iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 17/06/2026

At Queen Margaret’s School's final assembly, Quw'utsun artist Shawn Johnny and students from the contemporary Indigenous studies class unveiled a new mural dedicated to truth and reconciliation. Hear from Johnny in our latest story at the link below. thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...

thediscourse.ca

Quw'utsun artist Shawn Johnny unveils new mural at Duncan school – The Discourse.

Johnny’s art was celebrated by Queen Maragaret’s School students and staff at final assembly of the year.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 18/06/2026

End of Thread wanted to play a show to celebrate the end of the school year with kids from high schools across Nanaimo, but now they are part of a movement to help save The Globe Live Studio. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/teen...

thediscourse.ca

The Globe Live Studio benefit punk and metal show with End of Thread – The Discourse.

The Globe Live Studio is at risk of closing, but local band End of Thread is rallying behind it to help save the scene.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 12/06/2026

Bodybuilding is everything to Jules Sherred. But when he was barred from competing, the Duncan based advocate took his fight to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. We sat down with him to learn more about why he continues to fight in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile towards trans athletes.

thediscourse.ca

Q&A: Jules Sherred Takes Fight to BC Human Rights Tribunal – The Discourse.

Sherred talks modern Pride, the struggle to be included in sports and why he keeps fighting for the entire trans community

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 01/05/2026

We joined the Company of the Blue Dragon for an afternoon of training as fighters prepare for the upcoming world championship in Denmark. Lucas Mendes, founder of the team, has high hopes for the fighters and shared his dream for more medieval combat teams on Vancouver Island.

thediscourse.ca

Duncan’s Company of the Blue Dragon medieval fighters set sights on world championships – The Discourse.

These weekend warriors suit up for a shot at Canada's first gold medal at the International Medieval Combat Federation world championships.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

With so much misinformation about this draft bylaw spreading online, I wanted to take a closer look at the claims people are making and compare them to what’s actually written. Unsurprisingly, a lot of what we found isn’t changing, but there were a few sections that left us scratching our heads.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 20/03/2026

‘Once again, these folks are getting evicted to nowhere.’ Dozens of unhoused Duncan residents could soon lose their homes as a temporary winter shelter prepares to close — with no permanent replacement in sight. Community members are demanding local governments act before it's too late.

thediscourse.ca

Concerned residents push for permanent shelter for unhoused locals in Duncan – The Discourse.

As a temporary winter shelter in Duncan closes its doors, unhoused residents are faced with few other options for housing.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 11/02/2026

Island Health and local groups are urging North Cowichan to reconsider "uninhabitable" shelter sites in Somenos marsh. Advocates warn that recent displacements are linked to health risks and a spike in overdoses. They’re calling for safer, accessible alternatives. #NorthCowichan #IslandHealth

thediscourse.ca

‘No one in our community is disposable’: Island Health and community call on North Cowichan to rethink sheltering sites – The Discourse.

Designated overnight sheltering sites in Somenos marsh are ‘increasingly dangerous’, outreach groups say.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 06/02/2026

A 7-metre red cedar log rolled into the Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery this week and will soon become a canoe. Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw artist Rupert Scow is carving it live during the exhibition 'Many Hands — Working Together', and visitors can help carve. Read more 👇

thediscourse.ca

Cowichan Valley Arts Council exhibition celebrates community-focused art

'Many Hands — Working Together' can be viewed from Feb. 4 to Feb. 28 at the Cowichan Valley Arts Council gallery.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 05/02/2026

Mike and Heather Trask’s Comox Valley-based fossil discovery in 1988 inspired a flood of amateur paleontologists. It also inspired the first paleontological society in B.C. and led to the creation of a policy to protect fossils. Read the story: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...

thediscourse.ca

How a Comox Valley fossil discovery forever changed paleontology in B.C.

The untold story behind Mike and Heather Trask’s fossil discovery and ‘the incredible importance of curiosity.’

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/02/2026

People in the Regional District of Nanaimo may soon be able to live in RVs full time. The district is developing a policy on this as well as a rural housing strategy, a move that has been applauded by the B.C. RV Alliance. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/regi...

thediscourse.ca

Regional District of Nanaimo developing policy on full-time living in recreational vehicles – The Discourse.

District staff will also create a rural housing strategy.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 30/01/2026

“I felt utterly, utterly honoured that they wanted to have his work and were able to receive it.” How the Cowichan Public Art Gallery became the permanent home of 75 paintings by a renowned Dutch Canadian artist. Read more in The Discourse.

thediscourse.ca

Cowichan Public Art Gallery becomes permanent home to 75 paintings by renowned Dutch Canadian artist – The Discourse.

Wayfinder, featuring the art of Will Julsing, can be viewed at the Cowichan Public Art Gallery until March 28.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

ZoeSTodd (Dr Fish Philosopher Todd) @zoestodd.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

It’s a small thing. But before this story in @thediscourse.ca came out, the Regional District of Nanaimo was actively working to prevent any long term living in RVs unless you were of means to build a new house. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/regi... TOMORROW THEY VOTE ON PERMITTING LONGTERM RV LIVING

thediscourse.ca

Regional District of Nanaimo 'drop the hammer' on tiny home

Despite a housing crisis, Nanoose Bay Regional District of Nanaimo director called bylaw on a tiny home in his neighbourhood.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 16/01/2026

“Everyone should be concerned that we were profiled and asked to leave for no reason.” Three Cowichan Valley residents say they were threatened with arrest at a public town hall featuring Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and local MP Jeff Kibble — because of the messages on their T-shirts.

thediscourse.ca

Cowichan Valley residents seek answers after ejection from public town hall – The Discourse.

Three Cowichan Valley residents say they were threatened with arrest and removed from a public town hall event over T-shirt slogans.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

In case you didn’t know, I write a newsletter for @thediscourse.ca that goes out every Tuesday and features a roundup of local news and events happening in the #cowichanvalley. Check it out at the link below!

thediscourse.indiegraf.com

How does logging affect rivers?

Plus,‌ more news and...

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Reposted by Eric Richards

Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Nanaimo RCMP have confirmed that officers responded to reports of a plane crash in a wooded area near Twilight Way, south of Nanaimo, B.C., at approximately 3 a.m. this morning. RCMP say the plane was found "in a large debris field and there were no survivors." The investigation is ongoing.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

I was on hand to witness the start of a decampment operation by the Municipality of North Cowichan last week. Read more about what happened and the massive spike in overdoses reported in the following days in my reporting below. #vancouverisland

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 31/10/2025

Have you had a chance to see the salmon runs this year? We’ve put together a list of some great spots to watch them in action across the Cowichan Valley! #cowichanvalley

thediscourse.ca

Salmon are returning to Cowichan Valley rivers — here’s where to see them – The Discourse.

While returns are improving, advocates say the vital fish still need protection.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

With the recent “town hall” in Richmond, it’s worth understanding how Tl’uqtinus was stolen by colonial officials. The court found it should’ve been set aside as reserve — but it wasn’t. Learn more about why, and the village’s long history, in my coverage ⬇️

thediscourse.ca

What the Quw'utsun Nation court case reveals about private land ownership and Indigenous title in B.C. – The Discourse.

After an unprecedented 513-day trial, Quw'utsun Nation court case ruling sets high burden of proof First Nations need to be declared title-holders

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Thrilled to see my colleagues’ outstanding reporting getting the recognition it deserves! @thediscourse.ca

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Got a chance to dive a bit deeper into a recent decision by the Agricultural Land Commission to reject a plan to remove a small portion of a dike that runs through the Cowichan Estuary. One advocate told me this raises big concerns about the province’s commitment to reconciliation @thediscourse.ca

thediscourse.ca

Plan to remove portion of dike at Cowichan estuary rejected by land commission – The Discourse.

Advocates for the Cowichan Estuary Restoration Project call on province to align policies with reconciliation.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 07/09/2025

Our Nanaimo and Comox Valley reporters @micksweetman.bsky.social and @emrichards.bsky.social are at the @nifss.bsky.social screenings this afternoon at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Come say hello and watch some international films.

Photo of two men wearing glassing behind a laptop with the home page of thediscource.ca open.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 08/08/2025

From coal mining runoff in British Columbia to bacterial blooms in the Great Lakes, water pollution won’t be contained by the Canada-U.S. border. Our latest newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-w...

thenarwhal.ca

Water pollution: 100% tariff-free | The Narwhal

From coal mining runoff in British Columbia to bacterial blooms in the Great Lakes, water pollution won’t be contained by the Canada-U.S. border

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Reposted by Eric Richards

Revelstoke Mountaineer @revelstokemountaineer.com · 04/08/2025

Our August print issue is out now! What to know where to pick up a copy? Or maybe you're not in town this month and still want to read the latest issue. You can find all that on our website. revelstokemountaineer.com/magazine/

The August issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer held up in front of Conversations Coffee House, one of the drop-off locations. The issue is dark green with the photo of a man standing in front of a large log jam on the cover.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I had a great time out at the Shawnigan Lake Museum learning about the new additions, which include some repatriated Quw’utsun belongings!

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 30/07/2025

It was a sunny weekend on the waterfront in front of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Reserve #1 as hundreds of people from as far as Hope, B.C. gathered to participate in war canoe races, enjoy comfort food such as Indian tacos, and soak up the good vibes. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/in-p...

thediscourse.ca

Snuneymuxw Days 2025 in photos – The Discourse.

Third annual Snuneymuxw Days featured canoe races, a longhouse jam and basketball and brought the community together

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Reposted by Eric Richards

City of Victoria @victoria.ca · 30/07/2025

The tsunami watch has been upgraded to an advisory for B.C. In Victoria, our risk remains low. Stay out of water and away from beaches and waterways. We will continue to monitor. For future emergencies, subscribe to Vi-Alert to get local updates at victoriaready.ca. x.com/EmergencyInf...

victoriaready.ca

Emergency Preparedness | City of Victoria

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 24/07/2025

Scotch broom is one of the most notorious invasive species on Vancouver Island. It is also extremely flammable, leading to growing concern as the climate changes and Earth warms. thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...

thediscourse.ca

Scotch broom increases wildfire risk. What can we do about it?

Scotch broom can exacerbate wildfires, but communities are working hard to remove these invaders from local ecosystems.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 25/07/2025

reFRESH Market in Duncan is closing its doors after years of recovering surplus food. We wanted to know how the community was responding to this potential gap in food recovery and learned that a local food bank plans to keep the momentum going.

thediscourse.ca

Cowichan food recovery program to continue with local food bank – The Discourse.

Duncan’s reFRESH market and its food recovery program is closing.Here’s how local food banks plan to keep the work going.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 25/07/2025

Nanaimo’s ‘bike lane Barbie’ says the city is working to make cycling more accessible for everyone. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/how-...

thediscourse.ca

Addressing Nanaimo's patchwork of bike lanes – The Discourse.

Nanaimo’s ‘bike lane Barbie’ says the city is working to make cycling more accessible for everyone.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 28/07/2025

Last week, the Quw'utsun Salmon, a giant puppet built by the Quw'utsun Stseelthun Friendship Project, performed at 39 Days of July in Duncan. Read more about the project in our previous coverage: thediscourse.ca/cowichan-val...

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 16/07/2025

Kids make radio shows and podcasts at ‘super fun’ summer camp at Nanaimo’s community radio station @chly.ca. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/chly...

thediscourse.ca

CHLY radio summer camp teaches kids media skills – The Discourse.

Kids make radio shows and podcasts at ‘super fun’ summer camp at Nanaimo’s community radio station.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 07/07/2025

“In a world with serious problems, where we have serious things to debate, people emphasizing a bylaw that is simply there to protect privacy as somehow an infringement of democratic freedoms is just silly,” Naniamo Mayor Leonard Krog said about a legal threat over a council meeting recording ban.

thediscourse.ca

Nanaimo city council recording ban faces legal threat – The Discourse.

A warning letter has been to the City of Nanaimo over two bylaws that ban recording public meetings or taking photographs or video in any city facility or recreation area.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

Mick Sweetman @micksweetman.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Want to hear what Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog has to say about a legal warning letter sent by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms over bylaws that ban recording of city council meetings and in city spaces? Subscribe to our Nanaimo This Week newsletter for free! thediscourse.ca/newsletters

thediscourse.ca

Subscribe to our newsletters – The Discourse.

Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley news, in your inbox.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 04/07/2025

The little brown bat is the only federally protected bat species on Vancouver Island. In the Comox Valley, volunteers are on guard against white-nose syndrome, a disease that is killing millions of bats in the U.S. and Canada. Read the latest from Dave Flawse: thediscourse.ca/comox-valley...

thediscourse.ca

Comox Valley bat count volunteers monitoring devastating disease

As this year’s Comox Valley bat count kicks off, the flying mammals remain at risk of white-nose syndrome.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

The fire discovered by BC Wildfire Service late yesterday afternoon between Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew is now three hectares in size. Three initial attack crews and a helicopter are responding to the blaze.

wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca

BC Wildfire Service

BC Wildfire Service App

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Trying to post more of my personal writing on Substack lately. This one’s a recent piece—kinda flash fiction, I think? Give it a read, and if you’re into it, feel free to subscribe for more.

open.substack.com

Breath

They told him he was chasing a ghost.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 21/06/2025

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! I edited today's @thenarwhal.ca story, which comes from the Inuit community of Cambridge Bay. Fascinating science journalism and stunning visuals, but also — in the spirit of the day — a couple pics of some very cute Indigibabies enjoying a celebration. Enjoy!!

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

The term “food security” gets thrown around a lot, so I wanted to find out what it actually looks like in my community. I spoke with some of the folks working to support the agriculture sector in the #CowichanValley and help a new generation of farmers enter the industry.

thediscourse.ca

How a 150-year-old society is strengthening food security in the Cowichan Valley – The Discourse.

After years of decline, the Cowichan Valley Agricultural Society is uniting farmers to rebuild local food security from the ground up.

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 12/06/2025

We ❤️ meeting other community builders. Thank you to all who came out last night to celebrate 8 years of in-depth journalism by and for the #CowichanValley! We still need 25 more supporters for our spring fundraising goal. If you value local journalism, please support it thediscourse.ca/support-us

A group of people sit aroud a patio table holding beer laughing, with plates of food on the table.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Hey #cowichanvalley! Myself and other reporters from @thediscourse.ca are going to be a Red Arrow Brewing tonight from 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. celebrating our readers and eight years of covering local news!

eventbrite.ca

Local News Appreciation Party

Come celebrate eight years (!) of independent, in-depth and solutions-focused news in the Cowichan Valley and beyond!

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 11/06/2025

Hey #Cowichan, #Nanaimo and #ComoxValley readers! We're thrilled to meet up with you tonight for a Local News Appreciation Party at Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan. Click the link for event details, hope to see you soon 🎉https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1383173953529/?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Reposted by Eric Richards

thediscourse.ca @thediscourse.ca · 11/06/2025

Thousands of people wearing rainbow clothes and carrying a variety of Pride flags filled downtown Nanaimo with the sound of celebration and resistance at the annual Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday. thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/nana...

thediscourse.ca

Nanaimo Pride 2025 in photos – The Discourse.

“Louder and prouder” Pride parade and festival takes over downtown Nanaimo

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 24/05/2025

Huge shoutout to everyone who shared their story for this article. It was humbling to hear just how far reaching the impacts of this strike have been.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

#CowichanValley transit users - I'm working on a story for @thediscourse.ca about how the current strike is affecting people's daily lives. If you're willing to share your experience with the bus service disruption, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to DM me your story.

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Eric Richards @emrichards.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Last week I sat down with Fair Vote Canada about how proportional representation could have vastly changed the results of the federal election on Vancouver Island. Here’s what I learned.

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