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Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin Student newsletter | May 20, 2020

Welcome to another issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin.

Each week we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This week we will focus on more of the Sm’algyax language.

Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means 'it's good for you to stay home' in Nisga'a. In the Sm’algyax language we say Smgit haytgn 'Stay Strong'!

We know this is a tough time right now and can take a toll on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We hope you find fun stuff in this newsletter that might be able to add a bit of love and light into your life at home.

Please feel free to share some of your strategies with us! We would love to hear from you.

Jillian Stephens, Terrace jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca

Veronica Waechter, Terrace vwaechter@coastmountaincollege.ca

Sharon Oskey, Prince Rupert soskey@coastmountaincollege.ca

Kellie Nyce, Hazelton knyce@coastmountaincollege.ca

Katie Humphrey, Smithers khumphrey@coastmountaincollege.ca

Left to right: Veronica Waechter, Jillian Stephens, Kellie Nyce, Katie Humphrey & Sharon Oskey

Cedar Weaving with Val Morgan

June 2 - 4 | online

Join us for a virtual series of cedar harvesting and preparation!

Val Morgan facilitates this series where we will learn the sacred teachings of cedar, how to harvest and how to make a cedar basket.

Cedar kits will be made available. You must register to participate and space is limited.

Contact your local FNAC to sign up!

Visiting with Nits'iits'

Now that the flowers are blooming the bees are buzzing, going outside is all but irresistible.

We must remember to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially our Nits’iits’ and elders. Here are some powerful words to learn for the next time you call or see your Nits’iits’.

Ama Sah Good Day!

N’si’ipn I love you

Ndm al gyik niidzn I will see you again

Smhawks to believe

łoodis lp nüün respect yourself

Wayi Wah Let’s Go! (empowerment term)

Words provided by Gawagani Artwork’s Facebook page. Give her beautiful copper Sm’algyax jewelry and art page a follow!

Follow Seiga Liimii Asicksik on Youtube for a word of the day in Sm’algyax. Here is “You are My Sunshine” song in Sm’algyax, to get you through the rain or shine this week.

Make and chill

Strawberry Matcha Rice Krispie Squares (gluten-free)

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. coconut oil (should be solid at room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup strawberries (TIP: blended frozen strawberries are easier to mix)
  • 3 tbsp. water
  • 1 bag marshmallows
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies (gluten-free)
  • 1 small scoop of matcha (or however much you like in a single cup of tea)

Melt the coconut oil in a medium sized sauce pan on medium-low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows, and stir until they are completely dissolved (if you leave them they may burn to the bottom). Stir in strawberries, matcha, and water. Mix until it is well-incorporated. Turn the heat on the burner down to simmer, and slowly stir in the Rice Krispies. Mix until they are all evenly coated. Press into a 9 x 12 sized glass dish or pan. Use wax paper to get it in without sticking to everything. Allow to cool and set 5 minutes, then cut into squares or make heart shapes using a heart cookie cutter.

With your delicious snack in hand it's time to tour the Internet!

Enjoy a virtual museum tour! Some of the most popular and renowned museums around the world are going online! Learn about important cultural artifacts and inspire your own creativity from the comfort of your home. Check out: The Louvre, The British Museum, The National Gallery, National Museum of Natural History, National Women's History Museum, and The Royal Ontario Museums 'Blue Whale Project'. You can also virtually walk the Great Wall in China!

FREE film.In The Mountain of SGaana, Haida filmmaker Christopher Auchter spins a magical tale of a young man who is stolen away to the spirit world, and the young woman who rescues him. The film brilliantly combines traditional animation with formal elements of Haida art, and is based on a story inspired by an old Haida fable. Kid-friendly. Watch it here.

'The Mountain of SGaana' by Christopher Auchter

Check out Indigenous reads! Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Kimmerer available as an e-book through the CMTN library. This book is about plants and botany as seen through Native American traditions and Western scientific traditions.

Read, Listen, Tell: Indigenous Stories from Turtle Island

Student support

Don't forget about funding deadlines!

Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? Contact your local FNAC and ask about the Indigenous Wellness Assistance Fund.

Did you receive emergency financial aid from a First Nations Access Coordinator (FNAC) this year? We would love to hear from you! Letters of support for your FNACs are due in the next couple of weeks. The letters of support help us access funding to keep the FNACs here for you and supports our cultural events. Thank you to those who have submitted already! Contact your local FNAC with any questions.

Mental Health Check-in

Foundry BC is now offering virtual drop-in counselling for young people ages 12-24 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.

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.

The Keep Me Safe program is available 24/7 through multiple formats (call, chat, email and videoconference) for you! Go to coastmountaincollege.ca/counselling for more info.

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.

COVID-19 updates & FAQs

At Coast Mountain College we continue to 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. For updates and FAQs please visit our website here.

Visit canada.ca/coronavirus for more information.

Have something you want to contribute for next month's issue?

Feedback, story ideas or pictures to share? Contact us:

jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca

vwaechter@coastmountaincollege.ca

knyce@coastmountaincollege.ca

khumphrey@coastmountaincollege.ca

soskey@coastmountaincollege.ca

Connect with us!

@coastmountaincollege

#coastmountaincollege