We’re excited to share this list of grassroots community projects that received a Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) during the 2025 fall cycle. A total of 23 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!
Aprons for culture | Savannah McCarthy, Hitacu
This gathering focuses on creating aprons together as a form of cultural expression and connection. Young people and community members of all ages will come together to share skills, prepare regalia, and spend time in a supportive, creative space. The act of making the aprons is valued as deeply as wearing them at dances, strengthening relationships and cultural pride. Food will be shared during the gathering to support connection and community care.
Baby and Kids Clothing Swap | Cate O'Connell, Tofino
This baby and kids clothing swap in Tofino brought families together for a fun, community-focused event. The swap featured snacks, music, and tables organized by age, allowing participants to drop off donations and take what they needed. No donation was required to participate, and leftover clothing was donated to The Attic in Port Alberni to support the hospital. The event promoted sustainability and provided an accessible way for families to share resources.
Beginner Gardening Workshop | Cecilia Jackson, Ty-Histanis
This beginner gardening workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of growing a thriving garden. Topics include composting, plant separation, building healthy soil, greenhouse essentials, fertilizing, using trellises, and constructing garden boxes. The workshop provides practical guidance and hands-on learning to help new gardeners gain confidence and take their gardening skills to the next level.
Book Club | Rena Johnson, Macoah
A book club was launched in the Macoah community to encourage reading and bring people together. Community members gathered to share stories, discuss books, and enjoy a welcoming space that fostered connection and a love of reading.
Celebrating Queer Songwriters | Katie Miles, Ucluelet
This event created a welcoming space for community members to listen to and share songs by queer songwriters in an open mic-style setting. Attendees experienced curated performances and a slideshow highlighting each artist, while also having the opportunity to discuss the impact of the music and share songs that are meaningful to them. The event fostered connection, self-expression, and celebration of queer voices, and included the creation of small care packages with healthy snacks and art supplies for youth in the community.
Community Baking | Maria Desnoyer, Hot Springs Cove
A Christmas baking project brought together Elders, families, and youth to share in the joy of baking. Packages of baked goods were prepared and distributed to community members, while youth had the opportunity to learn baking skills. The event fostered connection, skill-sharing, and holiday cheer, making the most of available resources to support the community.
Community Crochet | Michelle George, Ty-Histanis
The crochet workshop in Ty-Histanis successfully brought community members together to learn how to make skulls, a popular and fun design. The session engaged over 10 participants and provided a warm, creative space during the winter months, helping to ease feelings of isolation and foster connection within the community.
Environmental Jewelry Making and Weaving Workshop | Kayley Hollyer, Ucluelet
This community workshop transforms invasive plants and locally sourced natural materials into art, including woven goods and jewelry. Participants of all ages learn to identify, harvest, and repurpose these materials, fostering environmental stewardship, creativity, and connection. The workshop strengthens community bonds while turning ecological challenges into opportunities for sustainable, collaborative art-making.
Food for Community Gathering | Charles Lucas, Hot Springs Cove
In the remote community of Hot Springs Cove, this program provided home-cooked meals to Elders and community members during the winter months, coinciding with activities such as chair yoga and visits from service providers. By offering breakfast on Tuesdays and lunch on Thursdays, the initiative nourishes both body and spirit, creating warmth, connection, and support in a community where access to groceries is limited.
Knowledge Sharing with youth | Dolores Bayne, Hot Springs Cove
During this workshop, youth and families will learn cedar weaving techniques while also sharing language teachings. The sessions are held in a home setting to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for cultural learning, skill-building, and connection.
mułaa Elder Outreach Evening | Brooke Rollins, Ty-Histanis
This year, mułaa youth, staff, and board members came together for an Elder Baking Night. Participants spent the evening baking holiday treats, which were then hand-delivered to Elders in the Ty-Histanis community. The event fostered intergenerational connection, skill-building, and community celebration.
New Immigrant Monthly Meet-ups | Trish Mcfadyen, Ucluelet
This monthly gathering provides a welcoming and inclusive space for new immigrants on the West Coast to connect, share resources, and discuss challenges. Meetings offer practical support on topics such as immigration processes, housing, healthcare, employment, language learning, and understanding local culture, along with opportunities to hear from guest speakers. By offering food, mentorship, and a supportive community, the event helps newcomers reduce isolation, build connections, and navigate the transition to life in a new community.
Orange T-shirt Pins | Elizabeth George, Tofino
This beading workshop invited participants to create orange T-shirt pins in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Attendees enjoyed hands-on guidance while socializing, with food and drinks provided to enhance the community experience.
Painting Workshop | Annie George, Tofino
This painting workshop guided participants in creating artwork featuring a variety of figures, including wolves, bears, and dancers. Attendees explored techniques for capturing movement, form, and character, fostering creativity and skill development in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Potlatch to Pass on Hawiih Seat | Edward Mack Sr and Edward Mack Jr, Hitacu
In November, a potlatch was held at the Cixwatin Centre gym in Hitacu to mark the transfer of a hereditary seat, an important cultural event that had not taken place for many years. Community members and guests from surrounding Nuu-chah-nulth communities gathered to witness the transfer, share food, songs, dances, and speeches, and uphold tradition.
Pysanky Learning for Youth and Adults | Alison Sawyer, Tofino
This workshop teaches participants of all ages the traditional art of pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). Using beeswax, a thin metal and wood stick (called a kistka), and dyes, students will learn to create intricate patterns and take home several finished eggs. The class offers a hands-on cultural experience, connecting participants to a unique art form and providing a creative, community-focused afternoon.
Seniors Social | Chris Manson, Ty-Histanis
The Elders Social in Ty-Histanis brought community members together for a warm evening of connection. The event featured a shared meal, games, and prizes, providing a fun and welcoming space for Elders to socialize, relax, and enjoy time with friends and neighbors.
Stuart Bay | Pamela Fry, Ucluelet
Elders and youth from the community took a boat to Stuart Bay, a place where many Elders grew up, for a day of connection and reflection. The group enjoyed a picnic together and shared stories, supported by cultural and mental health resources provided in-kind by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
Surfrider Foundation Youth Club at Wickaninnish Community School | Benjamin Reckner, Tofino
Building on the success of the Surfrider Youth Club at Ucluelet Secondary School, this project aims to establish a Surfrider Youth Club at Wickaninnish Community School in Načiks/Tofino. The club will be grounded in the Surfrider Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Program, which empowers young people to care for the environment and understand how today’s actions shape the health of their communities and ecosystems in the future. Through hands-on learning and stewardship activities, the club will support youth leadership, environmental awareness, and long-term community resilience.
Survivors Dinner | Paul Lucas, Hot Springs Cove
In December, following the recent closure of the Christie Residential School, a dinner was held for survivors. The gathering provided a space to connect, share a meal, and uplift one another’s spirits, honoring resilience and community.
Teach Cross Stich | Patricia B North, Macoah
Community members came together to learn cross-stitching. The session provided a welcoming space for people to share crafting, connect with one another, and develop new skills in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Zine Queens Spring Launch Party | Robert Gusdal, Ucluelet
This Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic is envisioned as a welcoming community gathering that celebrates local voices and creative expression. The event will feature a few scheduled readings alongside open time for spontaneous sharing, with musicians and other performers invited to participate. A cozy, comfortable space will be set with simple seating, a host, and food and drinks available. Attendees will also have access to a newly published zine to read or purchase. The event aims to connect the community by creating space for local artists, encouraging participation, and supporting independent, locally produced content.
