Quw’utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan Tribes citizens) have voted 89 per cent in favour of adopting the new Education Law – Squw’utsun’a’lh Sniw’ ‘u tu Stutul’na’mut (the Quw’utsun Peoples Teachings for Education).
There were 307 votes cast, with 274 citizens voting yes and 33 citizens voting no.
The in-person vote took place on Oct. 9, while online voting was available between Sept. 22 to Oct. 9.
This historic vote is another milestone in the journey of improving the delivery of education to Quw’utsun smun’eem (Cowichan children) and establishing an education system formally rooted in Quw’utsun teachings and values, said a press release from Cowichan Tribes.
Cowichan Tribes’ Chief Cindy Daniels said the First Nation is moving further away from the deep scars that colonial education systems left on generations of its people.
“Our citizens first voted to take back our jurisdiction over education in 2022 and now, with this vote in favour of our own education law, we are another step closer to self-governance,” she said.
“As a residential school survivor, I know adopting this law, with its provisions for the integration of our teachings, culture, and Hul'q'umi'num' language, will be transformative for our future.”
The new law, grounded in Squw’utsun’a’lh Syuw’entst ‘i’ Snuw’uy’ulh (traditional Quw’utsun teachings), creates a framework for a culturally grounded education system where Quw’utsun smun’eem can learn, grow, and thrive within their culture, while also meeting provincial and national standards.
Roxanne Harris, executive director of Quw’utsun Syuw’entst Lelum, Cowichan Tribes’ Education and Culture department, said it’s a proud day for the First Nation.
“Community support for this law means we can start the next phase of our work to reclaim control over how we educate smun’eem (children) in Cowichan Tribes' schools, with a more holistic focus on positive cultural and social well-being, in addition to academic outcomes, for generations to come,” she said.
The approval of the Education Law is a continuation of Cowichan Tribes’ broader work to reclaim authority over its governance systems.
In recent years, the Nation has successfully ratified laws including the Cowichan Tribes Custom Election Law and the Child and Family Law, reinforcing their ability to self-determine in critical areas impacting Quw’utsun families.
Once the law is passed by Cowichan Tribes’ chief and council, the Nation will move forward with its implementation, including board recruitment, curriculum development, policy creation, and building partnerships with parents, guardians, educators, and Knowledge Keepers.
Director of Governance Stephanie Atleo said the ratification of this law is about breaking down cycles created by the Indian Act and colonial governments.
“We know education is the key to healing and empowerment,” she said.
“With the adoption of this law, we can ensure our smun’eem (children) learn in ways that honour who they are, where they come from, and the bright future they deserve.”
