Eric Richards

Dec 19, 2024 | thediscourse.ca | Eric Richards

If you asked someone who lived in the Cowichan Valley in the 1950s how they knew spring was here, they would probably say it was because the bluebirds had arrived. Bluebirds were such a common sight in the Valley and on Salt Spring Island that by the 1990s, naturalist groups were alarmed by the steep decline in their population. It was so bad the bluebird was declared locally extinct.

Dec 12, 2024 | thediscourse.ca | Eric Richards

In 2020, Jenn Baird was living in Cowichan when she was inspired to create a space to spotlight Indigenous artists. As a mixed Swedish, Scottish and Anishinaabe settler and artist, Baird saw an opportunity to help artists historically silenced by colonialism protect their work and, more importantly, build a sustainable income. Thus came the Indigenous Makers Market, now in its third year and hosted by Hustle Berry Jam Productions, led by Baird.

Nov 28, 2024 | thediscourse.ca | Eric Richards

Hey there, Cowichan Valley!I’m Eric, and you may have seen my face earlier this month when my first story for The Discourse Cowichan was published. You might have also wondered, who is this guy? Well, I’m pleased to introduce myself as the new community reporter for the Cowichan Valley!In my 30 years spinning around the sun, I’ve worn many hats, some so odd that people don’t believe me when I tell them what I did (I wrangled moths for a year in Kelowna).

Nov 20, 2024 | mycowichanvalleynow.com | Eric Richards

A coroner’s inquest into the death of a man at the ferry terminal in Departure Bay is calling for more advanced care paramedics and ERT officers when police are arresting armed suspects. Jer Wood also known as Jerry Robert Smallwood, died in May of 2018 after being fired on by RCMP officers while he was fleeing arrest in connection to a violent carjacking in Penticton.

Nov 19, 2024 | mycowichanvalleynow.com | Eric Richards

The Cowichan Valley is battening down the hatches for an incoming storm with wind forecast from 90 to 100 km/h. The town of Ladysmith urged the public to be prepared for the wind and heavy rain beginning this afternoon. They say to expect power outages, secure loose items around your home, slow down while driving and watch out for falling tree limbs.