Photo credits: Ivan Wells JR
We truly appreciate the efforts of the Vital Grants Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their time and efforts to review each application. To learn more about any of the projects below or connect with project leaders, email brooke@clayoquotbiosphere.org.
We would also like to thank the West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association for contributing $40 000 in funding to support the Rising Tide Surf Society and the Pacific Rim Hospice Society’s projects. To learn more about all the initiatives they supported over the years, visit their website at wcsta.ca/projects.
Amphitrite House Interpretive Centre Development | Wild Pacific Trail Society
The Amphitrite House Interpretive Centre project is a permanent, year-round environmental and cultural education hub in Ucluelet, expanding beyond seasonal programming to serve the wider Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Through interactive exhibits, naturalist-led programs, school visits, and community workshops, the centre will provide accessible, place-based learning focused on ecosystems, climate resilience, stewardship, and cultural history.
Developed in collaboration with regional partners, the project integrates scientific and Indigenous knowledge while strengthening cross-cultural learning and community engagement. A dedicated Education Coordinator supports consistent programming and expanded access for schools and visitors. The project’s goals build long-term educational capacity, promote environmental stewardship, and support sustainable tourism through increased ecological awareness.
Building the Future of Care: Strategic Engagement on the Redevelopment of Tofino General Hospital | Tofino General Hospital Foundation
The goal of this project is to coordinate structured regional feedback and targeted data synthesis to inform the planning of the new Tofino General Hospital, ensuring it reflects the health priorities, service needs, and cultural values of West Coast communities.
Led by the Tofino General Hospital Foundation in partnership with the Alberni Clayoquot Health Network, Seaview Seniors' Society, and Pacific Rim Hospice, the project takes a focused, collaborative approach. It emphasizes relationship-based engagement with key leadership and health system partners while building on existing data and initiatives, rather than broad public consultation.
As a major regional infrastructure investment, the hospital redevelopment presents an important opportunity to improve equitable access to care and support long-term workforce sustainability. This initiative will validate existing knowledge, identify gaps, and align regional perspectives to support ongoing planning and future investment.
mułaa, Rising Tide Summer Camp | Rising Tide Surf Society
Summer camps are a key initiative within the programming of Rising Tide Surf Society, an Indigenous-led, youth-centered organization dedicated to increasing nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) youth’s access to their ancestral territories through surf therapy and outdoor play. The goal of this project is to foster healing, resilience, and holistic wellness among Indigenous youth in nuučaan̓uł territories through surf education, lifesaving skills, and outdoor recreation, with cultural education woven into all aspects of programming. Through this project, they aim to equip youth with the skills to be leaders in their communities and to develop confidence in taking up space in their ancestral territories.
A core outcome of this project is increased community connection. By gathering regularly in outdoor spaces, youth build meaningful peer relationships, strengthen intergenerational ties, and deepen their connection to nuučaan̓uł territories. Spending time together outdoors cultivates teamwork, communication skills, and a shared sense of purpose. In addition, time on public beaches and at local skate parks increases confidence in public spaces and fosters a stronger sense of safety and belonging within their broader community.
When youth are strong, supported, and connected to culture and land, they are better equipped to pursue educational pathways, employment opportunities, and community leadership roles. By creating a safe, joyful, and culturally grounded space for healing and empowerment, this project will contribute to long-term positive social development and strengthen nuučaan̓uł communities, lands, and waters for generations to come.
Youth Grief Counselling and Education | Pacific Rim Hospice Society
This program addresses a top regional priority by providing youth mental health and grief support across West Coast communities. Led by a registered clinical counsellor, it offers free, accessible services to youth ages 13–21 and their families through in-school, community-based, and remote sessions.
The program supports youth dealing with loss, trauma, and related challenges by helping them build resilience, understand their emotions, and develop healthy coping tools. It also strengthens local capacity by mentoring emerging community leaders in grief support.
Overall, the initiative ensures consistent, culturally responsive care, helping youth feel supported, connected, and better equipped to navigate grief and mental health challenges.
As both the local community foundation and the organization stewarding the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is proud to provide annual funding to local partners who are carrying out vital work that strengthens community well-being and supports the long-term health of ecosystems across the region.
