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Announcing the 2021 Vital Grant Awards

Photo credit: Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society

Our Vital Grant program began in 2018 with the goal to address regional priorities and complex challenges influencing sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. These $15,000-20,000 grants support meaningful collaboration between organizations, communities and cultures and must include a minimum of two project partners. This year, the CBT also reviewed Vital Grant applications with an equity lens by considering whether projects addressed regional social and health inequities.

Congratulations to all recipients. Thank you for the important work that you are doing in our Biosphere Region!

We are happy to announce the 2021 Vital Grant projects:

Bedwell River Habitat Restoration and Enhancement – Ahousaht / Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society

The Bedwell River watershed is located in the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation and is approximately 24km Northeast of Tofino within Clayoquot Sound. The project aims to restore and enhance vital spawning and rearing habitat for chum, coho, and chinook salmon. The restoration and habitat enhancement of this watershed is crucial for the survival and sustainability of Clayoquot Salmon.

To learn more and discover future projects follow Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society and their partners in this project Central Westcoast Forest Society, Ha'oom Fisheries, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, and Uu-a-thluk.

Assessing Juvenile Chinook Salmon Survival – Cedar Coast Field Station

The Cedar Coast Field Station (CCFS) is working on a large, locally-led, collaborative effort to evaluate early marine survival in threatened Clayoquot Chinook salmon. Over the past two years, CCFS has piloted an effort working with First Nations, DFO, and local organizations to address knowledge gaps regarding Chinook lifecycles and potential factors affecting the population's ability to rebuild to healthy levels.

Follow the Cedar Coast Field Station and their partners in this project (Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society, Ha'oom Fisheries, and Uu-a-thluk) to learn more about their work and future projects.

ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Family Learning Curriculum Development – Language Keepers Society

Fluent Elders, Moses and Levi Martin, with linguist, Adam Werle, Phd, have been developing and implementing a family language curriculum with a dedicated group of approximately thirty learners. This curriculum breaks the language into learnable pieces. The benefit of this approach is evidenced in the rapid language acquisition of dedicated learners.

The Language Keepers Society has a new website coming out soon - stay tuned to our Facebook page and we will share it when it is live!

Tla-o-qui-aht Nation Community Safety Initiative – Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

The Tla-o-qui-aht Nation Community Safety Initiative seeks to fund, support, and provide training opportunities for TFN a network of on-call Community Crisis Responders (CCR). CCR's will be available 24/7 to those in crisis in Tla-o-qui-aht communities to respond in place of or alongside colonial police to protect lives from violence and connect to community resources.

Join us for our Annual Biosphere Region BioBlitz!

April 2, 2024
On Saturday, April 20th, participate from anywhere within the biosphere region to celebrate the upcoming Earth Day! It’s an excellent opportunity to step outdoors and learn about the amazing biodiversity in the area.

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

January 17, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!

Holiday Giving Unites Communities

December 4, 2023
As the holiday season draws near, the timeless tradition of holiday giving beckons, transcending cultures and religions, and embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. In the heart of this global tradition lies an opportunity to make a positive impact on local organizations that sustain our region to help advance their mission far beyond the holiday season.

Truth, Honour & the Way Forward

November 20, 2023
In partnership with Ucluelet Secondary School (USS), the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage, the CBT hosted an exhibit to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Take a look at the video to learn more about the event.

CBT's Youth Intern, Reflects on her Beach Cleanup Experience

August 28, 2023
This summer, CBT's Youth Intern, Janessa, has been supporting us in a wide range of projects across the organization and also participated in initiatives hosted by other local non-profits. One of our goals was to offer her the opportunity to experience diverse types of work as well as acquire skills and knowledge in many different fields. Learn about her time with Surfrider Pacific Rim where she helped remove debris from a local beach.

Join our team as Administrative Assistant

August 18, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position.  The Administrative Assistant will support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Administrative Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

Announcing the Spring 2023 Neighbourhood Small Grants!

June 27, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Neighbourhood Small Grants this past spring cycle. NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics to make their communities more inclusive, and vibrant places to live. Check out the projects below and reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate.

National Truth and Reconciliation Exhibit

June 13, 2023
Here is a video that was created last year in partnership with the Ucluelet Secondary School, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage to honor the second annual day for Truth and Reconciliation. We have partnered again this year to bring this impactful youth-led learning opportunity for our third annual exhibit.

Hišinq – “All Together”

June 12, 2023
Have you heard that the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is building a Biosphere Center? You might have read about it online or in local print media, maybe you heard it on the radio, or perhaps you joined us for the open house that took place at the current CBT office. However, you might not be aware that the CBT has been working on this project for over a decade and has taken many steps to create a space that will serve and reflect the values held by each community in the region.

We're looking for a new team member! (PDF) 221.42 KB

April 21, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: This position has been filled. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is seeking an intern to provide support for a range of projects across the organization. This position will provide opportunities to work alongside and be mentored by different team members, learning about and providing administrative support for projects aligned with the candidate's skills and interests.