Welcome to another issue of Hagwil Yaan!
Welcome back to Hagwil Yaan! If this is your first time here, volume three of this student newsletter has a new name which means "walk softly; walk slowly" in Sm'algyax! We use this name as we understand that returning to life after the pandemic can still require caution and awareness.
In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature the Gitxsanimx language of the Gitxsan Nation. Ama Sii K'uuhl nisim! (Happy New Year Everyone!) Welcome to all new and returning students. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. As we enter into the month of Kw'itkuhloxs’ or k'utk'uhloxs (January -"Ring around the sun or moon") we hope you have a luk'wil am (great) semester. You got this!
We are First Nations Access Coordinators who fill various roles at our Prince Rupert, Terrace, Hazelton and Smithers campuses. We are here to help you transition to college life here at CMTN. Please feel free to reach out to us at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca if you need support with personal, financial or academic issues. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Enjoy, take care and stay safe!
Drum Making Workshop
- When: January 18 & 25 and February 1, 2023
- Where & When:
Virtual via Bluejeans or face to face at the Prince Rupert Campus, Wil Lu Sagaytwan (12 p.m.) or at the Terrace Campus, Waap Galts'ap Community Building (Longhouse @ 3 p.m.).
To register and get your drum kit, please email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. by January 13th.
Monthly FNAC Drop-In
- Date: January 11, 2023
- Time: 4 pm to 5 pm
- Where: Virtually via BlueJeans (https://bluejeans.com/972155116/2431)
Keep an eye out for monthly FNAC drop-ins! Join us if you have any questions as a current or future student.
'Xbisuunt Dance Group Weekly Practice
- Date: Every Monday
- Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: Waap Galts'ap Longhouse
- Virtual: https://bcnet.bluejeans.com/972155116/2431
You are welcome to come watch, sing, and dance with the 'Xbisuunt Dance Group!
If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jswank@coastmountaincollege.ca
Gitlaxdax Nisga'a Dance Group
- Date: Every Wednesday
- Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Waap Galts'ap Longhouse
- Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83260876546?pwd=amEwa3l4elF4NUYralFXUmNqMjVvUT09
Everyone is welcome to join in or watch. Please keep in mind safety protocols.
If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jswank@coastmountaincollege.ca
What would Jiits say?
Jiits is always looking out for you! Jiits knows that as we start a new year, we often set goals for ourselves and looking to better our lives with fresh hloxsim axw (moons) and harvests. Jiits wants you to hagwila win, ha'wihl g̱al melin (take your time, don't be in a hurry). Jiits wants to make sure you are taking care of yourself no matter what hloxsim axw is out. Jiits also wants to remind you that with the fresh Kw'itkuhloxs’ hloxsim axw comes saḵ (cold weather)!
"Ndehl gwide'tsin? (Where is your jacket?) Sak gelk - tsel luu sipx niin. (It's cold out, dress warm)" - Every Jiits ever!
g̱asg̱ushl g̱ang̱anhl wen sam saḵ' the trees make a cracking sound when its really cold
saḵ' sa tun it's cold today
guks ama gya'itxwin look after yourself
hla hogyaakhl g̱abihl jebin you've done enough
ndehl heehl g̱oodin? what is your heart telling you?
Find more great Gitxsanimx language resources to practice with your Jiits at First Voices and Gitxsanimx Language Lessons on Youtube!
Eats with Jiits
Homemade Bread Recipe to Make Frybread
- 2 & 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 & 1/4 cups of warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 cups flour
- One batch of dough makes 18 - 20 pieces of frybread.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in some of the warm water with a pinch of sugar. When the yeast is bubbly and foamy, add the sugar, salt, oil and 4 cups of flour and mix until smooth.
- Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time to form a soft, smooth dough. The dough should stick just slightly to your finger when touched, but not be overly sticky. Knead for 5 - 7 minutes, until smooth then roll into a ball.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turn over once to coat the top with oil and cover with towel or plastic wrap. Let rise one hour, or until dobuled.
- When the dough has risen, punch it down gently and let it rise again for one more hour. Once it has risen, then cut into frybread pieces to deep fry in hot oil. Make a small hole on the frybread piece of dough to make sure it cooks inside. Deep fry in the oil until it turns golden brown and then gently turn it over to brown on the opposite side. Enjoy!
You can find this recipe in picture steps and revised recipe for frybread HERE!
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous Reads
FROM THE REZ TO THE MOUNTAINTOP: BECOMING WHO WE'RE MEANT TO BE
'From the Rez to the Mountaintop: Becoming who we're meant to be' is the hopeful journey of an Indigenous woman on her path to healing, self-love and self-mastery. Told in three parts: love, work, and grow, this narrative non-fiction story provides readers the space to consider their own story and capacity to pursue self-mastery and become the person they were meant to be. McLean believes reconciliation is as much a personal journey as it is a societal one. Through the telling of personal story and lessons picked up along the way, author Erica McLean believes through love, work and the pursuit of growth, we can change our worlds. We can reach the peak of our own mountains. Erica McLean is a member of the Gitxsan nation.
The Kindle version of the book is free and available on Amazon Canada!
Indigenous in the Media
Skeena River Trapline by James Beveridge
This short documentary looks at the Indigenous Gitxsan community in central British Columbia’s Skeena River through one of its members, Ben Risdale. Watch as Ben follows the “Grease Trail” from the first snowfall and follow along as he tends his traplines while living outdoors among the grandeur of the surrounding forest and mountains. His reward? A valuable stock of fur pelts.
Watch Skeena River Trapline for free from National Film Board Canada!
COVID-19: Golden Rules on Campus
- If you're sick, stay home and get tested
- Masks as of March 14, 2022 are now optional in all indoor public spaces at CMTN.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly; Use hand sanitizer when it's available
- Cover your face when you cough or sneeze
- As restrictions lift for space limitations, it is important to acknowledge that some are still practising careful social contact. Please be considerate.
At Coast Mountain College, we monitor the COVID-19 situation very closely and are guided by the Provincial Health Officer as we work with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills and Training. Updates will be shared as information becomes available. Please note removal of vaccinations requirements effective April 8, 2022 to access events and services and for post-secondary student housing.
Student Support
Coast Mountain Students' Union
Golnoosh Namazi, organiser for the Coast Mountain Students’ Union, is here to support students with events, services and advocacy. If you’re having trouble understanding your rights as a student, navigating through school procedures and policies or engaging in campus life then the Students’ Union is here to support you. Download the CMSU app for virtual community boards, services and support systems in your region.
To learn more about what the student union does, email CMSU at:
CMSU Health & Dental Plan
ATTENTION NEW STUDENTS: If you are starting this January, please be aware of the CMSU Health & Dental Plan that you are auto enrolled into when you register for courses. This is a $250 annual fee that students can choose to opt-out of if you already have coverage. You have 30 days to opt-out from your program start. Connect with CMSU for more details.
Learner Services
Peer Tutoring
The Writing Centre is open on Terrace campus! Staffed by peer tutors. Students can drop-in for 1:1 assistance with proofreading, using citations and other writing skills every Wednesday 10:00-12:00 and Friday 11:00-1:00 in Waap Amgam (Cedar building) 1006
Peer-tutoring is up and running with tutors available to assist students in a variety of subjects including chemistry, biology and math. Interested? Contact jjstone@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Computer Assistance
Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? There is a laptop lending library available. As a registered CMTN student you are eligible to borrow a laptop per semester.
LAS & Advising Help
Having a hard time academically? We can connect you with the Learner Services team to make sure you have even more tools to complete your studies successfully.
One-on-one Brightspace Help — If navigating and using Brightspace is making your course more difficult to manage, let us help!
Our Learning Assistance Specialists (LAS) are available to walk you through the finer points of Brightspace so you can focus on your coursework.
Need tutoring? Check out TUTORME! A new, on-demand virtual service with access to over 1000+ tutors in 300+ subjects. Writing support is available as well. All CMTN students can access this service for two hours a week for free!
To contact the Learner Support Team & Accessibility Services for appointments, email las@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Financial Aid
Coast Mountain College offers several emergency funding programs available to eligible students experiencing unexpected financial hardship during the course of their studies at CMTN. Find more information about emergency financial assistance HERE!
Allison Conway, Financial Aid Officer, will be hosting workshops this January focused on the following topics. You can join using the link beside the descriptions:
- January 24th @ 11:30am: BC-Canada Student Loan Funding (https://bluejeans.com/522003785/0495)
- January 26 @ 11:30am: Applying for Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships (https://bluejeans.com/812344144/7221)
- January 31st @ 11:30am: Financial Resources for BC Youth from Care (https://bluejeans.com/179039185/7528).
Have any financial aid questions? Connect with our Financial Aid Officer, Allison Conway at 250.635.6511 ext. 5204 or email financialaid@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Mental Health Check-in
Are you looking for support? Here at CMTN, we can help you explore and find what support works best for you. Follow this LINK to find resources like regional counsellors, mobile apps, and crisis lines.
Need support right now?
- Youth Online Chat at crisis-centre.ca or text 250.564.8336 or call 1.888.564.8336. A confidential, anonymous peer support service operated by trained youth answering calls from other youth. Available 24/7.
- KUU-US Crisis Line Help is just a phone call away. Call the toll-free number for Indigenous based support 25/7, 365: 1.800.588.8717
- BC Suicide Line 1.800.SUICIDE or 1.800.784.2433. If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may, please call! Available 24/7.
- Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Call 1.866.925.4419.
