CWB 2023 Annual Report – Final Draft

Reflections from our Co-Chairs

As we reflect on the past year, we are more determined than ever to see all the groundwork we have accomplished on engagement, awareness raising, and planning to move into implementation for the protection of the Cowichan Watershed. With the July 2023 fish die off, the impacts of which will be felt for generations, and pumps being required this fall for 36 days to sustain water flows from Cowichan Lake into the River, the time for action is now.

We made significant strides in that direction in 2023. As Watershed Board Co-Chairs, both individually and together, we were sure to promote the need for provincial funding and a modern governance structure for a new Lake Cowichan Weir at every meeting with provincial representatives. We are delighted to see that in its 2024 Budget, the B.C. government has pledged $14 million in funding for the project to match Federal funding. We look forward to continuing our discussions with senior government officials to advance solutions around liability protection and water governance.

Additionally, in May 2023, Cowichan Tribes and the BC government signed "S-xats-thut-tst" or the Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement. This is a Government-to-Government agreement to create a whole-of-watershed plan for a more sustainable approach to watershed management in the Xwulqw'selu Sta’lo’ (Koksilah River) watershed. This will be B.C.’s first Water Sustainability Plan under the Water Sustainability Act. It will be a collaborative, community-based plan, and a leading example of co-governance with Cowichan Tribes and the Province approaching decisions as equal authorities. The Watershed Board helped make this possible by supporting the partners in valuable coordination roles, and providing education and communications about the initiative within the broader community.

We would like to recognize all of the current and past representatives and supporters of the Cowichan Watershed Board. None of our accomplishments would be possible without the Board’s unique approach and our shared dedication and commitment to the watershed that sustains us. Our table is at the forefront of innovation in co-governance, working as partners who respect one another’s authority. This approach has led to better decisions and outcomes for our region. We know that working to resolve the complex challenges associated with climate adaptation,
sustainable water solutions, cumulative land use impacts, and reconciliation will only succeed if we take bold action together.

Finally, please join us in welcoming Danielle Paydli as our new Executive Director. Danni is a bright light with valuable experience in water policy advocacy and community development. Her passion for building relationships and the interconnectedness of our place in nature has been greatly appreciated and she has been an important source of support in advancing our engagement with local groups and partners.

Nutsamat kws yaay'us tu qa': We come together as a whole to work together to be stronger as partners for the watershed.

With respect and gratitude,

Chief Xtli’li ye’ Lydia Hwitsum, Cowichan Tribes Elected Chief

Chair Aaron Stone, Chair of Cowichan Valley Regional District

Co-Chairs for the Cowichan Watershed Board