Announcing the spring 2024 Green/Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants!

We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Green/Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSGs) this past spring cycle. A total of 15 projects were funded in the region!

As usual, we want to extend our thanks to the Westcoast Community Resources Society, our community partner, for creating the cheques for community members. 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 from the Clayoquot Sound NSG program and don’t hesitate to reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate.

2024 Spring Green/Youth NSG Projects

Kids’ Clothing Swap – Caitlin O'Connell, Tofino

The kids' clothing swap will provide an opportunity for caregivers and kids to gather, socialize, and exchange outgrown clothes for new treasures. The event hosted in 2023 was a huge success, with many parents expressing their gratitude and eagerly asking for another swap.

The Hongosdomum Community Spawning Event – Colin Steven, Ucluelet

This one-day event will allow participants to meet, build their hanging mushroom planters, and start their garden units together during this inclusive family-orientated community event. Each household will create a beginner-friendly grow unit, perfect for the West Coast climate.

Seed Bombing Raincoast Commons – Todd Smith, Ucluelet

Gardening on the West Coast is often seen as challenging due to the climate. This project aims to disprove that myth by teaching Ucluetians about local gardening, soil fertility, and Indigenous plants while addressing soil erosion in a new neighborhood. This gardening block party will increase knowledge about regional plant life and foster community connections. Last year's event drew people from across the region for seed bombing, learning, and fun.

Cultivating Community: Seed Library and Plant Swap Hub - Sarah Gray, Ucluelet

This project aims to provide free access to native seeds and serve as a communal space for exchanging plants, fostering a culture of conservation and collaboration within our neighborhood. By establishing a Seed Library and Plant Swap Hub, our community will not only cultivate a diverse array of plant species but also sow the seeds of collaboration, education, and environmental stewardship.

The Ucluelet Secondary School Welcoming Open House - Rheanna Garcia, Ucluelet

This project aims to support youth at Ucluelet Secondary School by connecting them with opportunities for extracurricular activities, school support systems, and outside-school empowerment as well as engagement opportunities. The project seeks to reduce isolation, promote leadership and teamwork, and enhance community collaboration for youth well-being.

Running Shoe Recycling - Nora O'Malley, Ucluelet

This event will be hosted in partnership with Surfrider Pacific Rim and the Edge to Edge Marathon to promote a running shoe recycling blitz! Terracycle Zero Waste Box will be purchased for community members to drop off their old running shoes and keep them out of the landfill.

Ucluelet/Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Street Signs learning walk - Colin Robinson, Ucluelet

Recently, the District of Ucluelet and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (YG) Department of Culture teamed up to create signage showing the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ/Nuu-chah-nulth names for each street. The project would connect mamathnee (settler) and quaas (NCN) members of the community in a fun/inclusive way focusing on reconciliation, placemaking, and the principles of stewardship and sustainability that are inherently part of the NCN worldview and language.

Operation Grade 7 Community Building Trip - Miranda McIver, Tofino

Our Grade 7 class is traveling across the island to experience new activities together to build connections with the graduating class of Wickaninnish Community School. They will be going to Wild Play where collaboration, working together, strategy, balance and coordination, risk-taking, and overcoming challenges are all things that will bring our graduating class closer together. This is an opportunity for students to strengthen relationships and celebrate a successful elementary school career.

Memory Tree - Carol Frank, Esowista

The project will feature a cherry blossom tree with a memorial plaque dedicated to missing and murdered women and men, providing a place for families to visit. Chairs will be arranged under the tree for reflection, and a blank notebook will be available for anyone to write the names of their missing or murdered loved ones. This initiative will be open to the entire community, helping to raise awareness and offer a space for collective remembrance.

Tuff City Funday - Hayden Steven, Tofino

The Tuff City Funday event will take place at the Legion and it will be filled with music, performances, and heartfelt connections. There will be fun games, tasty food, and face painting. This all-ages event will be a celebration of community spirit and togetherness!

Cedar Bark: Traditional Learnings - Lisa Sabbas, Tofino

Cedar bark will be harvested to show grandchildren and family the harvesting process as well as preparing the bark for storage. Afterward, the participants will learn how to thin and prepare the bark for making various projects such as mats, headbands, skirts tops, and jewelry. With the resurgence of learning our traditional methods of making regalia for dancing, potlatches, and giveaways, it is important to document the step-by-step process of doing this.

Grade 7 Grad Trip - Aaron Tilston-Redican, Tofino

This event will offer grade 7 students an opportunity to connect and bond with their peers. It will be an end-of-year celebration, marking the culmination of eight years of hard work and providing a great start to high school. This event will be a way for students to create a sense of community through play and fun activities.

Spraytastic - Faye Missar, Ucluelet

A local expert with experience in spray painting or airbrushing will lead a 2-hour course for a small group of 6-8 children (ages 8 and up) in Ucluelet. The workshop will cover basic techniques, allowing kids to explore their creativity and develop new artistic skills. Each participant will leave with their own unique art piece, a testament to their newfound talent and imagination.

Bi-lateral Drawing Club - Ilia Poichuk, Tofino

The Bi-lateral Drawing Club is an inclusive event promoting community engagement through weekly Mark Making sessions. The sessions are casual and focus on repetitive artistic practice, providing snacks, tea, and various drawing materials. Participants use both hands to create marks on a page, guided by prompts that center them in the present moment. This activity helps regulate the nervous system, counters grind culture and emphasizes process over product. It's a chance to enjoy artistic expression without the pressure of creating a "work of art." All materials are donated and reused to reduce waste.

World Ocean Day Beach Clean - Kevin Bradshaw, Ucluelet

Each year substantial amounts of trash wash up on our shores, and this is an important opportunity for the local community to get involved, learn about the impacts of this waste, and how they can reduce their personal impact on the environment. The cleaning area will be from the Ucluelet Aquarium to the 52 Steps Public Dock, Francis Island, and will expand to Big Beach and Terrace Beach with the support and partnership of Black Rock and Terrace Beach Resorts. The event will be community and volunteer-driven, free, and inclusive to all.