Hagwil Yaan Student newsletter | December 2022

Upcoming Events

Yak with Ye'e

We hope you get to spend time with your Ye'e (Grandfather) , Nts’i’its (Grandmother) Noo (Mother), Nagwaat (Dad), and/or Wilaaysk (Relatives) this Christmas. Please reach out to your family and friends during this time if you can't make it home for the holidays. Here are some Ts'msyen or Sm'algyax words that you may hear this Christmas. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Take care!

amap'asm smg̱a̱nnoun - Christmas tree

k’åwtsa daaw - icicle

k’a’atm swiidis - candy cane

nu’untgm gan - decorated tree

ha'lik'eexl - sleigh

'Wii limx - Santa Claus (literally big beard)

ksa kyila'ma - presents

midzagaleem Ha’ligyeda Miyaanm - Christmas flowers (poinsettias)

Ha’liawån - Christmas Eve (or New Year’s Eve)

Ama su k’oo¬ Happy New Year

Words from Sm'algyax Resource!

From Sagoo Li’taa (Edward Innes)

"As we all celebrate the birth of our lord, where we live, we ask our Big Chief in the Sky – to take great care you all. Merry Christmas everyone! WAYI WAH"

From Dm Syl Haaytk Gyibaaw (Emily Bryant):

I met Sagoo Li’taa, Edward Innes, early October 2022 through my cousin and mentor in language, Mique’l Dangeli. She knew Sagoo Li’taa wanted to share his knowledge, and we have been together every week since. Every Saturday, we meet together in Kitsumkalum, as well as his wife and any community member who wants to sit and learn with us. We sit together for 4-5 hours each Saturday and join Juneau Language Learner’s online via Zoom.

These past few months have been quite the journey. For Sagoo Li’taa, Sm’algyax is his dominant language, growing up speaking Sm’algyax with his family in Kitkatla. English is his second language, so with that came many challenges. I had to really listen to the way he tells stories, to really pay attention to his hand movements, and I had to truly utilize my knowledge in Sm’algyax to ask for clarification on what he is trying to convey. He encourages me, every single time, to ask questions in Sm’algyax – to repeat my English in Sm’algyax – and to tell stories in Sm’algyax. I am extremely fortunate to be able to sit with this man from Kitkatla, once a week, and learn from him. He also texts daily in the language, never misses a “good morning” message. Ap lukwil ayaaltganu (I am so, so, so lucky).

Eats with Jiits

Ts'iits knows that you're starting to dig into your jarred and frozen harvests. Ts'iits likes to use her fruit harvests from the summer to make a warm fruit crisp on cold, winter nights.

Stove-Top Fruit Crisp

• 2 Apples (diced) or 1 Jarred Apples
• 1 cup or 1 Jar Berries
• Cinnamon
• Honey
• Granola
• Butter

1. Heat up your pan to medium heat. Add butter or oil in your pan.
2. Add your apples, cook them down a bit before adding your strawberries.
3. Add water, a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, cinnamon and mix together.
4. Sprinkle granola over top.

Recipe taken from "Food is Medicine" Recipe Book from First Nations Health Authority & ISPARC.

Your weekly meme!

Indigenous Reads

Discover the wonder of ancient sea gardens on the Northwest Coast!

Sea gardens have been created by First Peoples on the Northwest coast for more than three thousand years. These gardens consist of stone reefs that are constructed at the lowest tide line, encouraging the growth of clams and other marine life on the gently sloped beach.

This lyrical story follows a young child and an older family member who set out to visit a sea garden early one morning, as the lowest tides often occur at dawn. After anchoring their boat, they explore the beach, discover the many sea creatures that live there, hear the sputtering of clams and look closely at the reef. They reflect on the people who built the wall long ago, as well as those who have maintained it over the years. After digging for clams, they tidy up the beach, then return home.

An author’s note provides further information about sea gardens (also known as clam gardens), which yield a reliable food source and have been traditional places of learning. They have been found along the Pacific coast, from Alaska to British Columbia to Washington State, and some of these gardens are being restored today.

The book is available at the CMTN Library. Check it out with your CMTN student ID!

Indigenous in the Media

Booktopia: Listen to an interview with Roy Henry Vickers and Kay Weisman about their book called "Visit a Sea Garden".

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