Our Story

In 1981 a large influx of Vietnamese refugees led to Valley residents organizing a non-profit, the Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society in order to:

• Facilitate the settlement and integration needs of immigrants and refugees
• Promote the diverse cultural heritages of valley residents.

Committed volunteers helped newcomers find employment, fill out required documents to reunite families, and arrange interpreters. Others taught cross-cultural awareness within the Cowichan Region, through schools and community. The Cowichan Exhibition food tent built friendships, laughter, and funds for the Society.

In 1982 the Intercultural Women’s Group was born. CVIIAS gained the charitable status it still maintains today. Work with immigrants and the rest of the community continued, and a welcome addition of federal funds led to hiring a part-time coordinator.

1983 saw rapid growth in membership and activities, including the Multicultural Day Camp. Core funding paid for the administrative costs of the Society and for two part-time coordinators.

Then – and now – the staff, Board, and volunteers are dedicated to delivering the programs which the community desires. The government’s shift to project-based funding has led to the occasional challenge with regard to location and staffing. But we are strong in creativity, flexibility, and determination.

We strive to be a home away from home, a place of belonging. The wonderful people who need us drive our desire to serve; our excellent community partnerships assist that desire; and our funders support the projects’ delivery.

Our name has changed, but our welcome is the same. Now known as Cowichan Intercultural Society, we continue the vision of our founders to facilitate mutual respect, trust, support, and education in the culturally diverse Cowichan Region.

Read about our some of our past services