Cortes Island grants program launches again, focuses on youth led projects

Cortes Island grants program launches again, focuses on youth led projects

by | Mar 30, 2023 | CKTZ News

The MicroGrants for Neighbours program is back once again and is looking for youth-led ideas on the island. The program gives small amounts of money ranging from $50-$500 to local residents of Cortes so they can do things that benefit the community like put on workshops, host gatherings and build micro-libraries, according to organizers. Micro Grants for Neighbours is a program that’s been going on in Cortes under different names for about 10 years now. It was started through Cortes Literacy Now program and the Dakota Literacy program. The Cortes Community Foundation got involved for the last two years and launched it as MicroGrants for Neighbours, which ran in 2021. MicroGrants for Neighbours is now run by the Cortes Foundation with support from the Cortes Community Health Association, the Neighbourhood Small Grants Island Network, and a jury of locals to ensure good quality projects are funded. This year the foundation will be “prioritizing projects that are youth led and youth empowering,” said Isabella McKnight, executive administrator for the Cortes Island Foundation. They classify youth as anybody under the age of 32 but are encouraging all to apply regardless of age. “So say you wanna learn wood carving, but you don’t necessarily know how to wood carve, this is a great opportunity to reach out to members in your community and essentially hire them to teach a skill that you might wanna learn,” said McKnight. The grants are open officially as of March 15. Go to the website for more information. Listen below for more details on CKTZ:...
Dillon Creek Wetland restoration project wraps up with celebration, documentary film release

Dillon Creek Wetland restoration project wraps up with celebration, documentary film release

by | Mar 29, 2023 | CKTZ News

The Dillon Creek restoration project is coming to a close and is celebrating with a event that includes the premier of a documentary film about the project. Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) and Linnaea Farm are hosting the Dillon Creek Wetland Restoration Community Celebration Friday to showcase the two-year community led wetland restoration project that was implemented to mitigate nutrient inputs to Hague and Gunflint lakes, and to provide critical habitat for wildlife. Miranda Cross, Dillon Creek wetlands Project Manager, said she hopes people come out to “learn about the project success and next steps.” Local filmmaker Beatrix Baxter spoke about her documentary film focused on the project in an interview with CKTZ. “The purpose of the film was to create a really wonderful record of this community initiative that unfolded over two years. We wanted to let everybody remember the story of this restoration project and inspire other projects like it,” said Baxter. Schedule of events for the Friday, March 31 event at Linnaea Farm Education Centre: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wetland tour led by Miranda Cross 6-7 p.m. Community potluck 7-7:30 p.m. Dillon Creek Wetlands Project Documentary film screening Listen below for more from CKTZ:...
Cortes Island Academy opens registration for second year after successful pilot, prioritizes local and Klahoose students

Cortes Island Academy opens registration for second year after successful pilot, prioritizes local and Klahoose students

by | Mar 28, 2023 | CKTZ News

Editor’s Note: Manda Gilepsie is a radio host with CKTZ. Registration for the second Cortes Island Academy is open after the high school program celebrated a successful pilot year in 2022.  Prospective Klahoose and local-to-Cortes students will be prioritized and will make up about half the program says Manda Gilepsie, lead administrator of the Cortes Island Academy. “Right now in Canada, rural and remote students are undereducated and underperform in every measurable outcome. They drop out of high school at almost double the rates of their urban counterparts. I believe this is because they’ve not had options,” says Gilepsie. The academy has a new application process this year due to the high interest: Instead of just simply registering, students must now go through an application process, including creating a video to explain your interest in the program, and references filled out by someone close to you. With only 20 spots available, Gilepsie said they may have to turn people away depending on the number of applications they receive. There’s also a new tuition cost for the five month program. Tuition will be $3,500 (including homestay costs if required) for 2023/2024, but the CIA can provide support for low income families, says Gilepsie. “We are looking for students who are living in often rural, remote and isolated communities and are hungry for something new to be able to show that they are capable.” Applications must be completed before March 30 at midnight PST. For more information about the registration process, contact apply@cortesislandacademy.ca or visit the website. Listen below for more on CKTZ:...
Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery open to 2023 proposals from local artists

Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery open to 2023 proposals from local artists

by | Jan 11, 2023 | CKTZ News

The Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery is one of the only venues with curated local art available for purchase on Cortes. Photo courtesy of Cortes Currents.

The Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery on Cortes is now open for proposals for the 2023 season. The Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery hosts local Cortes Island artists in a series of shows each year and are encouraging new artists to apply. No prior experience presenting your work in necessary to propose a show… Click title for full article.