Welcome to the first issue of Volume 2: Hagwil yaan!
Welcome back to campus! As we transition, we are happy to introduce to you volume two of this student newsletter. As you have noticed, volume two has a new name: Hagwil yaan which means "walk softly, walk slowly".
Although you may have heard this term being used during a time of grief, it can also be used in a literal sense and in various contexts. For us moving forward, we have been encouraged by Tsimshian language holders to use it in a good way, breathe life back into it and to care for each other. In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature the language of the Tsimshian peoples: Sm'algyax.
This summer has gone by so fast — from staying busy with fishing, working in the smoke house, jarring and freezing fish, garden work and now picking berries. We hope you and your family have gathered all that you need in preparation for the winter. It is rejuvenating to get out on the laxyuup (land/territory) to harvest and get ready for winter.
To prepare you for your new semester, Dm syl haatyk gibauu (Emily Bryant) has shared a special message for you in Sm'algyax. T'oyaxsut 'nüün!
Some classes are going to be face-to-face, so please do your part in keeping everyone safe by following guidelines to keep COVID-19 at bay. Masks are now required in all indoor public settings, including your classrooms and lab times. Maintain social distancing with people outside of your household. Yiks'ontk (wash one's hands) and use hand sanitizer.
Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance, we are always here to hlimoomin (help you). We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey.
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
Check out our NEW Facebook Group
We are so happy to announce that we have a new FNAC Facebook group under the name “CMTN - Indigenous Connection & Support”. On this page, you will find information and resources such as:
- Band & Village Government funding information
- Upcoming cultural and community events at CMTN
- Upcoming Indigenous-based bursaries, awards and scholarships (plus other financial aid information)
- Community resources
- Mental wellness support
- Celebrations and so much more!
We hope you will join this group to access information on Indigenous resources and opportunities relevant to you as a CMTN student.
Meet Prince Anjo Colago
Meet one of CMTN's new Student Engagement Officers: Prince Anjo Colago! We are so excited to welcome Anjo back on campus as he is CMTN alumnus.
Anjo Colago is a graduate of post-degree business diploma program at Coast Mountain College at the Terrace campus. He was born and raised in Mangagoy, Philippines. He holds a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Cebu.
During his time at CMTN, he volunteered to be the student recruitment ambassador where he helped the communications team produce marketing materials. He also assisted the recruitment team in disseminating the right information for incoming and current students by connecting them to the right people with their concerns.
Anjo continues to do volunteer work with his friends by helping new Filipinos settle into town. He is well-connected to the Filipino community and does his part by providing essential information to those struggling with a language barrier.
As one of the new student engagement and wellness officers at the Terrace campus, he will be hosting student events and initiatives. He will oversee operations of the Fitness Centre and ensure it's kept to safety standard. His main objective is working with partners across the region and building strong relationships to benefit student life.
Anjo can be reached at acolago@coastmountaincollege.ca
If you are a student and would like to share what you're learning or involved in, email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. We would love to share your story!
September 2021 Upcoming Events
Orange Shirt Day Events
Please see below for all of the planned events and activities leading up to Orange Shirt Day on September 30. Please note that September 30 is now a statutory holiday named "National Day of Truth and Reconciliation".
NEW Orange Shirt Day Design for CMTN
This year has brought many Indigenous peoples immeasurable devastation and grief as more bodies of children are uncovered at the sites of Indian residential schools. To honour those who are finally being brought home, those who have not been found and those who survived, we have secured a new design for CMTN to show their support.
We are incredibly grateful to artist and CMTN alumna Kari Morgan for creating the last orange shirt design! We are sad to archive such a beautiful design but we will be framing a shirt to commemorate Morgan’s efforts of advocacy and allyship.
Each year, Kari ensured that we would collect donations for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. To continue with those efforts, we have now built in an automatic donation with each shirt purchased.
Without further ado, we announce the winner and design for the 2021 Orange Shirt Design Contest....
CONGRATULATIONS TO SHAWNA KIESMAN!
In the Arms of our Ancestors
Shawna Kiesman is a Tsm’syen/Nisga’a Artist. She was born in Prince Rupert and raised in Victoria, B.C. She holds a diploma in First Nations Fine Arts from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
In addition to receiving a grant from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, she has attended the RBC Audain Museum Emerging Artist Program. Shawna has attended artist residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Bonnie McComb Kreye Studio. Shawna’s current explorations of her art practice using the mediums of digital art, textiles, drawing and painting.
T'oyaxsut 'nüün Shawna for providing such a captivating design! We will wear it with honour. We will never forget the resiliency of Indigenous communities and their way of life.
Make sure to sign up to receive a free Orange Shirt with Shawna's Design
The FNAC Team has a limited supply of Orange Shirts available for registered students in time for September 30.
Please send your request to fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca by September with your name, student number, campus location for pickup and size
Orange Shirt Day Events & Activities
- Sept. 17 & 24, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Beaded Orange Shirt Pin Workshop with Erica Davis
- Sept. 23, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — First Nations Health Authority Info on Mental Health Resources available in the Northern region with Brandon Vickers
- Sept. 27, 2021 from 11:30 a.m 1:30 p.m. — Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Healing Tools with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society
- Sept. 28, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Learn Traditional Grounding Exercises with Sandra Harris
- Sept. 29, 2021 — Indian Residential School Information Session with Bob Joseph
- Sept 30, 2021 — Now a NATIONAL STATUTORY HOLIDAY!
What Would Nts'i'its Do?
Nts'i'its, would be so proud to see you at school this Fall. She would like to see you succeed in whatever education path your choose. She would want you to remember where you come from and be proud of who you are. You have all your ancestors walking beside you.
Nts'i'its would want you to learn how to introduce yourself in Sm'algyax. Here is a sample of how you would introduce yourself.
To hear how to pronounce these important words, go to https://www.smalgyax.ca/y1 or Suwilaawksa Sm'algyax (Learning Sm'algyax). Check out Year 1 (Grade 5) Ts'msyen Sm'al;gyax Language Authority.
Alex di waayu. My name is Alex.
Låxsgyiik di pdeegu. My crest is Eagle
Kxeen di wil dzogu. I live in Prince Rupert.
Låx Kw’alaams di wil ‘waatgu. I am from Lax Kw’alaams.
Traditional Harvesting
Yagwa Dm Simaaym
Yagwa Dm Simaaym means we’re going to pick berries. The berries are ripe and ready for picking. We would love to see pictures and your recipes for blueberries. Have you tried to traditionally dry the blueberries into cakes? If yes, please send us at picture of the process and end product. We would love to see it and share in our newsletter.
Here are some words in Sm'algyax to practice about going out to pick berries. The wording and recordings are available at Suwilaawksa Sm'algyax (Learning Sm'algyax)!
La ksuut a da Ha’lilåxsimaay wil lii waalm, niisdu ta miiga sm’maay. It is Fall and we’re in the month of September. I see the blueberries are ripe.
La yagwa gulm ga gawdiim dm wil ga simaaym, Sandra dis ‘nüüyu. We are getting ready to go pick blueberries, Sandra and I.
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous in Media
Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse
Here is a video of Richard Wagamese at a speaking engagement at the University of B.C in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, about his book Indian Horse. He talks about how the character Saul and book came to be. Richard Wagamese is an Ojibway author from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. He lived in Kamloops B.C until his passing on March 10, 2017.
Indigenous Reads
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
"An unforgettable work of art." — The National Post
Saul Indian Horse is dying. Tucked away in a hospice high above the clash and clang of a big city, he embarks on a marvellous journey of imagination back through the life he led as a northern Ojibway, with all its sorrows and joys.
With compassion and insight, author Richard Wagamese traces through his fictional characters the decline of a culture and a cultural way. For Saul, taken forcibly from the land and his family when he's sent to residential school, salvation comes for a while through his incredible gifts as a hockey player. But in the harsh realities of 1960s Canada, he battles obdurate racism and the spirit-destroying effects of cultural alienation and displacement.
Indian Horse unfolds against the bleak loveliness of northern Ontario, all rock, marsh, bog and cedar. Wagamese writes with a spare beauty, penetrating the heart of a remarkable Ojibway man. Drawing on his great-grandfather's mystical gift of vision, Saul Indian Horse comes to recognize the influence of everyday magic on his own life. In this wise and moving novel, Richard Wagamese shares that gift of magic with readers as well.
Both the e-book and movie of Indian Horse are available at the CMTN library! For more info, please go to the CMTN Student Services tab > Library > Overview. For the movie, choose A-Z Database > go to C > Criterion-on-Demand.
For the book, go to the search bar and type in the title.
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 for Everyone on Coast Mountain College Campuses
- If you're sick, stay home and get tested
- Masks are mandatory
- Wash your hands often and thouroughly
- Cover your face when you cough or sneeze
- Practice careful social contact
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 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/
Upcoming Financial Aid Workshops
- BC-Canada Integrated Student Loans on Sept. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. at https://bluejeans.com/835421732/6330
- Funding for BC Former Youth in Care on Sept 13 from 3 to 4 p.m at https://bluejeans.com/128277630/2882
- Applying for Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships on Sept. 15 from 3 to 4 p.m. at https://bluejeans.com/835421732/6330
- Applying for Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships on Oct. 5 from 12 to 1 p.m. at https://bluejeans.com/925478818/6434
FINANCIAL AID CONTACT INFO: Allison Conway, Financial Aid Officer, Phone: 250-635-6511 Ext. 5204, Email: aconway@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 ea@coastmountaincollege.ca or First Nations Access Coordinators at fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca to learn more.
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?
Then pop into these virtual office hours for assistance with these or any other issues. Make sure to BYOC (bring your own coffee!)
Tuesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.: https://bluejeans.com/311032793/0587
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: https://bluejeans.com/25063565115493
Contact Georgie Watts for more information at gwatts@coastmountaincollege.ca
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.
Connect with FNACs if you need help accessing these services.
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 have weekly drop-ins on Mondays from 12:00 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 ea@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Bursaries, Awards, Scholarships! Oh My! The New Relationship Trust Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization. It was created to advance and support the education goals of First Nations in British Columbia. Their primary focuses are scholarships, bursaries and First Nations Language Revitalization.
The NRT Foundation has supported 2,787 scholarship and bursary recipients from First Nations communities across British Columbia. New Relationship Trust is opening their education awards for a second call. If you are looking to find more funding to support you as a student, please visit nrtf.ca for information and applications.
Mental Health Check-in
Suicide Alertness Training for Everyone
SafeTALK is a half-day training that prepares anyone to become a suicide-alert helper by presenting the basic steps for helping a person who is having thoughts of suicide connect to the support they need. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives.
More than 50,000 people in 20 countries attend SafeTALK each year to learn how to identify those with thoughts of suicide and connect them to life-saving community supports and resources.
- Terrace: September 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Smithers: September 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Prince Rupert: September 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Email info@coastmountaincollege.ca to reserve your FREE seat!
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.
Have something you want to contribute for next month's issue?
If you have feedback, story ideas or pictures to share, please contact us: