7-8:30 pm at VIU-Cowichan Campus
With Welcoming Comments from Elder T'awahwiye Philomena Williams
- Meet the Great Bear Sea - marine life, nations, communities and activities.
- Introduction to Policy Tools being used to create better protection for marine values. Marine Protected Areas, National Marine Conservation Area Reserves.
- What Can You Do?
About the Speaker:
Kate MacMillan, Conservation Director, Ocean Program at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - BC (CPAWS-BC).
Kate (she/her) grew up in Winnipeg, hours from any ocean coastline, but it was no surprise to her family when she moved to the West Coast. She started at CPAWS-BC in 2014, managing leadership and volunteer programs to help connect communities and teach advocacy skills. She stepped away to complete her Masters of Science from the University of Manitoba, where she studied belugas health, climate change, and marine protected areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. She rejoined CPAWS in 2019 and has continued to be involved in marine conservation work along the entire BC coast. Whether representing the conservation sector on advisory committees, collaborating with partners, or inspiring public engagement, Kate remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
About CPAWS-BC The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province.
More info:
Monday March 18th 2024, 7-8:30 pm
Becoming a Friend of the Watershed: the value that every single person has!
Hosted by Tim Kulchyski (Cowichan Tribes Biologist). Featuring slides and stories with Barry Hetschko (Photographer/Naturalist/Volunteer).
Cowichan Tribes staff biologist TimKulchyski and son at Rivers Day, Quw'utsun Territory, Sept 2019
Volunteer photographer Barry Hetschko captures Rivers Day, Quw'utsun territory, Sept 2019.
2023
Mon Dec 18th, 7-8:30
Gord Baird presents "The brighter side of sustainability: A story of our journey to making a difference one naive choice at a time."
Gord and Ann designed and built their modern comfortable cob home, which was designated the first internationally recognized Living Building project. Gord is a living legend in the worlds of sustainable building, regenerative farming, water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Gord and Ann are currently serving as third term councilors for the Highlands Municipality and have shaped provincial legislation in regards to composting toilets and greywater treatment.
Gord’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative of dedication to sustainable living and community leadership, and looks forward to sharing the stories that have unfolded along this transformative path.
Learn more: Eco Sense Regenerative Design. eco-sense.ca
MCd by Cowichan Watershed Board member and groundwater specialist, David Slade.
FREE. All welcome. Seating capacity 80. Doors open 6:30pm
Location: Vancouver Island University - Cowichan Campus, Lecture Hall 140, 2011 University Way, Duncan.
Prof. Tom Gleeson, Xwulqw'selu Connections. Speaker Series Nov 20 2023.
Mon Nov 20th, 7-8:30pm
Dr. Tom Gleeson presents "Everything's connected: groundwater, streams, climate and you!"
Tom studies groundwater globally as a hydrologist and leader of UVic's Groundwater Science and Sustainability research group. He is also the lead professor in the inspiring Xwulqw'selu Connections citizen science project underway with volunteers and PhD students in the Koksilah watershed.
Tom promises an engaging and interactive evening of learning how water connects us! (He's a real professor, so don't expect to get away with hiding at the back of the room. )
Including words from Quw'utsun elder T'awahwiye Philomena Williams. MC'd by Watershed Board member and Cowichan Valley Regional District representative for much of the Koksilah Watershed, Alison Nicholson.
Mon. Oct. 30th 7-8:30pm
Weir Getting There!
Update on the Critical & Collaborative Effort to Rebuild the Quw'utsun River Weir for a Healthy Future.
This event was video recorded. Click here to view: https://youtu.be/IQfO6plzVYU?feature=shared
At the close of what many are calling the worst summer they remember, including the heart-wrenching sight of thousands of dead fish in the Cowichan River (and more in Somenos Lake), then the longest stretch of "life support" lake-pumping ever needed to keep the river flowing until this week's rain, please join us as we regroup and re-commit to a better future.
This event will focus on the health of the Quw'utsun Sta'lo which is sometimes called the heart of Quw'utsun territory, and will begin with words from elder Philomena Williams. The Cowichan Watershed Board's Co-Chairs, Chief Hwitsum (Cowichan Tribes) and Chair Stone (CVRD), will share their work and perspectives on the decades long effort to replace the weir. Our Strategic Priorities Director Tom Rutherford will provide an overview of the situation now, and then technical leaders and partners will be available for an interactive Q&A about how "weir" doing, and how you can help. The Cowichan Lake and River Stewards will also be on hand with letter writing supplies for those who feel inspired. https://www.cowichan-lake-stewards.ca/ Read about the project to replace the weir here.
Rebuilding the weir is the top priority of the Cowichan Watershed Board. It has been a long journey, with many contributing partners, and the end is in sight. Hope you can join us! Weir all in this together.
1 Fish, 2 Fish, Why Not More Fish?
Featuring visiting Fluvial Geomorphologist, Jeff Anderson.
Jeff will reflect on Riverscape Health Principles in connection with ongoing local environmental flow assessments, Salmon enumeration, and habitat restoration projects in the Koksilah and Chemainus Rivers through the Twinned Watershed project.
All welcome. Seating capacity 80. Doors open 6:30pm
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Jeffrey Anderson has been working in northwestern British Columbia since 1996. His experience includes planning and managing both research and resource sector projects. Jeffrey is currently undertaking a doctorate degree in stream restoration. Studying under Dr. Joe Wheaton, Jeff is developing watershed-scale tools to help operationalize process-based restoration in British Columbia, and Canada. His technical skill set includes a comprehensive understanding of modelling hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, and environmental flow needs.
Mon. May 15th 2023 7-8:30 pmXwulqw'selu (Koksilah) Watershed Planning
Years of harsh summer droughts and devastating winter floods in the Koksilah River watershed have impacted the whole watershed ecosystem, First Nations, local food producers, businesses, residents, and more. As a result, this sub-basin of the Cowichan watershed is the focus of a new planning process.
Free. All welcome.
Welcome and Opening by Smaalthun (Larry George )
Larry is a member of Cowichan Tribes and has served as the Director of Lulumexun (Land & Self Governance) for Cowichan Tribes for 20+ years. Larry has been involved in extensive partnerships and initiatives in the watershed including as chair of the Xwulqw’selu Water Sustainability Plan process and as a member of various Internal/External organizations that protect our resources (including the First Nations Fisheries Council, Q'ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society, and Fraser Salmon Management Council).
Presentation by Natasha Overduin, Watershed Planning Process Facilitator
Natasha is a professional facilitator with a focus on co-governance. She builds consensus, commitment, and accountability among cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary groups. Her goal is to help groups get to better outcomes – not only on the land and in the water, but in their conversations, relationships, and decision-making. Natasha is constantly trying to figure out how to move the dial on reconciliation and sustainability. She holds an MA in Geography from the University of Victoria. She lives in Nanaimo, BC.
Q&A facilitated by Alison Nicholson, Cowichan Watershed Board member and CVRD Area E Director.
Connect with Alison here. https://www.facebook.com/alisonnicholson.areaE
Dr. Shannon Waters_Photo by Sandy Powlik
Mon. April 17th 2023 7-8:30 pm
Our Ecosystem is our Health System
Join us for a Presentation by Dr. Waters that intertwines Western and Indigenous knowledge concerning the interconnections between human health and our environments. Shannon will relate her experiences and research as a family doctor, Medical Health Officer, and indigenous community member, guided by the Quw'utsun teachings:
Hwialasmut tu tumuhw. Take care of this Earth.
Mukw' stem 'l 'utunu tumuhw, 'o' hulitun tst, mukw' stem 'i 'utunu tumuhw 'o' slhiilhukw 'ul. Everything on this Earth is what sustains us; everything on this Earth is connected together.
Speaker:
Dr. Shannon Waters is a Public Health & Preventative Medicine Physician, Environmental Connector, Watershed Advocate, and Weaver of words. She is also the Cowichan Valley Medical Health Officer, a Cowichan Watershed Board Member, Coast Salish community member. Learn more here: https://www.drshannonwaters.com/sxwi-em-storytelling
The event will be facilitated by Tom Rutherford, Cowichan Watershed Board's Director of Strategic Priorities (aka Fish Guy).
Free (with thanks to Vancouver Island University-Cowichan and the Real Estate Foundation of BC)
All welcome. Masks will be available for those who wish. Please stay home if you are sick. There may be elders in attendance. Thank you for your consideration.
Photo by Sandy Powlik
The Speakers Series features engaging speakers sharing their knowledge and expertise on topics relevant to the well-being and sustainability of the Cowichan watershed, within Quw’utsun territory. The series is hosted by the Cowichan Watershed Board, with the support of VIU Cowichan and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and our generous speakers. It occurs on the 3rd Monday of the month, in select months.
March2023 XPey'Speaker Night at VIU Cowichan.
Safeguarding Xpey'/Cedar: Central to local culture and ecosystems for millennia, this tree, called XPey' by the Quw'utsun indigenous people, is under stress in our watershed. Learn why, and what Quw’utsun elders, tree scientists, and others are doing to safeguard Cedar for the future.
Speakers:
- Qwiyahwultuhw Robert George, elder, (Quw'utsun' Cultural Connections),
- Heather Pritchard, eco-forestry consultant, and
- Lise van der Merwe, research scientist, Cowichan Lake Research Station, BC Ministry of Forests
The event will be facilitated by Cowichan Watershed Board member, CVRD Director, and forest ecologist, Alison Nicholson.
This event is presented in partnership with Quw'utsun' Cultural Connections.
Download the poster here or join the Facebook event page here
Speakers Series was not offered in 2020-2022 due to CoVid19.
2020
Feb - The Koksilah - Learning our Landscape. Ecologist and Registered Professional Forester, Heather Pritchard, will present the first phase of work commissioned by the Cowichan Station Area Association's Koksilah Working Group, "An Ecosystem-Based Analysis of the Koksilah River Watershed." Heather's presentation will describe the methodology and findings of the project, focusing on the historical character and current condition of the watershed. More info: https://cowichanstation.org/koksilah/
Jan - We Need to Talk: How to talk about the Climate Crisis in your Social Circles in ways that Spark Engagement instead of Ostracism. With Will Cole-Hamilton. (Full presentation - Please note that Will is happy to present in person to other groups if you are able to arrange a venue.)
2019
Nov- Watch out Suckers! Considering Cowichan Lake Lamprey in Watershed Management. With Joy Wade
Oct - Wild Fins - with Dr. Dave Preikshot
Apr - The Warmer Land - Earth Week Speakers Night. (See Tom's section of this night here: https://youtu.be/IGSMkGDAwio)
Mar - Willi Jansen & Mark Kissinger, The Enforcers: Meet our Conservation and Fishery Officers
Feb - Killer Whales and Legal Tales, with EcoJustice Lawyer Devon Page
2018
Nov - Voices of our Watersheds
Oct - Bringing Back the Bluebirds with Genevieve Singleton
Sep - Will Duguid, Chinook Growing Pains Apr - Elke Wind, Amphibian Biologist
Mar - Gord & Anne Baird, Rainwater Harvest, Greywaters Systems
Feb - David Polster, Restoring Damaged Systems Using Native Plants
Jan - Al Gore, An Inconvenient Sequel (movie... no Al didn't drop by.)
2017
Oct - Tom Gleeson, How Much Groundwater is on Earth
Sep - Natalie Anderson & Paul Siggers, Walking in the Watershed: A Cowichan Tribe’s Perspective
Jun - Ben Robinson, WELL SMART! - Get to know your H2O
May - John Borrows, Sources & Contemporary Uses of Indigenous Law
Apr - Jackie Hildering, Humpback Comeback
Mar - Kevin Pellett, Take a Peek at our PITs!
Feb - Nikki Wright, Inshore Marine Habitats
2016
Nov - Dr. Dave Preikshot, Salmon in the Somenos Basin
Sep - Oliver Brandes & Rosie Simms, BC's new Water Law
Jun - Dr. Bethany L. Coulthard, Forecasting Drought through Tree-rings
May - Stan Orchard, The American Bullfrog
Apr - David Campbell, Flow Forecasting with Snow-Pillow Technology
Mar - Elizabeth May, Climate Change
Jan - Emily Doyle-Yamaguchi, Bruce Fraser & Barry Gates, EcoForestry
Email
