A commentary. Sulsulxumaat Cindy Daniels is Chief of Cowichan Tribes and Kate Segall is chair of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, director for Area A Mill Bay/Malahat. They are co-chairs of the Cowichan Watershed Board.

World Water Day reminds us how local projects can address global issues during trying times.

In Quw’utsun culture, the teaching Hulitun tst tu qa’ (Water is Life) reflects a deep understanding that water, including our oceans, lakes, rivers and creeks are essential to all life. Since time immemorial, Cowichan Peoples (Quw’utsun Mustimuhw) have understood their well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the Quw’utsun Sta’lo’ (Cowichan River).

Before colonial impacts, this river — the only designated Canadian Heritage River on Vancouver Island — hosted salmon so abundant that it is said that, at times, one could walk across it on their backs.

On Saturday, we recognized World Water Day as a timely reminder that protecting water isn’t just a local concern, it’s a global responsibility.

Around the world, rivers and freshwater sources........

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