Hi there,

This week, John Rustad, leader of the BC Conservative Party, wrote an open letter to Premier David Eby urging the provincial government to pause all negotiations with First Nations. Rustad argued that talks should be halted until the Supreme Court of Canada clarifies whether private property and Indigenous title can exist on the same land.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie has also warned property owners near Tl’uqtinus that the recent Cowichan Tribes v. Canada ruling may affect the status and validity of their ownership.

The timing is interesting — I’ve just wrapped up a story examining the historical tensions between private property and Indigenous rights. In this piece, I take a deep dive into the recent court case, exploring the misconceptions our society holds about Indigenous territory and land ownership. I also ask: How did we get here? And what does this ruling mean for First Nations pursuing similar title claims in the future?

You can read that story here — and while you’re at it, check out our initial coverage of the case as well.

What a record-breaking lawsuit reveals about tensions between private property and Indigenous rights

An unprecedented 513-day trial renews debate over private land ownership, Indigenous title, and colonial history.

Local news and updates.

• The Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation is seeking to add about 34 hectares of land near Cowichan Lake to its reserve. The parcels, located along Youbou Road, are currently owned by a corporation held by the nation after the Crown transferred the lands in 2023. At a recent meeting, Cowichan Valley Regional District board directors agreed to send a letter of support for the addition. The transfer is expected to be finalized in early 2026, when the nation is likely to announce its plans for the new lands. The Cowichan Valley Citizen has the story.

• A controversial subdivision will go to a public hearing after North Cowichan council voted to start amending the official community plan to allow for a 28-unit housing development near Quamichan Lake. Staff had recommended that council deny the application because it is located outside of North Cowichan’s urban containment boundary and council had received a petition signed by 68 residents against the project. It has also recently come to light that councillors Becky Hogg, Bruce Findlay and Mike Caljouw received campaign contributions from the applicant. Read more in the Cowichan Valley Citizen.

• The Chemainus Harvest House has purchased a new van to help improve food delivery to surrounding communities. Funding for the new wheels came from the federal government’s 2025 School Food Infrastructure Fund and was distributed by Food Banks Canada. The van will help keep perishable food fresh while deliveries are made to Crofton Penelakut Island and Thetis Island, while also helping the Harvest House meet the demand of its monthly pop-ups at local schools. Read more in the Cowichan Valley Citizen.

Find The Discourse on Bluesky and TikTok!

We’re not able to post to or engage with readers on Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram) due to the news ban in response to Bill C-18, but we love seeing responses to stories on Bluesky and LinkedIn! Have thoughts on a story? Want to connect with our reporters and check out our latest work? Follow us on Bluesky @thediscourse.ca. Head to our starter pack and hit “follow all” to keep up with all Discourse Community Publishing outlets and reporters.

Also, check out The Discourse on our new TikTok page! Follow us to hear from our reporters about the stories they cover and catch videos from events across the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and  the Comox Valley.

Photo of the week.

Volunteers with the Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society installed a new wildflower meadow fence at the Somenos Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.

Do you have a great photo from the community? Share it with us for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. We’d love to see the Cowichan Valley through your lens. 📸

Community events.

• Monday, Oct. 20: 🐚 The Cowichan Watershed Board’s Fall Speaker Series kicks off with an engaging talk on how protecting ecosystem health can support traditional Quw'utsun shellfish harvesting practices. Hear from Dr. Shannon Waters, a member of Stz'uminus First Nation and B.C.’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Planetary and Water Health, and Tim Kulchyski, a Quw’utsun member and natural resource consultant for Cowichan Tribes.

• Wednesday, Oct. 23: 🎞️ Cowichan Valley Youth Services presents a screening of Uncharitable, a film which examines the constraints non-profits currently face and offers a new way of thinking about charitable work. Admission is based on a sliding scale.

• Wednesday, Oct. 23: 🎸 Danger Box, Red Lenses and the Grundles perform an all-ages Halloween punk show at the Duncan Showroom. Doors open at 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 25: 🍄‍🟫 Join Nature Cowichan for a walk through the Wildwood ecoforest with naturalists Andy Mackinnon and Kem Luther to learn the secrets of mushroom identification.

• Saturday, Oct. 25: 🍁 Author Bill Arnott pays a visit to Volume One Bookstore to chat with readers and sign copies of his book, A Festive Season on Vancouver Island, in which he captures the Island’s natural beauty and cultural history. Admission is free and the event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 25: 🎥 The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival arrives for a night of spooks and thrills at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Doors open at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 25: 👻 The Kinette Club of Lake Cowichan hosts a Halloween dance fundraiser with all proceeds going to Cowichan Lake Community Services. The event is 19+ with a local shuttle to make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

• Oct. 25 to 26: 🎨 Tour the studios of 15 local artisans who make a variety of works from oil, water colour, pottery and glass blowing. 

• Sunday, Oct. 26: 🎶 Australian indie-folk artist Didirri brings his poetic lyricism and introspective music to the Duncan Showroom. 

• Tuesday, Oct. 28: 👐 Cowichan Community Action Team hosts Better Together 2.0, an event for youth, parents and guardians to learn about substance use and ways to support young folks to create healthier and safer communities. Hear from people with lived experience, health-care professionals and local service providers. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and pizza and refreshments will be provided.

• Saturday, Nov. 1: 🎃 Celebrate All Hallows with a night of good vibes, a DJ dance party and performances from local drag stars Billie Boy Toy-Ton and Sheila V Toff at The HUB at Cowichan Station. Tickets start at $25 and the event is 19+.

• Sunday, Nov. 2: 🎹 Canadian pianist Bruce Vogt performs Songs of Consolation for our Distracted Time, a selection of songs written in past ages of great turmoil. Tickets are $30 at the door.

• Saturday, Nov. 15: 🎄 The Christmas Craft Fair returns to Honeymoon Bay Community Hall with over 40 local vendors.

What did you think of this newsletter?

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