Hi there,

Will you join us this Sunday for Cowichan Valley IWD and The Discourse's 2026 International Women’s Day celebration? 

This is an opportunity to listen to leaders in our community, from educators to legislators, on how we can all contribute to a culture of consent — a topic surfaced by longtime supporters of our local International Women’s Day celebration.

When? Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where? Cowichan Public Art Gallery, traditional and unceded Quw'utsun' territory.

We are grateful to our co-organizers, the grassroots group Cowichan Valley IWD, for helping us curate this special event. 

Hosted by Island Editor Shalu Mehta, we will feature speakers on the topic: How does consent make for a better community?

This gathering is for anyone and everyone who believes uplifting women’s rights contributes to a healthier society for all. Come with questions, ideas or room for coffee and cookies.

Let me introduce our speakers:

Debra Toporowski (Qwulti’stunaat), Cowichan Valley NDP MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health

Debra is a member of the Cowichan Tribes with First Nations and Chinese heritage. As a former councillor with Cowichan Tribes and the Municipality of North Cowichan, Toporowski was the first elected woman to hold both council positions at the same time. She was also appointed acting mayor of North Cowichan in 2022 and is a longtime supporter of International Women’s Day celebrations in the Cowichan Valley.

Corina Fitznar, educator and literacy specialist

Corina Fitznar is an educator and literacy specialist with over 25 years of experience teaching Kindergarten through Grade 12. Her work focuses on empowering students to develop self-worth, voice and agency. Through intentional instructional design, she builds classrooms where young people practice speaking up in everyday moments, so they are prepared to use their voices when it matters most.

Kiera Chealine, Indigenous poet, mother and advocate

Kiera Chealine is an Indigenous poet, mother, and advocate based in Nanaimo, B.C. Born in Calgary, A.B., her work explores survival, healing, and reclaiming power after trauma. Through poetry, she weaves personal truth with generational strength, creating space for conversations around consent, resilience, and collective healing. For International Women’s Day, she shares her voice on consent, boundaries and the strength found in reclaiming what was once taken.

With additional special guests!

To cover the costs of hosting this event, we charge a small fee.

If this cost poses a barrier to entry, please just show up. No one will be turned away.

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Cowichan Public Art Gallery, Kims Gingerbread, Gibby's Cafe and Catering.

Space is limited, so I encourage you to register early. Hope to see you there!

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