Winter 2020

December 17, 2020

As 2020 draws to a close, we are grateful for all the gifts that we are blessed with and for all of our learners on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This fall was filled with many virtual learning events, such as the West Coast Knitting Retreat, Surfrider Pacific Rim's Short Film Festival, the virtual Clayoquot Salmon Festival, and much, much more! Despite the challenges 2020 presented, the communities within the Clayoquot Biosphere Region stood strong and united as we continued to support the growth of our learning economy. We are so grateful for our communities and we cannot wait to see what more is to come in 2021!

Wandering Words: Outdoor Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration

Join Raincoast Education Society and Gisele Martin, a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks guardian, Nuu-chah-nulth language and culture activist, and artist, for the Wandering Words: Outdoor Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration 3-part series workshop! Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the local language and worldview, writing systems, sounds, and enjoy a glimpse into the significance of the official language of this place, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht language of Nuu-chah-nulth.

"Indigenous and Canadian Histories 101: What you didn’t learn in high school"

Learn with Sarah Robinson, of Rainwatch Advising, about “the basics” of Indigenous peoples’ experiences in what-is-currently-called Canada in this 45-minute crash course film. The film explores Canadian history from an Indigenous perspective and provides an introduction to basic terminology, words to use and words to avoid, the impacts of the Indian Act legislation, a brief overview of residential schools, and key moments in Indigenous and Canadian shared history.

Habitats & Camouflage

Join Aeriosa for their upcoming Habitats & Camouflage performance as part of the Tofino Tree Festival in May of 2021. The event will be a socially-distanced and nature-based performance exploring the camouflaging quality of moths in the landscape, with the audience travelling through the landscapes with the performers. Aerial dancers will appear as moths, blending and disappearing into the trees and surrounding environments. Stay tuned for more details!

NEST SDG YouTube Video Series

This spring, Stefania Gorgopa of Raincoast Education Society led an educational filmmaking course for the NEST’s regional partners to share how their work in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region aligns with and supports the Sustainable Development Global Goals. Eight local organizations have already shared their videos to the West Coast NEST’s YouTube channel with more on the way! Visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel to check out these videos and stay up to date with what local organizations are up to in your backyard!

2020 West Coast Knitting Retreat

This past November, the 2020 West Coast Knitting Retreat participants and instructors met online for all things fibre including a Choosing Colour for Fibre Projects workshop with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits and a macramé plant hanger workshop with Kim Leckey of Sea Woven. Despite the challenges of transitioning online, the 2020 retreat maintained its intimate atmosphere and comradery between participants and instructors. Retreat participants enjoyed the delivery of select, local goods, including items from Tofino Knit Co., Tofino Soap Company, The Foggy Bean Coffee Company, and Thay Tea Ucluelet.

Holiday Giving

‘Tis the season for giving! Give Local this holiday season with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust’s Holiday Giving Catalogue or the West Coast NEST endowment fund through the CBT! CBT’s Holiday Giving Catalogue is a regional holiday fundraising initiative identifying the most critical needs of non-profit organizations in the Clayoquot Biosphere Region. 100% of your donations will go directly to the participating organizations to support their work that strengthens our communities and ecosystems. We're in this together and small efforts can make a huge impact in our communities. Gifts of any size can make a difference.

Nature, Education, Tourism: Towards Sustainable Development

Read our ArcGIS StoryMap exploring how West Coast NEST is working to grow the local education tourism economy as a path towards a more resilient and sustainable future for all.