North Cowichan’s 150th anniversary celebration kicks off June 18 with free community event

June 1, 2023

(North Cowichan, BC) – Everyone is invited to North Cowichan’s 150th anniversary party on Sunday, June 18 from 11 am to 3 pm at Waterwheel Park in Chemainus. The event officially kicks off a year-long celebration of activities. North Cowichan was incorporated on that day in 1873, and is the fifth oldest municipality in B.C.

“This is a significant milestone for North Cowichan, and an opportunity to look ahead to our future,” said Mayor Rob Douglas. “As we celebrate 150 years as a municipality, it is important we acknowledge the much longer history of Indigenous Peoples who have lived in this area since time immemorial, recognizing that truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities is an important and ongoing journey.”

The sesquicentennial is an opportunity to reflect on the long and rich history that extends for millennia, far before 1873. We encourage everyone to explore the diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

It is also an opportunity to share what makes North Cowichan special and there will be opportunities to share words and pictures that show what you love about North Cowichan at events, online, and on Instagram.

The 150th celebration is a free family event that will include live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, and of course birthday cake.

The June 18 schedule includes:

  • 11 am – Welcoming remarks by Elders and VIPs
  • 11:30 am - JoHannah Knight
  • 12 pm - Tzinquaw Dancers
  • 12:30 pm - Hardware Girls
  • 1:30 pm - Ken Lavigne
  • 2:40 pm - Chemainus Community Band

This event is being organized with the support of the Chemainus Business Improvement Association and Chemainus Chamber of Commerce.

A number of community events are also planned, including:

  • The Cowichan Historical Society is hosting an exhibition from June 1 to 30 at the Cowichan Valley Museum (Duncan Train Station) of the work of 24 artists, both past and present, that celebrate North Cowichan’s 150th anniversary. On June 18, there will also be a classic car display and cake.
  • The Crofton Community Association is hosting a Seawalk light-up event on June 24 from 7pm-10pm. The event will take place at the Crofton Seawalk and will include entertainment, speeches, and a official light-up/march along the Seawalk. The North Cowichan 150th activation team will be present with swag and kids activites. 
  • The Maple Bay Community Association is hosting a Canada Day Parade. The parade will gather at Andy Hutchins Park starting at 9:30am with the parade commencing at 10:30am. 
  • The Duncan Cowichan Festival Society is back again with Duncan Days and the Grande Parade on Saturday July 15. The event starts at 10am at the Cowichan Community Centre. Be sure to look for North Cowichan's 150th anniversary tent. 
  • The Forest Discovery Centre is hosting a special 150th anniversary celebration day on August 20 with activities for kids and adults.

The Municipality of North Cowichan sits on the traditional territories of the Quw’utsun First Nation, which includes the Cowichan Tribes, the Halalt First Nation, the Lyackson First Nation, the Penelakut Tribe, and the Stz'uminus First Nation. The Municipality also sits on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Learn more about the 150th celebrations including an up-to-date list of events at www.northcowichan.ca/150.

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Media contact:
Barb Floden
Manager, Communications and Public Engagement
250-709-5012
communications@northcowichan.ca

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