Welcome to the eighth issue of Hagwil Yaan!
Welcome back to another Hagwil Yaan issue! 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!
In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature the X̄a'islak̓ala or X̌àh̓isl̩ak̓ala language of the Haisla People!
We are now in Zexʷiláqus, (September) which is coho catching month. The summer went by too fast! We hope you have had a great summer and are all set for the new semester. If you are just starting out with Coast Mountain College, we want to welcome you to campus! Welcome back, if you are returning for another term.
We are First Nations Access Coordinators who fill various roles at our Prince Rupert, Terrace, Hazelton and Smithers campuses. Collectively, we are here to help you transition to college life here at CMTN. Please feel free to reach out to us if you need support with personal, financial or academic issues.
Take care and enjoy the new session. C'iseláp̓ (Take care of each other)!
Enjoy, take care and stay safe!
Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawskat Pts'aan Raising
On August 31st, CMTN raised a laxgibuu pts'aan (wolf totem pole) in front of Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawskat, Terrace Student Housing. It was a monumental event that was filled with stories, acknowledgements, and calls to action. We are so proud to have the guidance and artwork by Master Carver Stan Bevan (Tsimshian/Tahltan/Tlingit) who designed the pole and worked with his team of alumni of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art: Brian McKee (Tsimshian), James Lewis (Tsimshian/Tahltan), and Kobe Antoine (Nedut’en), to create it. This pts'aan is honouring the Unceded Traditional Laxgibuu Territory in which the Terrace campus resides on. To learn more about how this important occasion went, read CMTN's news article HERE!
To watch the ceremony, you can check out CFNR's social media to find videos!
Orange Shirt Day
Shawna Kiesman is a Tsm’syen/Nisga’a Artist who created the above beautiful design we are using on our Orange Shirt t-shirts. She was born in Prince Rupert and raised in Victoria, B.C. She holds a diploma in First Nations Fine Arts from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
In addition to receiving a grant from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, she has attended the RBC Audain Museum Emerging Artist Program. Shawna has attended artist residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Bonnie McComb Kreye Studio. Shawna’s current explorations of her art practice includes using the mediums of digital art, textiles, drawing and painting.
ʼanáɫzax̄ʷ (thank you), Shawna for providing such a captivating design! We will wear it with honour. We will never forget the resiliency of Indigenous communities and their way of life.
The FNAC Team has a limited supply of Orange Shirts available for registered students in time for September 30. Please send your request to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca before September 21, 2022 with your name, student number, campus location, and size for pickup. T-shirts will be distributed the week of September 26, 2022.
Upcoming Orange Shirt Day 2022 Events/Activities on Campus
These Orange Shirt Day events will be offered regionally via blended offerings (face-to-face on some campuses & via Bluejeans).
- September 22 & 29 @ 3pm - 5pm: Beaded Orange Heart Earring Workshop with R.E.D. Resiliency. Terrace Campus and online via Bluejeans
- September 26 @ 12pm - 1:30pm: Traditional Grounding Exercise for students affected by IRS & Trauma Informed Work with Ember of Hope Counseling & Training. Online via Bluejeans
- September 27 @ 12pm to 1:30pm: Learn How to Talk About Indian Residential School with your Children by Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Online via Bluejeans
- September 28: Tables set-up at each campus to pick up Orange Shirts.
- September 30: National Day of Truth & Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day - Campus is closed
If there is a cultural activity or an idea that you have that you'd like to see happening at CMTN, please feel free to email us at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca!
'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 Mamá’u say?
Mamá’u (grandmother) is always so happy when you do what you can and what you want, especially with school. With the semester starting soon, Mamá’u wants to remind you to listen carefully to your instructors and to your peers. You will learn a lot and quickly if you listen carefully. Just like how she asked you to listen when she always shared with you. Here are some words to help you remember what Mamá’u said!
aygkai kella happy
saxhk want
ohxhwa also
qwulleethl always
aiku ya can
kah kah watah listen
hahla killa quickly
Check out this great video that Mamá’u recorded to help you learn!
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous in the Media
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
SNRK is taking the world by storm one single after another! Check out Snotty Nose Rez Kids to find Indigenous poetry, representation, and love. These two SNRKs descend from the Haisla Nation and often rap about what it is like being 'something else'.
This year, SNRK was nominated by the annual Juno awards for Contemporary Indigenous Artist Or Group Of The Year. Check out their performance at the 51st Juno Awards!
Snotty Nose Rez Kids: @therezkids // @snottynoserezkids // @snottynoserezkids
Image captured from SNRK Facebook Page.
Eden Robinson
Eden, member of the Haisla and Heiltsuk First Nations, has matriarchal tendencies. She has a laugh you can hear from a click away, but her writing will lull you into a story that is hard to pull away from!
Return of the Trickster is the third and final book of the brilliant and captivating Trickster Trilogy. Jared finally knows for sure that he has no hope of ever being normal because he really is the son of Wee'git, a Trickster, and he's won the magic lottery. Find out how by checking out this book in the CMTN library! Access the library with your student card for great books like this, movies, and more!
Monkey Beach, a film adaptation from Robinson's book, is now available to stream on CBC Gem! If you haven't watched Monkey Beach yet, settle in for a captivating story about home, transformation, and connection to the ancestors.
Image captured from Toronto Festival of Authors
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
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
Financial Aid
Apply for awards, bursaries and scholarships* through Coast Mountain College to help fund your expenses while you study! The next big Awards Deadline is October 15.
September 12: BC/Canada Student Loans Webinar. Join this webinar to learn about BC and Canada Student Loans. Students are welcome to attend from the beginning, or drop-in at 11:30am to 12:30pm.
September 19: Applying for Awards, Bursaries & Scholarship Webinar. Join this webinar to learn about awards, bursaries & scholarships through Coast Mountain College and other organizations. Online from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm; Students are welcome to attend from the beginning, or drop-in anytime.
Have any financial aid questions? Connect with our Financial Aid Officer, Allison Conway at 250.635.6511 ext. 5204 or email financialaid@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.
Upcoming Important Community Dates
- September 30, 2022 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- September 30, 2022 - Orange T-Shirt Day (National)
- October 18, 2022 - Tahltan Day
Keep up to date with important dates through the CMTN Website!
Student Engagement Updates & Activities
- Every Day in September - September Drop In Booths with Student Engagement Officers, Andy & Nikila! At the Waap Amgam (House of Cedar) main area and at Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat (Student Housing) ground floor.
- September 13 @ 9:30am - 3:30pm: Smithers New Student Orientation in the Smithers Campus, Room 122. Lunch will be provided.
- September 13 @ 11am - 1pm: Welcome Back BBQ, Smithers Campus
- September 15 @ 9:30am - 3:30pm: Prince Rupert New Student Orientation in the Gathering Space, Prince Rupert Campus
- September 21 @ 11am to 12pm: Welcome Back BBQ, Prince Rupert Campus
If you have any questions about Student Engagement activities, please reach out to Andy Kerr at akerr@coastmountaincollege.ca or Nikila Prodduk at nprodduck@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.
Stay connected and check out our FNAC Facebook group to keep your finger on the pulse!
Have something you want to contribute for next month's issue?
If you have any feedback, story ideas or pictures to share, please contact us: