Loading

Hagwil Yaan Student newsletter | May 2022

Welcome to the seventh 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 Gitxsanimx: the language of the Gitxsan People which is a dialect of sm'algyax!

The months have gone by so fast and we are now in Lasa 'Yanja (May - the budding trees and blooming flowers moon) where the majagalee (flowers) are beginning to bloom and the gangan (trees) are a beautiful sits'atxw (green). We live in such beautiful surroundings!

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 optional in all indoor public settings, including your classrooms and lab times. T'ooyaxs'y niism (thank you all) for being considerate and safe. Dimgan 'wihla ama gyadin. (Be kind always.)

We hope to hear from you! Wan nu'um dim dip hlamoosim! (We are here to help/assist you). We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey. Dim guxs ama gya'atxw 'niism! (Look after yourselves!)

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

Left to right: FNACs Jillian Stephens, Kellie Nyce, and Sharon Oskey

Convocation 2022

Congratulations to all the Graduates of 2022! We have enjoyed having you here at Coast Mountain College and we wish you all the best in whatever path you choose. We look forward to seeing you walk across the podium. We will be standing proud along with your family and friends.

  • Terrace Convocation: June 2nd, 2022
  • Smithers Convocation: June 10th, 2022
  • Prince Rupert Convocation: June 23rd, 2022

Fall 2022 Semester

If you are planning to return or start new in the FALL Semester (Sept-Dec), please feel free to reach out anytime to the FNAC team if you need help with your funding applications or with your application for admission here at CMTN!

Important Dates to Remember

  • Deadline to Pay Tuition: 10 business days before the first day of class
  • Spring Semester Starts: May 2, 2022
  • Fall Semester Start: September 6, 2022

To find complete lists of important dates and schedules, please visit the CMTN website!

Upcoming Cultural Events on Campus: Fall 2022 Semester

These events will be offered regionally via blended offerings (face-to-face on some campuses & via Bluejeans):

  • September 14, 2022 - Welcome Back Feast
  • September 26 – 30, 2022 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Week
  • September 16, 21, & 23, 2022 - Orange Shirt Beading Workshop

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!

Student Spotlight

We would like to spotlight three of our Leaders-in-Action members who volunteered their time to help out at a few of our cultural events this month. Josh Laufer (First year student in Applied Coast Ecology [ACE]), Jacqueline Goetz (Second year student in ACE), and Maria Carmelle Soliman (Second Year Business Administration Student) went above and beyond in creating events and helping within FNAC events such as: Bannock Days at Prince Rupert Campus, CMTN Book Club, Annual Farewell Feast, and more! Amhl jebin (Great work)!

About Maria Carmelle Soliman

Mei, as she is fondly called by her family, friends, and peers, is an international student from the Philippines in the Business Administration Program. She is an active member of CMTN’s Leaders in Action and is currently serving her term as a student representative in the college’s Board of Governors. Mei has been involved in numerous student events at the college to support student engagement and to get to know more about the community. As an international student and a newcomer to Canada, her roles as a student representative and a Leader in Action helped her assimilate into a new environment and culture that makes her experience at CMTN remarkable.

From Left to Right: Maria Carmelle Soliman (left), Josh Laufer (Middle), & Jacqueline Goetz (Right)

Leaders-in-Action apply at the beginning of the school year to volunteer to help out at a variety of events on our campuses in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Hazelton and Smithers. For more info, please visit the Leaders-in-Action page on the CMTN website.

May Events

May 5th is National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse Peoples (MMIWG2+)

Annually on May 5th, many across Canada gather together to raise awareness and take action to create safer communities in honour of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse Peoples (MMIWG2+). On this day, we remember those whom we have lost and the communities that have been affected. We must do what we can to end colonial, gender-based violence. If you are wanting to learn more or take action, here are a few resources and activities:

Moose Hide Campaign Day

  • Date: May 12th
  • Time: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a day of ceremony. It’s a day where all Canadians are called to join together to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.

CMTN is a Moose Hide Campaign Ambassador Institution! We acknowledge the many atrocities towards Indigenous people - especially on the Highway of Tears - and take action towards making safer communities. To learn more about ambassador campuses, visit this page!

To learn more, visit moosehidecampaign.ca or drop by Waap Galts'ap to check out the live streamed event!

'Xbisuunt Dance Group Weekly Practice

Date: Every Monday

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You are welcome to come watch, sing, and dance with the 'Xbisuunt Dance Group! Dance practices are cancelled during exams; 'Xbisuunt Dance Practices will resume on May 23rd, 2022.

If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca

Gitlaxdax Nisga'a Dance Group

Everyone is welcome to join in or watch. Please keep in mind safety protocols. Dance practice cancelled during exams. Gitlaxdax Dance Practice will continue on May 4th.

If you are thinking about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jill at jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca

Recent Event Highlights

63rd Annual All Native Basketball Tournament

From April 3rd to 9th, 2022, the annual All Native Basketball Tournament resumed after COVID_19 precautions had it on pause. CMTN and Contact North BC attended and set up a table with a variety of staff and faculty volunteers to get information about programs to all the communities who had participated in the tournament.

Photos Captured by Doug Swank, CMTN Communications Coordinator
Photos Captured by Doug Swank, CMTN Communications Coordinator

Farewell Student Learning Feast

On April 13, 2022, CMTN was finally able to host an in-person feast in Waap Galts'ap at the Terrace campus! It was a wonderful event filled with energy, laughter, and beautiful feasting protocol graciously shared by simgigat, sigidimhanaak, and knowledge keepers. 

T'ooyaksiy nisim to the head table who honoured CMTN's invitation and shared knowledge with us:

  • Litamlaxdau Gibau (Sharon Bryant)
  • Sim'oogit Gilseen (Ron Nyce)
  • Sim'oogit Axdii Anhl Smax (Larry Derrick)
  • Louisa Gray
  • Lyle Adams
  • Sherry McDames
  • Nicole Halbauer
  • Priscilla Mitchell
  • Arthur Mercer
  • Christina Azak

We would love to take a minute to thank all of the volunteers - students, staff, and faculty - who helped make this event a success! This was the first student feast to occur in person since the COVID pandemic had us safely at home. It was wonderful to gather in Waap Galts'ap to celebrate another academic year completed and learn more about feasting protocol!

T'ooyaksiy nisim:

  • Leaders-In-Action Volunteers: Maria Carmelle Soliman, Judy Banzon, Nikka Mae Meneses, and Ricca Panaguiton
  • CMTN Staff: Kezia Sinkewicz, Olivia Bartsoff, Veronica Chinchilla, Adam Nash, Tracey Salem, Danna Buick, Doug Swank
  • CMTN Managers, Deans, and Directors: Tracey Woodburn, Patricia Pryce, Heather Bastin, Brian Bonia, Marc Snelling, Deidre Quinlan, Michael Doyle, Kelly Swain,
  • CMSU Organiser Golnoosh Namazi
Photos captured by Doug Swank and FNAC Kellie Nyce
Photos captured by Doug Swank and FNAC Kellie Nyce
Photos captured by Doug Swank and FNAC Kellie Nyce

What would Ts'iits' Do?

Your Ts'iits' (grandmother) would be so happy to see you when you visit. She would say "Luu amhl good'y win gyaa sim" (I am happy to see you). She would be so proud of you for going to school. She would say " Ts'aawina! (Your are smart)" or "Simlo'o 'niin (You are smart)". Here is a video titled "Diboogit Gant Ts'iits" by Bush Girl Productions. It is about going to visit Ts'iits'. Follow along with some of the Gitxsanimx with the translation below!

Goohl ii majagalee as Ts'iits'. I am going to bring flowers to Ts'iits'.

Sga t'is aats'ap. Close the door.

Ama silkxwsa Ts'iits'. Good day Ts'iits'.

Ama good'y win gya'a sim!  I am happy to see you!

'Ndahl wila win? How are you?

Amhl wila wil'y. I am doing great.

Gala t'an gosun.  Come sit here.

Wii o'oy 'niin Ts'iits'. I love you Ts'iits'.

Eat with Ts'iits

Here is the recipe from the book "The First Fry Bread" by Dr. M. Jane Smith. We would love to see how the recipe worked for you. Send pictures to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca

Bread Dough Recipe Na'a Used.

  • Approximately 3/4 coup warm water
  • 1 package of active dry yeast
  • Approximately 1 tsp salt
  • Approximately 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • Approximately 1 tbsp lard
  • Approximately 3 cups flour

In large bowl, pour in the warm water. Slowly stir in the dry yeast. Add salt, sugar, shortening, and water to bowl. Stir. Mix in flour. Turn dough out onto floured board and knead. Shape into loaves and bake what is not made into fry bread.

Fry Bread Recipe Ye'e Created

Shape dough into balls about 4 inches in diameter. Stretch and flatten into patties 1/2 inch thick. Make a small hole in the centre of each patty. Fry one at a time in 1 inch of hot shortening, turning to brown on both sides. Word of caution: adults only should make fry bread

Your weekly meme!

Image captured from @Makamonture

Indigenous in Media

"Shadow Trap" by Damien Gillis

Northern British Columbia, 1908: Gitxsan Indigenous businessman turned outlaw Simon Gunanoot – labelled a “terrible savage” for allegedly killing two white men – is in hiding during a brutally cold winter. Meanwhile, in Hazelton, grubstaker Seamus Campbell and his shotgun-toting thug come to the Two Mile Saloon to collect a debt from failed prospector Danny Kelly. In desperation, Kelly impulsively decides to head deep into the frozen wilds of the Skeena Mountains in pursuit of Gunanoot and the $1,000 bounty on his head. Kelly soon realizes that he’s in over his head – the hunter has become the hunted.

This short film was created to introduce audiences to Simon’s story and to launch a dramatic series on the same topic. Simon’s coming of age, his thirteen years on the run, and the courtroom drama after he turned himself in all hold the depth and scope of an epic multi-part series.

Indigenous Reads

by M. Jane Smith, Jordan Wheeler (Editor), Ken N. Mowatt (Illustrations)

Fry bread has a significant role in the Gitxsan culture. It is often served both at home and at feasts. The fry bread story has a message for children on the importance of building up their spirits. It is a great story to read to your children about the first time fry bread was made in the Gitxsan territories. See the recipe for the fry bread that was included in the book by our Eats with Ts'iits section.

You can access book through the CMTN Library using your student card!

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
  • 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.
  • Use hand sanitizer when it's available

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. 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 Golnoosh at organiser@mycmsu.ca or Mudit Mehta, the student union outreach worker, at outreach@mycmsu.ca.

Please be cognizant 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.

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 May 15.

*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.

LAS & Advising Help

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. Contact LAS@coastmountaincollege.ca to book an appointment.

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!

'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.

Drop-In Q & A

Education Advisors also have weekly drop-ins on Mondays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Drop in to ask questions about course planning and selection.

For Education Advising, contact advising@coastmountaincollege.ca.

Upcoming Important Community Dates

  • May 5, 2022 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+)
  • May 5, 2022 - National Red Dress Day
  • May 12, 2022 - Moose Hide Campaign Day 2022
  • June 2022 - National Indigenous Peoples month
  • June 21, 2022 - National Indigenous People Day

Keep up to date with important dates through the CMTN Website!

Student Engagement Updates & Activities

  • Wednesday in May @ 5pm: Yoga with Gabriela
  • May 11 @ 6:30pm: Canada 101
  • May 31 @ 7pm: Student Success Party
  • 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.

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

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.

Check out the CMTN website to access the Counselling Self-Referral Form. It must be completed before your first visit.

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.

Be there.org

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.

Thank you for enjoying the fourth issue of volume two: Hagwil yaan!

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:

FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca

Connection is Indigenous!

@coastmountaincollege

#coastmountaincollege