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 Nisga'a language! We are now in the month of Mm̓aal (April). Hak'sim huxw laax̱-g̱ohl biboot ahl hloḵsa Mm̓aal (In April, the boats are travelling up and down the river again.) Gwooyim (Spring) is here!
We are also welcoming another end to a great academic year! We hope you are feeling prepared for your year-end wrap up. Are you looking forward to Gwooyim too? The new life that comes with rivers moving quicker and the snow melting is refreshing and revitalizing. We hope Gwooyim gives that to you too.
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!
Highlights of Recent Events
Cultural Garment Workshop
The Traditional Cultural Garment Workshop was held on March 15, 22, 24 & 29, 2023 with Arlene Roberts, RHSW from the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. She demonstrated how to make a vest pattern using a t-shirt and how to make a shawl without a pattern. Some participants added their beautiful crests and buttons to their vest/shawl. T'ooyaḵsiy̓ n̓iin, Arlene!
Upcoming Events
Monthly FNAC Drop In Session
- Date: April 12, 2023
- Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: via Bluejeans https://bluejeans.com/972155116/2431
Please feel free to drop in to meet with the First Nations Access Coordinators (FNACs) if you have any questions or need academic, personal or financial support. We are available to meet with you privately as well. We are here for you!
Farewell Feast
- Date: April 18, 2023
- Time: 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.
- Where:
- Waap Galts'ap, Terrace Campus
- Wil luu sagaytwan, Prince Rupert Campus
- Virtual via Bluejeans
You are cordially invited to the Farewell Feast to wrap up your year in a good way! We cannot believe year-end is just around the corner. We hope you can join us.
Please email us to RSVP and for the Bluejeans link: FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Virtual Info Session on Indigenous Youth Internship Program
- Date: April 19, 2023
- Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Where: via Bluejeans at https://bluejeans.com/510698985/0195
Please join us to learn about the Indigenous Youth Internship Program. It offers a 12-month internship program (9 months in the B.C. Public Service and 3 months in an Indigenous organization) to successful applicants. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Thank you.
You can find more information about this program on the IYIP web page HERE!
'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://bluejeans.com/577926132/3694
Everyone is welcome to join in or watch!
If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jswank@coastmountaincollege.ca
What Would Nits'iits' Say
Nits'iits' says,"Hlaa gwooyim" (It's springtime) as she ties her apron on, gets her vacuum sealer, and pressure cooker out. Nits'iits' is getting ready for harvests to come in so that she can store them in her freezer and cupboards. Nits'iits' says that naḵ'am sgan (waterproof apron) is the best when working with saak gans t'ibin (oolichans and sealion). Nits'iits' loves to get to know you more while you work on the harvests!
Gibim̓hl smaya t'ibin. We eat sea lion meat.
Haw̓in mi dii baḵhl hlatsx̱a t'ibina? Have you ever had Sealion flipper?
Aksdam wineexhl hlatsx̱a t'ibin. Sea lion flippers are good food.
ts'alx̱an cutting sealion meat in strips for smoking
Dox̱hl tx̱aan̓itkwshl agu loosim̓a? Do you have everything you need?
Niihl sgihl dag̱a'ahl loona? Do you have an oolichan net?
Dim ts'ilaywiy̓ t nits'iits'iy̓. I'm going to visit my grandmother.
Cooking with Nits'iits'
Salmon Loaf
Its time to use up your jarred fish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pint jarred salmon with juice - remove bones and skin
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 coup bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp onion grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp parsley - chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Break salmon into flakes. Save juice. Stir in beaten eggs, milk, bread crumbs, grated onion, salt, chopped parsley and lemon juice. Put in greased casserole or loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until loaf is firm. . Enjoy! (Recipe from Kellie Nyce, FNAC)
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous Reads
Oolichan Moon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about passing down traditional knowledge from Nisga'a Elders and the sacredness of traditional foods, particularly the oolichan fish.
Together, author Samantha Beynon and illustrator Lucy Trimble have created a children’s book rich with cultural knowledge and tradition that relates to their Nisga'a ancestry surrounding the oolichan fish.
With playful text and vibrant illustrations, young readers can learn alongside the two Nisga'a sisters as they are gifted with sacred knowledge from their Elders, passed down for many generations in the oral tradition.
A gorgeous celebration of Nisga'a language, history and culture, Oolichan Moon also includes historical and cultural information about the oolichan fish and related Nisga'a vocabulary.
Find this book through the CMTN library using your student card!
Indigenous in the Media
B.C. Nisga’a totem on display at Scotland museum since 1930 is heading home!
The Scotland's National Museum Board of Trustees has agreed to the Nisga'a Lisim Government's request to return the memorial pole back to the Nisga'a land where it. The 11 meter pole was taken without consent in 1929 by an ethnographer who was researching Nisga'a life. He then sold it to the Scottish museum where it has been displayed since 1930.
Chief Earl Stephens says he shook with emotion after seeing the pole for the first time. The pole has deep ties to his family and spiritual significance to the Nisga'a people. Find the full article HERE!
This pts'aan will return home to join "The Ancestors' Collection" in The Nisga’a Museum known as Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a, which means “The Heart of Nisga’a House Crests,” a name that celebrates the importance of tribes and tribal crests in Nisga’a society.
For opening hours, year-round museum activities, and more information visit their site http://nisgaamuseum.ca/.
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
Indigenous Learner Guide to Community Funding
Check out this digital booklet! You will find valuable post-secondary funding information for Bands, Village Governments, & Indigenous Organizations in the Northwest & Coast Mountain College region. Please reach out to First Nations Access Coordinator if you need assistance with your funding applications. We can be reached at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. T'ooyaḵsiy̓ n̓iin!
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
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) rm 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 LAS@coastmountaincollege.ca!
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!
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.
Stay connected and check out our FNAC Facebook group to keep your finger on the pulse!
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