Koyah's Journey: From receiving CBT's Education Award to Studying Science at UBC

Koyah Morgan-Banke Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Education Award Recipient 2023Photo Credit: Danielle Wilson

Koyah Morgan-Banke is a Toquaht student who received CBT's Central Region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award in 2023 and is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in medicine. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award. 

Thank you, Koyah, for sharing your experience with us and for your remarkable dedication. We're grateful to be able to follow your journey and we look forward to reading more about your research. Way to go Koyah! 

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"Studying science at the University of British Columbia was the best decision I have made in my entire life. I strongly urge anyone who is even merely pondering the idea of pursuing a post-secondary education to do so. Living and learning at UBC has enriched my life in so many different ways – Academically, socially, motivationally… That being said, I do understand the apprehension many potential university-goers may have financially, and it is for this reason that I must recognize the sponsorship I have received from Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to focus my energy on my studies and relieved a lot of the financial burden I faced whilst adjusting to the cost of living. Throughout this past school year, I was able to use my extra time to make valuable connections and contributions to my new community, which has in turn better prepared me for this year. Here are some of the highlights of my first year : 

  • I got to work as a Contract artist and undergraduate academic assistant at Micheal Smiths Laboratories. 
  • Attained first-aid certification.
  • Selected a major in Neuroscience.
  • Became nominated for an undergraduate research award in February 2025!
  • Established a network of connections with the professors, students, and faculty of UBC through the UBC longhouse 
  • I also got to visit my friends in Spain over the summer! It was my first time leaving the country, and the experience has really opened my eyes to just how big the world is.

Moving into my second year, I feel more grounded and prepared. My summer contained a lot of productivity and moving parts that have set me up for a good start to my semester. Over the summer, I worked with many professors and facilities at Micheal Smiths Laboratories on delivering a science-based workshop for Indigenous youth from Tsawwassen. During this multi-day workshop, I not only got the opportunity to work with high school students from the area and share my knowledge as a first-year-science-student-survivor, but I also became connected to researchers in another lab that encouraged me to apply for a research lab position at UBC. Their support combined with various interviews/resumes has landed me a position as an undergraduate research assistant at Ciernia Labs this year. Presently, I will be researching the relationship between gut health and neurological disorders. In the summer, I intend to take on a work-learn position through this lab to research more about the neuroprotective effects of L-theanine and understand its potential against neurodegenerative diseases.  

To summarize where I am at in my life/studies presently : 

  • I am currently living in Kitsilano, Vancouver.  
  • I'm enjoying the process of learning – I tend to romanticize the learning process. I think you kind of have to if what you are studying requires a lot of your time and attention in order to be successful. I look forward to spending my hours studying neuroscience whilst I sip matcha and watch the Vancouver leaves change color.  
  • Exploring a new niche (Neuroscience!).
  • I remain invested in a career in the medical field, specifically somewhere involving the nervous system. The lab I currently am a part of is actually inside the UBC hospital and is largely connected to medical sciences in many ways. My goals have not changed since high school, and I am still dedicated to one day being a part of the medical society.  

To conclude, I couldn’t be happier with where I am in my life right now. It’s impossible to express in writing how grateful I am to be learning what I am, at the institution I am, on the lands that I am, under the support of the CBT. Until next time!"

-Koyah Morgan-Banke  

Fostering Collaboration: BC's UNESCO Biospheres Gather in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
In early October, the three BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions gathered for knowledge sharing within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Each Biosphere Regions works together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. By leveraging our unique strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.  

Collaboration and Conservation: Highlights from Our Gathering at the Waterton Biosphere Region

October 9, 2024
Earlier this month, Janessa (Conservation Partnerships Coordinator) and Rebecca (Executive Director), joined colleagues from across Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions for a knowledge-sharing event within the Waterton Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. 

Insights from our 2024 Intern: A Summer with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

September 25, 2024
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming Zahur as CBT's 2024 summer intern, where they played a key role in supporting a variety of initiatives across the organization. Zahur brought fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic, making a meaningful impact on numerous projects. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication! To learn more about Zahur's experience, read their blog post below.

New Signage: Welcoming You to the Haḥuułi of the Five Central Nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations

September 9, 2024
If you’ve driven from Port Alberni to the coast recently, you may have noticed a new sign 2km before you arrive at “the junction.” The sign welcomes you to the ḥaḥuułi of the five central region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Nations — hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) — where the biosphere region is designated. 

Announcing the 2024 Vital Grants

September 5, 2024
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vital Grants. This year, the CBT awarded $80,000 in funding to three inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.

Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

September 3, 2024
We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

Announcing the 2024 Biosphere Research Award

August 29, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Biosphere Research Award. This year, the CBT awarded $20,000 in funding to Ha’oom Fisheries Society for their Coho Vitality Project.

Join our Team!

August 27, 2024
*This position has been filled!  The construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre creates an opportunity to exemplify the richness of the region’s cultures in a physical space, providing opportunities for all local artists to preserve culture and traditional knowledge, while creating accessible economic opportunities through art. The Art Program Coordinator engages community members and partners with the goal to plan, gather, and supervise the creation and installation of art in the future building in scale with available funding.

Newsletter Feature: World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions

August 26, 2024
We’re honored to have been featured in the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves/Regions newsletter! This spotlight highlights the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Center and the ongoing efforts in the region to reduce plastic pollution, alongside our collaborative stewardship initiatives. Read more!

Announcing the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants

August 20, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture grants. This year, eleven inspiring projects in our region have been awarded a total of $30,000 in funding. These grants focus on supporting arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation. They aim to promote cross-community and cross-cultural engagement, facilitate learning and teaching opportunities, and strengthen arts capacity through workshops, collaborations, and education. Additionally, these grants prioritize equity-seeking initiatives that address barriers to equal access and participation in the arts, focusing on BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. 

Announcing the 2024 Youth & Education Grants

August 9, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Youth and Education grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $52,000 in funding to eleven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in CBT's 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.

Join our Team!

July 24, 2024
*This position has been filled!  We’re looking for an Executive and Finance Assistant to 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, hosting events, 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 Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events. Apply now!

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience!