Anti-racism car rally sees many out in solidarity with Cowichan Tribes

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Local government issues join statement calling out racist behaviour

Cowichan Valley residents honked horns and drove around the region in a convoy of 50 vehicles yesterday, in a show of solidarity with Cowichan Tribes members. An ongoing COVID-19 outbreak among Tribes has led to an alarming number of anti-Indigenous comments and treatment by some residents and local businesses. Cowichan Tribes member Joe Elliot says the rally was a positive show of force.

“It was awesome! It was awesome to witness. Most of the people we passed, there was a lot of support people coming out, waving their hands and honking their horns in appreciation. so I thank the organizers for that support.”—Cowichan Tribes member Joe Elliot.

The mayors of Duncan and North Cowichan along with Cowichan Chief Willie Seymour reacted to the recent events with a joint statement on Friday. In it, the leaders called out racist behaviour by some businesses, advising them to stop asking customers if they live on reserve, and then refusing service to those who do. The tribes say the stress of the outbreak and the racist reactions has made many fearful to venture out for groceries. Cowichan Tribes Councillor Stephanie Atleo took part in an anti-racism forum after the car rally. She called upon her non-indigenous neighbours for support.

"What would you do if you were standing in line and the cash register asked the brown person in front of you if they're allowed off the reserve to be shopping? What would you do if you were the person who was next in line? So those are the questions that I am challenging those watching right now."
—Cowichan Tribes Councillor Stephanie Atleo.

Outbreak at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Meanwhile, a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. It’s the second in as many months. The latest outbreak involves 2 staff and one patient. The health authority says the hospital's fourth-floor east wing is locked down. Staff, there will not be working in other areas of the hospital and patients on the fourth and fifth floors, along with those in rehab will not be transferred to care homes while the outbreak is underway. The hospital suffered another outbreak in November when five staff in the transitional care unit tested positive for COVID-19.

And there is another case of COVID-19 at a long term care home in Nanaimo. Island Health says a second staff member at Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence has tested positive. It says the staff member had been working on one of the ongoing outbreak units. Seven residents and two staff have now tested positive for the virus since the outbreak began on December the 27th.

Local photographer wins competition

Finally, a shout out to Cumberland photographer and teacher Sara Kemper for placing first in a Canadian Geographic Photography Competition. Kemper took first place in the magazine's "What is Home? Location Photo Competition." Her winning shot is the beach at Seal Bay, where she grew up. Kemper calls it "an homage to my childhood."