Message from us: Welcome back to classes and the new academic year in 2022! Our First Nations Access Coordinator Team hopes you had a enjoyable holiday break and wish you all the best in your studies in the new year. We look forward to hearing from you!

January Events

Ingredients:

• Jar of fish
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp of chopped dill
• 1 tbsp capers (optional)

Mix all fish, olive oil, and lemon together first. Once mixed thoroughly, add other ingredients with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Your weekly meme!

Indigenous in Media

Video can be found here!

Wa’xaid, (the good river) or Cecil Paul, an Xenaksiala (Kitlope/Kemano) elder, in his ancestral home, the Kitlope — now the largest protected unlogged temperate rainforest left on the planet. Paul’s cultural teachings are more relevant today than ever in the face of environmental threats, climate change and social inequity. His personal stories of loss from residential schools, industrialization and theft of cultural property put a human face to the survivors of genocide.

Indigenous Reads

Book recommended by Kāshā (Julie Morris), our Indigenous Learning Transformation Specialist and Instructor at Coast Mountain College.

Based on recorded interviews and journal entries, this major biography of Wa’xaid (Cecil Paul) is a resounding and timely saga featuring the trials, tribulations, endurance, forgiveness and survival of one of North America’s more prominent Indigenous leaders.

Born in 1931 in the Kitlope, Cecil Paul (also known by his Xenaksiala name, Wa’xaid) is one of the last fluent speakers of his people’s language. At age ten, he was placed in a residential school run by the United Church of Canada at Port Alberni where he was abused.

After three decades of prolonged alcohol abuse, he returned to the Kitlope where his healing journey began. He has worked tirelessly to protect the Kitlope, described as the largest intact temperate rainforest watershed in the world. Now in his late 80s, he resides on his ancestors’ traditional territory.

Following upon the success of Wa''xaid''s own book of personal essays, stories from the Magic Canoe, Briony Penn''s major biography of this remarkable individual will serve as a timely reminder of the state of British Columbia's Indigenous community. It highlights the environmental and political strife still facing many Indigenous communities alongside the philosophical and personal journey of a remarkable man.

Wa''xaid passed away at the age of 90 on December 3, 2020.

E-book can be accessed here. Hard copies are available at the CMTN Terrace Library. Books are currently being ordered in for the Smithers, Prince Rupert and Hazelton campuses. It can also be purchased from Good Minds here.

Order your copy today!

On-Campus Safety Guidelines

Due to our COVID-19 response, things look a bit different this year 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 the practical training component of your program.

Golden Rules on Campus

• If you're sick, stay home and get tested
• Masks are mandatory
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly
• Cover your face when you cough or sneeze
• Practice careful social contact
• 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 your student union does or if you just want to stop by to say hello, email Golnoosh at organiser@mycmsu.ca or visit their website at 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.

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/