Pictured above are past Clayoquot Sound Neighbourhood Small Grants
We’re excited to share this list of grassroots community projects that received a Green/Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past spring cycle. A total of 19 projects were funded in the region!
As always, we would like to extend our gratitude to the West Coast 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 Biosphere Region NSG program, and don’t hesitate to reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect with a project leader.
Beach Plastic Recycling – Carly Butler, Ucluelet
The project will engage youth in Hitacu and Ucluelet in a hands-on, creative initiative to turn beach plastic into usable items. The project includes a beach cleanup, processing the plastic at the Port Alberni Makerspace, and using molds and heat tools to create objects like bowls, flowerpots, and keychains. The final creations will be displayed and shared for free in a tiny front-yard gallery in Ucluelet, along with DIY handouts to inspire others to take action on ocean plastic.
Book of Photography and Poetry - Heather Hendry, Tofino
This project is a collaborative book of local photography by long-time resident Mary Christmas, whose vision was to see her work published and paired with poetry from students at Ucluelet Secondary School before her passing. The book will be printed and made available by donation throughout the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet. It will celebrate and showcase the creative talents of both younger and older generations, highlighting the rich artistic spirit of the region.
Bridge Building: Showing up well & working toward right-relationship - Tsimka Martin, Tofino
The workshops: A welcoming and supportive workshop for non-Indigenous people aiming to make change, show up well, and work toward right relationship with Indigenous people, communities, and Nations. Together we’ll look at the systems and structures we live within – settler colonialism – and how it functions both structurally (laws, etc) and interpersonally, and the resulting power dynamics and imbalances. Grounded in this awareness, we will talk about settler responsibilities and map existing and potential pathways toward right-relationship.
Indigenous people are more than welcome to attend, knowing we will be discussing the world as it is, including descriptions of colonial violence and focusing on the settler responses and feelings that maintain these systems. This workshop is rooted in hope and the possibility of a more loving and just world. The workshop will increase community understanding about existing power dynamics, the impacts and ongoing nature of colonization, and how we can work together to create more equity. It can be really isolating and scary to learn about these issues alone. Learning in a group setting can allow people to see their hopes, questions, concerns, and stumbling blocks reflected in their neighbours. By learning in a group about challenging issues, aiming toward hopeful and empowering action, we hope to catalyse long term meaningful shifts.
Community Connection - Paul Lucas, Hot Springs
The community has experienced a large amount of grief, and I want to host a community meal at the school. I want to celebrate that we are Warriors because we are still alive and acknowledge that we accept each other as a community.
Dance Shawls Workshop - Annie George, Tofino
This workshop will teach shawl sewing and decoration for traditional Tla-o-qui-aht dance shawls using fabric, sequins, and buttons. I have helped to share and teach for two years and have been requested to do more workshops. I hope to teach 8-10 people how to create dance shawls for upcoming community events.
Ecstatic Dance (movement for all ages) - Jamie Lee Mock, Tofino
This project aims to bring Dance Temple Pacific Rim, an inclusive, ecstatic dance community, into the newly improved Clayoquot Theatre. By moving indoors, we can offer a more accessible, high-quality dance experience with professional sound, lighting, and flooring, while reaching a broader audience. Funding will help keep the event affordable through sliding-scale or by-donation entry, ensuring everyone can participate. The dances support mental well-being, self-expression, and intergenerational connection, strengthening both community bonds and our local arts scene.
Harvesting Cedar - Dolores Bayne, Hot Springs
This project supports seasonal cedar harvesting by boat in the spring. In the fall, the harvested cedar will be used in community workshops to create traditional items such as hats, headbands, roses, and small baskets, fostering cultural sharing and connection.
Preschool Garden Group - Hanna Compisano, Opitsaht
This project brings weekly garden activities for children aged 3–5. Little ones will get their hands dirty planting seeds, spotting bugs in the soil, painting garden boxes, and picking veggies they helped grow. It’s a playful way to boost their senses, spark curiosity about food, and enjoy time outdoors. Plus, it’s something parents have been asking for, a fun and structured way for kids to connect with nature!
Quill Poppy Brooches - Elizabeth George, Tofino
This workshop will be an opportunity to learn traditional beading techniques, focusing on creating poppy remembrance pieces. I frequently receive requests from community members and visitors at the local artist market eager to learn beading. Through this workshop, I will teach 8 to 12 participants the traditional method of beading with quills.
Relief Carving Project - Simon Allison, Tofino
This project supports winter carving sessions that bring together community members of all ages and backgrounds to learn from skilled local carvers. These inclusive, culturally respectful workshops offer connection during the darker months while fostering appreciation for traditional carving. This NSG funding will provide honoraria for instructors, tool maintenance, and help promote the sessions as a distinct NSG-supported event.
Revitalize Garden Project - Amanda Antoine, Opitsaht
The project aims to revitalize or create a community garden where children, youth, adults, and elders can come together to grow vegetables and possibly fruit. The goal is to encourage local food harvesting, foster intergenerational connection, and support community well-being in a way that suits the local rainy climate.
Seed Bomb Block Party – Todd Evalina, Ucluelet
While we've successfully planted seeds in one neighbourhood with a past NSG project, the impact was constrained to a single neighbourhood. This year, I’ll host the block party and seed-bomb assembly station in my neighbourhood, but also empower visitors to assemble their seed bombs and (sustainably) transport them elsewhere to transform under-utilized spaces.
The Hongosdomum summer Mushroom Workshop - Colin Steven, Ucluelet
The mushroom workshops have been a great success in the past, connecting local citizens through interactive, educational workshops. Inspiring and educating community members to grow gourmet mushrooms in buckets and connect with others who share the passion for cultivating healthy and sustainable food sources within the community. Building on previous years, the project continues to bring together beginners, novices, and experts. To celebrate the summer months, we will feature Pink oyster mushrooms, which grow very well in our summer climate.
The Salmon Fry Release - Craig Mason, Hot Springs
I work with the youth at Hesquiaht Place of Learning, and we’re planning a meaningful trip to take 9 students out by boat to our traditional territory to release salmon fry into AYASAKH Creek. This hands-on experience will teach the youth about the salmon life cycle as well as connect them to the land and waters.
Tidal Vintage Market & Clothing Circle - Olivia Beaupre, Tofino
This event is a community-driven event in Tofino that promotes circular fashion and sustainable living in a town without a thrift store or donation center. Building on a successful debut in August 2024, the June market will feature affordable vendor booths for local artisans, a free swap/donation area for gently used items, and live music from local performers. Hosted at a scenic waterfront venue, the market will run as a licensed “sip and shop” from 3–8 PM, creating a fun and eco-conscious evening that supports local creativity, reduces waste, and keeps fashion circulating within the community.
Tuff City Mini Music Fest - Hayden Steven, Tofino
We will have Jim Legacy, the Yin Yang Clan, and some other artists playing at the Tuff City Mini Music Fest. We will have crepes and some drinks for attendees. Young artists will perform as well as adults. Everyone will be invited to this free fall event at the Tofino Legion.
Ukee Days Crafts - Kelly Deakin, Ucluelet
Handing out crafts is a way for children/adults to explore their creativity while creating something fun and amazing. Crafts are ideal for indoors or outdoors, they help with coordination and concentration, and encourage creativity. One small craft idea can open up several ideas for the participants. They may realize how easy it would be to create some of the same or similar at home or with friends. The crafts are handed out mostly to children but often to seniors and or teens who show interest in wanting to participate. Our goal this year is to make it to the end of the parade line so no children/senior is left out.
Ucluelet Outrigger Canoe Club - Benj Youngson, Ucluelet
Outrigger canoeing is an ancient way of travelling on and being with the ocean, similar to the Nuu-chah-nulth chupits canoes, only with an added outrigger for extra stability and reduced drag of the main hull. Similar to dragon-boating and rowing, it's become a very popular activity that ranges from recreational to competitive, but always brings community members together for a cooperative, shared experience. The experience of paddling together and going fast over the ocean is truly communal and very powerful for anyone who has tried it. We want to share this feeling and strengthen the community around it.
West Coastchella - Emily Collins, Ucluelet
Ucluelet Secondary School's vibrant year-end music festival celebrates student creativity while building community connections. Featuring live performances by student musicians, interactive booths from over 10 local organizations, a free BBQ lunch by the RCMP, and a school-wide clothing swap, the event offers students both celebration and support as they transition into summer. With contributions from groups like the Ucluelet First Nation and a fun scavenger hunt to engage with resources, West Coastchella fosters school spirit, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging.
