As part of ongoing work to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into healing, the new Cowichan hospital will carry a Hul'q'umi'num' and English dual name celebrating the deep cultural and linguistic heritage of the Quw'utsun Peoples and their connection to the land.

The new name will be Quw’utsun Valley Hospital/Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw.

“This project represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “The gift of the new name is part of ongoing work in the building of the new hospital to incorporate Indigenous perspectives, and ensure our critical infrastructure remains culturally safe and inclusive for generations to come.”

About the new name

Hul'q'umi'num' is the language of the Quw’utsun Peoples, on whose territory the hospital is being built. The Hul'q'umi'num' name, Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw (pronounced Cow-ut-sun Ha-lee-tun-awt-wh), means Cowichan place of giving life, and honours the land, language and holistic healing traditions of the Quw’utsun Peoples. This name will be paired with the English name Quw’utsun Valley Hospital.

“Quw’utsun” describes the act of warming one’s back from a heat source and is based on the story of a frog warming its back by the sun after a historic flood. Hulitun-ew’t-hw means “place of giving life.” Elders chose this name to reflect the warmth and care that hospital staff provide to patients and each other.

The Hul'q'umi'num' name and permission to use the language was gifted to the new hospital by the Cowichan Tribes S-ul'hween Language Committee through a collaborative process led by the Hul'q'umi'num' and Snuw’uy’lh Advisory, working in partnership with the hospital replacement project alliance, with a shared goal to improve First Nation, Métis and Inuit health-care experiences.

“I am deeply inspired by this powerful act of cultural revitalization and collaboration between the Hul'q'umi'num' and Snuw’uy’ulh Advisory and the project team,” said Debra Toporowski (Qwulti’stunaat), MLA for Cowichan Valley. “Today’s announcement is a beautiful way to honour the land and language of the Quw'utsun Peoples, while working to deliver the services the community needs.”

Progress of hospital

Construction of the 204-bed hospital is 75% complete and on track for completion in 2026. It will be more than three times larger than the hospital it is replacing. The new hospital will include:

• improved access to modern, patient-centred care with 204 beds, with 56 more beds than the current facility ;
• culturally safe spaces to support traditional healing, gatherings and dedicated Indigenous health-program space, reflecting the hospital’s deep connection to Quw’utsun territory;
• an expanded emergency department that will grow from 17 to 45 spaces, with expanded trauma bays, monitored care and a dedicated acute psychiatric zone;
• more operating and surgical rooms, expanded pediatric and mental-health services, as well as a birthing unit and a special-care nursery so families can stay close to home; and
• sustainable design features, such as B.C.’s first fully electric hospital, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.

“Designed as a place of healing where hope and trust can thrive, the new hospital reflects the strength of partnerships with Indigenous peoples,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Indigenous naming of this facility brings us another step closer to opening its doors and reminds us that health care is strongest when it honours community, wellness and traditional knowledge.”

Local impact

The new hospital will replace the Cowichan Regional General Hospital and is set to open for patients in 2027.

“Our knowledge and values are embedded in our language,” said Chief Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes (Sulsulxumaat). “Our Elders have gifted the new hospital with an important name that offers a new way forward when it comes to our peoples’ experiences with health-care facilities. It is our hope that this dual name will not only welcome and comfort all people who seek care here, but also inspire and support the medical professionals and staff who provide that care.”

The project cost is anticipated to be nearly $1.5 billion, provided by the Province through Island Health, Cowichan Valley Regional District and Cowichan District Hospital Foundation.

This new hospital is part of  the Province’s work to improve and expand health-care services for people in the Cowichan Valley and throughout B.C.  

Quotes:

Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health —

“We are profoundly grateful to Cowichan Tribes S-ul'hween Language Committee and the Hul'q'umi'num' and Snuw’uy’ulh Advisory for trusting us with their language, their stories and the truths of their experiences in health care. Our new hospital name reflects the warmth and compassion our staff bring to patients and each other, and will continue to inspire us to create lasting, transformative change through partnership and collaboration.”

Kate Segall, board chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District —

“We are grateful for the healing, and reflection of community and cultural values that the new hospital name Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw represents. We respectfully acknowledge the many partners who have worked together to establish a hospital rooted in compassion, care, and inclusion.”

David Robertson, board chair, Cowichan District Hospital Foundation —

“The Cowichan District Hospital Foundation is deeply honoured to be part of this historic moment as the new hospital receives its Hul'q'umi'num' name, Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw. This name beautifully reflects the spirit of care, generosity and community that has guided every gift and donation toward the building of this new place of healing. We are grateful to the Quw’utsun Peoples for sharing their language and teachings, which will continue to inspire all who enter through the doors of this hospital.”

Brennan MacDonald, vice-president regional operations (Vancouver Island), First Nations Health Authority –

“We raise our hands to all those who have led this work with heart and determination. The naming of Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw is a meaningful step forward, one that reflects the strength of community leadership and the shared commitment to culturally safe, dignified care.”

Sean Dekoning, senior vice-president and area manager, EllisDon –

“Building a hospital that will serve the community of Cowichan Valley goes far beyond the construction of a brick-and-mortar facility; it takes the commitment and equitable participation of all affected partners. EllisDon, as part of the Nuts'a'maat Alliance, is thankful to be included in a ceremony where local Indigenous leaders will bestow upon the hospital the gift of a new name in the Hul'q'umi'num language. We’re inspired to continue our dutiful delivery of this state-of-the-art-space for the community, with the community.”

Shane Czypyha, principal, Parkin Architects –

“We are deeply grateful to the Cowichan Tribes S-ul'hween Language Committee and the Hul'q'umi'num' and Snuw'uy'ulh Advisory for entrusting us with their insights and the truths of their experiences in health care. From an architectural and design perspective, their guidance has shaped our work in meaningful ways, ensuring that the new hospital reflects the community’s cultural strength. Their feedback has been integrated with care and respect, and it continues to inform our pursuit of design that supports healing, advances well-being, and honours the identity of the people it serves.”

Learn More:

For a pronunciation video of the new hospital name, visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/newcdh/newname

See more information about the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project: www.islandhealth.ca/newcdh

More information about health capital projects in B.C., such as hospitals, clinics, cancer centres and care homes, is available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects