Welcome to the sixth issue of Hagwil Yaan!
Welcome back to another Hagwil Yaan issue! If this is your first time here, volume two of this student newsletter has a new name: Hagwil yaan 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 language of the Witsuwit'en people.
Shhhhhh! C'olilh (dpring) is quickly approaching! Things are melting fast as we approach Minges (February to March) and the can (rain) showers will bring a most welcome return to summer weather and more sa (sun)!
What is your favourite spring activity? FNAC Katie's recommendation is hiking or kayaking!
On a special note, Katie Humphrey (our FNAC in Smithers) will be departing from the team on a temporary basis! We will have a new FNAC starting to cover her position in the meantime. Don't worry, they will be just as welcoming!
We hope you are all doing well in your studies and you are able to keep up with your assignments. We understand it is a very busy time, so feel free to reach out to us if you need extra support.
Be mindful of the space you hold around others. Masks are still required in all indoor public settings, including your classrooms and lab times. Misiyh (thank you) for being considerate and safe.
We hope to hear from you! If you need any assistance, we are always here to help. We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey. Look after yourselves! So c’o unlïh’ (take care)!
Enjoy, take care and stay safe!
Jillian Stephens, Terrace jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca
Sharon Oskey, Prince Rupert soskey@coastmountaincollege.ca
Kellie Nyce, Hazelton knyce@coastmountaincollege.ca
Katie Humphrey, Smithers khumphrey@coastmountaincollege.ca
Student Spotlight
Coast Mountain College (CMTN) is proud to unveil our outstanding End Stigma logo created by Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art student and artist Satsi Naziel. Misiyh, Satsi!
Satsi Naziel's artwork was selected as the winning logo for CMTN's End Stigma campaign. Satsi Naziel is Wet’suwet’en and Chilean. They are a two-spirited artist who has been adopted into the Gilseh’yu (Big Frog Clan).
As part of the campaign, their art was printed on t-shirts, tote bags and stickers which were distributed to the CMTN community throughout the month.
The message of challenging stigma goes beyond a month-long campaign and continues into our everyday actions. When we see Satsi's art, we can be reminded that we all have a role in fostering belonging and fighting the stigma of mental health and addictions.
Full article can be read here.
To see more of Satsi's work, visit: www.satsinaziel.com
March Events
'Xbisuunt Dance Group Weekly Practice
Every Monday
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- At the Waap Galts'ap Longhouse
- Also available virtually: https://bcnet.bluejeans.com/972155116/2431
'Xbisuunt Student Group Sessions are held every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Waap Galts'ap Longhouse and are open to watch with safety protocols in place.
If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca
Happy International Woman's Day on March 8! We ask you to think of the special women in your life who inspire you!
Language Series
Join the FNACs for a special virtual language series happening this March every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 2 - Introductions
- Wednesday, March 9 - Storytelling
- Wednesday, March 16 - Storytelling
- Wednesday, March 30 - Paint with Language (make sure sign up by March 21 to receive a special painting kit & to join the session)
The event will be held online via BlueJeans, link will be provided after registration.
Language Holders & Knowledge Keepers will be sharing language and stories!
Sign up with student number and campus location to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca to receive our language kit and login information to join these virtual sessions.
Recent Event Highlight
Moose Hide Information Day - February 3, 2022
Misiyh to Sage Lacerte and Sravanthi Chipati from the Moose Hide Campaign for joining our online session on "What is Moose Hide Campaign, Why Moose Hide & Taking Action"
We hope you grabbed your moose hide pin from one of the CMTN campuses! For any questions about the campaign, please reach out to postsecondary@moosehidecampaign.ca
Connect with your local FNAC to make one or pick up a pre-made pin!
Self-Love & Wellness Day - February 14, 2022
Misiyh to Gitxsan Artist Michelle Stoney for leading us in a painting session all about Self -Love & Wellness. What a great way to celebrate love for ourselves and for art!
Check out some of the incredible finished paintings below:
Pink Shirt Day - February 23, 2022
Our amazing, new Pink Shirt Day logo this year was designed by Tsimshian artist Kristen McKay. Misiyh Kristen for such a beautiful design!
The First Nations Access Coordinator Team decided to use translations for ‘respect’ in the languages from the nations we work with, live with and serve around the design including: Ts'msyen Sm'algyax, Nisga'a Sm'algyax, Gitxsanimx, Witsuwit'en, X̄a’islak̓ala, and Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil.
This Pink Shirt Day is about sharing a message of love and embracing the heart of each person. Connect with your local FNAC to get a limited edition t-shirt while they last!
What would Cha/Tso' Do?
Special Edition with Dolores Alfred who is sharing with us the Witsuwit'en language and colours this month.
Join the Witsuwit'en Wilhtatdzïn Facebook page where Dolores Alfred shares videos and language each week — such a fun way of learning Witsuwit’en!
This was started in 2017 by Indigenous educator Dolores Alfred. Misiyh, Dolly!
Kwin dut’en, Kwun doot’en- Orange
Dildzen, Dildzayn- Blue
Dilk’in,Dilk’un- Red
Sa dut'en, Sa doot'en- Yellow
Diltl'its, Diltl'uhts- Green
Digï dut’en, DuhgeeDoot’en- Purple
Lhiyil, Lhuhyil- White
Dilhggis, Dilhgguhs- Black
Learn more at First Voices HERE!
Chew with Cha'
Salmon Rolls recipe submitted by FNAC Kellie Nyce in Hazelton. Misiyh, Kellie!
Here is a quick and easy recipe to make salmon rolls. It is a perfect way to use up your jarred salmon and a nice idea for your lunch!
- 2 cups flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp cold shortening or butter
- 1 1/2 cup canned salmon
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small celery stalk, chopped
- pepper to taste
- 1 egg slightly beaten
Mix dry ingredients well and cut in shortening. Add milk to make a soft dough. Roll dough to 1/4" thickness on floured board. Combine fish, onion, celery, pepper, spices and egg. Mix well and spread mixture on dough.
Roll as for jelly roll and cut into 1 1/2" slices. Bake on greased cookie sheet in oven at 400 degrees for 1/2 hour. Serve with tartar sauce. Serves 6.
We would love to see how the recipe worked for you. Send pictures of your baking to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous in Media
What a better way to start your day than with gratitude! Check out "Tënesditlï Cin" by De' Kwile', a wonderful prayer song from the Witsuwit'en peoples about greeting the day with a positive start. Language used and translations found in the original video link. Misiyh, De' Kwile'!
Indigenous Reads
"Niwhts'ide'ni hibi'it'ën = The ways of our ancestors : Witsuwit'en history & culture throughout the millennia" by Mélanie H. Morin
In 2006, School District #54 (Bulkley Valley), in partnership with several local Aboriginal organisations, signed the "'Alhk'ikh Ts'ëdilh--Walking Together Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement" to promote cooperation between the Aboriginal community and educators in our district.
It is a commitment to provide inclusive education and services in our schools for all students. The creation of this textbook is another milestone in the process towards the integration of Witsuwit'en history and culture in our district's curricula
Find this book and other great Witsuwit'en based books through the CMTN library using your student card.
On-Campus Safety Guidelines
Due to our COVID-19 response, things look a bit different at CMTN. Take a tour of our Terrace campus to learn more about how what kinds of changes to expect this year if you need to visit any of our campuses for your program.
Golden Rules on Campus
- If you're sick, stay home and get tested
- Masks remain mandatory
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly
- Cover your face when you cough or sneeze
- As restrictions lift for space limitations, it is important to acknowledge that some are still practicing careful social contact. Please be considerate.
- Use hand sanitizer when it's available
Please note that all student housing will require proof of vaccination effective September 7, 2021.
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, Skills and Training. Updates will be shared as information becomes available.
Student Support
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.
To learn more about what the student union does or if you just want to pop by to say hello, email Golnoosh at organiser@mycmsu.ca or visit their website at mycmsu.ca.
Don't forget to welcome Mudit Mehta as the new student union outreach worker. Mudit can be reached at outreach@mycmsu.ca.
CMTN Students' Union recently launched a new service, an extended health and dental benefits plan for members.
As a member of the CMTN Students' Union, you are automatically enrolled if you met the eligibility criteria (taking 6 or more credits, or enrolled in a program of 26 weeks or longer). There is a $250 annual fee for this service, and any students who already have coverage through another provider can choose to opt out, or maintain dual coverage.
Deadline to submit an opt-out request is 30 days after the first day of the month in which your program starts (ex. for students starting programs in September, the deadline is September 30). If you decide to opt out and require assistance, please feel free to reach out to the CMTN Students' Union directly
To learn more about the plan, or if you're unsure whether you qualify to opt out, please contact Golnoosh or visit the CMSU's Student Health BC website. On this site, you will also find the opt-out request form.
The CMSU APP is now available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Download the app to check out our virtual community boards, services and support systems in your region. You can also find the app through this link here: http://cmcsu.campusapp.com/
Financial Aid
UPCOMING BURSARIES, AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS!
Hey students! Apply for awards, bursaries and scholarships* through Coast Mountain College to help fund your expenses while you study!
*CMTN awards are available to Canadian citizens, BC residents, landed immigrants and protected persons.
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.
Connect with one of our Education Advisors at advising@coastmountaincollege.ca or First Nations Access Coordinators at fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca to learn more.
LAS & Advising Help
One-on-one Brightspace Help — If navigating and using Brightspace is making your course more difficult to mange, 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. Contact LAS@coastmountaincollege.ca to book an in person or virtual appointment.
Drop-In Q & A, plus shared tips for success. Are you looking for learning strategies to help you succeed in your courses? Need some time management tips to help you juggle school and other parts of life?
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!
Register by visiting our CMTN website at www.coastmountaincollege.ca/student-services/learning-resource-centre/tutoring.
How to connect with a tutor tutorial video can be found here!
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.
To contact the Learner Support Team & Accessibility Services, email them at las@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Education Advisors also have weekly drop-ins on Mondays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you have questions about course planning or need to speak to an education advisor, please join them here: https://bcnet.bluejeans.com/299192688
For Education Advising, contact advising@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Connect with FNACs if you need help accessing any of these services.
Upcoming Important Dates
- March 11, 2022 - Last Day for Official Withdrawal [winter semester]
- April 15, 2022 - Good Friday [College Closed]
- April 18, 2022 - Easter Monday [College Closed]
Keep up to date with important dates through the CMTN Website!
Student Engagement Updates & Activities
- LivingWorks Start is a 90-minute online training program that will teach you how to recognize when someone is having thoughts of suicide and take meaningful action to keep them safe. The messaging and learning goals are similar to safeTALK. This training can be done at your own convenience and pace. Staff and students, please contact Kezia Sinkewicz at ksinkewicz@coastmountaincollege.ca for more information.
- March 15- In recognition of International Women's Day on March 8, SEOs Nikila and Emma are hosting an event celebrating International Women's Day. For those in Terrace, join in for appies and dialogue with inspiring women in the community. This is an opportunity to highlight and uplift women-identifying voices. All genders are valued and welcomed at this event.
If you have any questions about Student Engagement activities, please reach out to Emma DeVynck at edvynck@coastmountaincollege.ca or Nikila Prodduk at nprodduck@coastmountaincollege.ca
Mental Health Check-in
Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
Foundry BC is now offering virtual drop-in counselling for young people ages 12 to 24 and their families. To access this service, call 1.833.FØUNDRY (yes, that’s FØUNDRY with a zero... or 1.833.308.6379) to book an appointment. Sessions available through chat, voice-only calls or video calls.
Feeling down? Here are other resources you can reach out to:
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.
Northern BC Crisis Line A safe, confidential and non-judgmental crisis line to discuss anything troubling you available 24/7. Call 1.888.562.1214.
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.
The Indian Residential Schools 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 under the name “CMTN - Indigenous Connection & Support”.
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: