“Nuts’amaat Syaays–Working Together As One”

Disclosing sexualized violence to anyone, let alone police or health care professionals often retraumatizes survivors. Rape is a physical assault that is sexualized. It has nothing to do with sexual attraction and it is never the victim’s fault. We live in a culture of silence and victim blaming. Our societal attitudes create barriers for survivors to seek justice, or medical care in order to recover from the trauma. Research shows that when a survivor receives compassionate support during the immediate aftermath of sexualized trauma, it has a significant impact on recovery. Survivors need collaboration amongst service providers.

In the spirit of collaboration, Warmland Women’s Support Services Society is dedicated to creating a coordinated crosssectoral response to sexualized violence. Survivors are directly impacted by the relationships service providers have with each other. We are committed to creating response procedures and accountability measures that support survivors and the community at large.

“Nuts’amaat Syaays–Working Together As One” is a sexual assault response program grounded in Indigenous values. Guidance from Quw’utsun Elders and Knowledge Keepers ensures cultural safety and cultural competence. Our collaborative partnership with Island Health forensic nurses provides a foundation for responding effectively to survivors of sexual assault. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the dedication of medical front line workers.

“Nuts’amaat Syaays” provides 24/7 crisis accompaniment to Cowichan Valley hospitals for survivors seeking forensic medical care. Crisis accompaniment includes culturally-informed practical and emotional support, information, response planning, and seamless coordination for wraparound support bridging survivors to community resources.

Sexual assault Advocates offer compassionate trauma-informed support while providing in-person accompaniment for survivors to attend medical services, report an offense to RCMP, or attend court so that survivors are not alone during the aftermath of sexualized violence. Moving beyond immediate/emergency needs, “Nuts’amaat Syaays” offers trauma-informed counseling and group programs supporting survivors’ overall posttraumatic recovery. Contact Kendra Thomas for details: kthomas@ warmlandwomen.org 250-710-8177.

Becoming A Mental Health Hero

$32.3B (2017). Numerous reports estimate increases in mental health issues by +35%. At Cowichan Family Life, we continue to witness the ongoing struggles of people’s mental wellbeing: the growing numbers seeking our counselling services, including referrals by family practitioners and other agencies; clients reporting deepening levels of anxiety, stress, and struggles to cope; people unable to pay our minimal fees due financial instability for various reasons.

March’s brightening days are pulling me from the doldrums that settled in through the grey winter months. For many, even the promise of longer day light brings little or no relief from the everyday stressors that weigh them down. Depression, stress, anxiety, relationship breakdowns, financial challenges are all struggles that impact mental wellness.

The pandemic has left scars on communitiesdeteriorating mental health, overwhelming fatigue, and eroding our resiliency. A survey by Yorkville University in January reported 78% of respondents noted economic and financial hardships are the most pressing issue facing individuals, with more than half ranking financial stress as having a major impact on their overall health.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada found that the economic impact from depression alone cost the Canadian economy www.cowichanfamilylife.org/

CFLA recognizes there is ‘we’ in mental wellness. For over 50 years, we have provided support for mild to moderate situations through our low-barrier, affordable counselling. No one is ever turned due to an inability to pay. Last year, our fees for service were subsidized by over 38%, and we are forecasting 41% for this fiscal year. As an independent, nonprofit agency, the generosity of donors and funders is essential to ensuring we can continue to do this important work.

March is the launch of our ‘Be a Mental Health Hero’ donation campaign, reaching out to community to support our services. For example, a donation of $250 will cover 8 counselling sessions for someone unable to pay, or for three people to attend one of our workshops. All donations over $25.00 will receive a charitable tax receipt. A donation of over $500 will add you to our Wall of Heroes at the CFLA office.

For more information on this campaign or any of the services we offer, please contact 250-748-8281 or visit our website.

Springtime Clearing

Good health to you!

Tina Foster, RHN Essential Remedies

Toxins toxins toxins - they’re everywhere. While its impossible to avoid completely, there is much you can do to avoid, as well as steps to take towards a cleaner body system and daily maintenance. Springtime is an excellent time for a refresh, and hopefully to develop some healthier habitsbody and mind.

Do what you can to avoid the worst and focus on building your body’s natural defense - a strong immune system, good circulation. a well-supported liver and digestion, and a stronger elimination system.

DO:

*Drink plenty of water and healthful herbal teas (dandelion is a great detoxifying choice)

*Include lots of organic fruits and vegetables

*Choose cleaner and digestible plant protein sources

*Incorporate fermented foods and/or probiotics for gut health

*Give intermittent fasting a try- the 16/8 variation is super easy, helps eliminate cravings, balances your internal system, energy benefits and more!

*Switch to non-toxic personal care and household products

*Movement and exercise daily for lymph health, circulation, body and mind wellness

*Try daily skin brushing and exfoliation

*Mind detox- cut back on news, media, anything negative, and practice meditation and mindfulness

*Take the time to de-clutter your home and make space, clean, and downsize

AVOID:

*junk processed foods

*meat and dairy (perhaps some fermented dairy is ok)

*cut-out alcohol for some time, and then drink less generally *cut back on caffeine

*negative thinking, relationships and associations

*pharmaceutical drugs (if doable)

Supplements are our allies, and Spring cleaning time is an excellent time for adding a couple in! Detox kits are available and work on all eliminatory organ systems, while some may choose to pick some milk thistle extract, dandelion tea, and a daily greens powder. Both are great options. Here is a list of some helpful ones:

*Milk Thistle- an excellent primo liver suppot herb. Look for an extract or a combination liver combo. Take it every day until empty, and repeat every few months for much needed ongoing liver support. Our liver does alot and is our powerhouse organ!!

*Dandelion tea- sip daily during this time, for digestive, liver, and blood cleansing. Eat the greens once they sprout up in your yard! Mineral rich and cleansing. They grow in Spring for a reason!

*Nettle tea- also grows in the Spring (so pick some nettles and incorporate them in a meal). The tea is light and refreshing and an excellent spring tonic.

*Spirulina and Chlorophyllsuper greens rich in vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and excellent to consume for daily cleansing, blood sugar support, and blood and organ health. Great source of chlorophyll.

*Moringa and other Greens supplements- natures multivitamin! Choose a greens combo for daily health to consume year-round. These greens, like moringa, are superfoods providing the body with extra nourishment, detoxification, energy, anti inflammory properties, the list goes on! Moringa is a top fave of mine.

*Seaweed - such as kelp, available in tabs, liquids, and delicious noodles and nori! Seagreens are excellent iodine sources which is essential for the thyroid, hormones, and detoxification. They are also mineral and vitamin rich, and beneficial to heart, gut, and more.

*Senna tea or casgara tabs- these are beneficial short term, if you have sluggish bowels. Its important to go daily, and during a cleanse we should consider aiding our bowels to go a little extra. Elimination is elevating!

Seedy Saturday

Justin time for Spring, Seedy Saturday in Cobble Hill is always an exciting and much anticipated event for gardeners.

It features two halls filled with vendors selling bedding starts, shrubs, seeds, gardening books, soaps and lotions, clay ollas for water saving irrigation, jams and jellies, fairly doors, garden gnomes, grow kits, planters, succulents, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, heritage apple trees, honey and bee products as well as crafts. We also have vendors offering landscaping, gardening, soil testing and local milk delivery services.

This is a free event, and there is plenty of parking and delicious food services. Join us for Vancouver Island’s liveliest Seedy Saturday!

March 11, 2023 - 10 am to 2 pm

The Shawnigan Cobble Hill Farmers Institute and Agricultural Society (Farmers Institute) was incorporated by the province of BC on November 3, 1914. The objectives of the Farmers Institute’s upon formation included: to improve the condition of rural life so that settlement may be permanent and prosperous; to promote the theory and practice of agriculture; to arrange on behalf of its members for the purchase, distribution or sale of commodities, supplies or products; to act generally on behalf of its members in all matters incidental to agricultural pursuits and rural development; and to promote home economics, public health, child welfare, education and better schools. Every year the Farmers Institute hosts a variety of community events including Seedy Saturday.

SWAP SOME SEEDS!

Submitted by Hannah Auer

Every year, as the days begin to lengthen and the buds begin to swell, a hum of excitement begins to build within the heart of every gardener. Seed catalogs lie open on the kitchen table, and thoughts drift to sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes and fresh cucumbers on the vine.

One of our favourite parts of the event is the seed swap table, where all amateur seed-savers are welcome to bring their seeds to share with other gardeners. Seed saving is a great way to preserve heirloom varieties of seeds, make gardening more affordable and sustainable, and get to know the plants in a deeper way. Seed swap tables grew out of the seed library TIMmovement, where seeds are freely shared by communities, to increase local seed diversity and build food sovereignty. We ask that all seeds shared are grown organically, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Everyone is also welcomed to take some seeds from the seed swap table and grow them in your own garden. As food costs increase, gardening is a great way to save money, increase nutrition and support the health of our families and communities. Come out and join in the fun and celebrate the beginning of spring with us!

PARTICIPATE IN A SEED EXCHANGE!

Please bring your seeds in a clean dry jar, or envelope.

Make sure your seeds are clearly labeled with the crop variety, the year grown, and any notes that might be interesting or helpful for other gardeners.

Thisyear we are happy to announce that 14th Annual Seedy Sunday will be back in person at the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium (5574 River Rd, Duncan). We have ample room for indoor and outdoor vendors, including food trucks!

At this community event everyone is welcome no mater your gardening experience. You will find locally produced seeds, vegetable seedlings, herbs, native plants, and garden accessories. While you at the event join a free workshop or bring your kids so they can enjoy some activities!

11am

Carolyn Herriot

‘How to Save Your own Vegetable Seeds (Everything you need is in your Kitchen)’

Carolyn Herriot is author of 3 books, ‘A Year on the Garden Path’ and ‘The ZeroMile Diet’. In her books she shares 30 years of seed saving secrets for every vegetable

Cowichan Green Community’s Seedy Sunday

and culinary herb. She grew for her business ‘Seeds of Victoria’ from 1991-2014, and now grows seeds called ‘IncrEdibles!’ at Deep Roots Farm in Yellow Point. www. deeprootsfarm.ca which also offers hands-on workshops for small scale farmers.

plants, and their connection to the Quw’utsun people. Della will also have some of her herbal medicine available for sale.

with customized plant lists for your unique garden and show you neat habitat features that help to promote a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Also, learn about mason bees, other beneficial pollinators + the entire ethos of environmental sustainability and how we can do our best to help the planet!

“This is our favourite event of the year,” proclaims Judy Stafford, Executive Director of CGC. “When we planned the first event in 2009 in the old Mercury Theatre we had no idea that it would become so successful. We are overjoyed to be back in full swing this Spring. We are excited about offering workshops again and we can’t wait to see all those gardeners walking out with seeds and plants in hand ready to get planting!”

1pm

Sierra Stacey

Native Pollinator Workshop

Come join Wilder

Restoration & Meadow Wren

12pm

Della Rice-Sylvester

Plants and Prayer Walk

Come and join Della RiceSylvester, local Quw’utsun medicine woman, on a plant walk on the land surrounding the Si’em Lelum Gym. Learn about the medicinal traditional uses of local

Relaxing, balancing, Reiki/chakra alignments, Reiki classes, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Foot detox, Healing touch, Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, GuaSha, Cupping, TuiNa

Flower Farm’s Pollinator Workshop: Learn how to create impactful, biodiverse gardens buzzing with life. They will teach you how to draw and design the perfect garden space to attract & sustain pollinators. Wilder Restoration & Meadow Wren will guide you to come up

Cremation sandsfuneral.com/duncan email:sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com 187

Admission to this event is $2.00 and will run 10am to 2pm on Sunday, March 19. Si’em Lelum Gymnasium 5574 River Rd. Duncan We would like to invite everyone in the community to come check-out this family friendly day.

For more information on this event, feel free to contact CGC at 250748-8506 or info@ cowichangreencommunity.org.

Perennial Food Plants

Agarden can be a wonderful source of food, especially in times of rising grocery costs. A vegetable garden requires constant management with soil preparation, seeding, thinning, weeding, and harvesting. Rewards are great, but it takes effort. Another approach is permanent fruiting shrubs, vines, and trees. These take longer to establish but once in place will give years of abundant food, sometimes more than one can handle, a positive problem to be faced with. If you are planning a food garden, careful planning will maximize your food production.

Two basic requirements are a location with mid-day sun and well drained soil. Soil can be amended to increase fertility, but roots cannot sit in water for extended periods. You can dedicate a part of your property to food growing or incorporate edible plants into your landscape. Harvest timing, when planned correctly will give you food from the garden for about 8 months of the year.

In the shrub category, blueberries are the most popular. Varieties are available that ripen from July to September with the surplus being easily frozen. Raspberries need perfect drainage to grow strongly with the main crop ripening in July and a late variety ripening from August to frost.

Grow Food In Your Yard

Fruiting vines are trained onto fences, arbors, or trellis on the south sides of buildings. Grapes and Kiwi are the most widely planted but there are many types of blackberry and related varieties. Their fruit can be frozen or made into preserves.

Finally, there are the tree fruits that start in August with early apples, cherries, peaches and plums. Fall is a succession of apple and pear varieties with the keeper varieties harvested by early November before freezing temperatures arrive. These are stored for winter with some varieties lasting until Easter. With some planning you can have some food from the garden most of the year, helping to reduce the high food costs and being as local as it gets.

TIME TO PLANT TREE FRUIT AND SMALL FRUITS

Bare root fruit trees - now is the best time to plant Apple, Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Nectarine, Asian Pear and more

Small Fruits in pots

Blueberry, Raspberry, Grapes, Kiwi, Blackberry and related berries, Currant, Gooseberry, Sea Berry, Mulberry

Other Edible Plants

Figs, Olives, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Chestnuts

Soils and conditioners to get your plants off to a good start. Try our Nurseryland Fish Soil

March is time to fertilize.

12-16-12 all purpose for all your plants

5-2-4 Organic all purpose for edible plants www.dinternursery.ca

250 748-2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

Amy LuckMacGregor Certified Soil Food Web Laboratory Technician

There’s a dance going on, above and below ground. It’s an intelligent dance - in ways we are just beginning to understand - and it’s synergistic, responsive and adaptive. Plants and microorganisms engaged together, living and dying, as nature moves forward in succession from rock to old growth forest over vast amounts of time.

So why isn’t everything an old growth forest? Backward moves in succession come in many forms, e.g fire, flood, drought, insect infestation. And there’s the human kind – deforestation, tillage agriculture, urban expansion… as that catchy song goes, to put up a parking lot.

If we could transcend the human lifespan and observe succession, we would first witness bare rock being colonized by photosynthetic