Welcome to another issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin!
Can you believe this is our twentieth issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin? In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil: the language of the Skidegate Haida people.
Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means "it's good for you to stay home" in Nisga'a. In Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil we say “Damx̱an hla agan ḵing g̱uu (look after yourselves). Ahgan hla laadaa (you be nice/good). Damx̱ana dlljuu (behave yourself).
Spring is in the air! It is the month of April: Xiid Ḵuu.ngaay (Migratory Goose Month).
People will be heading out to harvest sg̱aahlaan (yellow cedar). No tree is more useful than the cedar gam ts'uu dluu ts'aanuu aan ts'aanuud gyaaging g̱ang ga.
With Xiid Ḵuu.ngaay (April) here with its warmer weather, it's important to make sure you get outside and breathe in some fresh air. It will help alleviate the stress of all the demands of school and life during this pandemic. If you can't get out, open the window and let some fresh air flow in.
Please remember to wear a mask if you are out shopping, make sure to use hand sanitizer before and after entering a public place, and keep a safe distance from anyone outside your household bubble. There will be a time when we can go back to a new normal. Hang in there, we will get through this together!
Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance, we are always here for you. We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey. Until then, remember to Damx̱an hla agan ḵing g̱uu (look after yourselves).
Enjoy, Take care, and Stay Safe!
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
Do you have a post-secondary deadline approaching? If yes, we can assist you with your funding applications. Please reach out to us at fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca
Student Spotlight
Haawa (thank you) to the three students who spoke during our Student Peer Address at the Farewell Feast Celebration! You all spoke from the heart and it was a pleasure getting to know each one of you. We look forward to working with returning students and new students for our upcoming academic year. Keep up the hard work and always know that we are standing here beside you as you continue on your path.
If you are a student and would like to share some of the things you are learning or involved in, email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. We would love to share your story!
Student Success Survey
Coast Mountain College is looking for your support and feedback from our students and coping with online learning this academic year 2020/2021. We know there has been drastic changes and challenges as we all had to cope with studying and working online.
We are always open to your input as we continue to navigate delivering post-secondary education through distance learning. Thank you for your time and assistance in completing this Student Success Survey, it is important information to know what changes need to happen so we can better support our students in the future.
This feedback form should only take a few minutes of your time: https://forms.gle/XLDo1C4h9hEey84d7
To hype it up, we will be holding a door prize draw to give away two $150 Staples gift cards and one $150 Campus Store credit. Please provide your input by April 30th to be entered into our draw. If you have any questions about the survey, please let us know directly.
Upcoming Events
Please join the First Nations Access Coordinators for the following events:
Honoring Your Mother's Hlo'odis Dip Noon
Tea & Social
Date: May 5, 2021
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In honour of Mother's Day coming up on May 9, join the FNAC team to make beaded fringe earrings over tea as a gift to a special woman in your life
Register by April 23 to receive the kit which includes earring material, a tea and a special treat to go along with your earrings!
To register, please email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca with your student number and campus location for kit pickup and Bluejeans link.
Stories & Scrubbies Session
Farewell Student Celebration Feast
Thank you to all of the students, staff, faculty and the entire CMTN college community who participated in our virtual celebration feast on April 14. We had approximately 102 attendees who logged into the event.
We wish you all success in your future endeavors and we are always excited to receive updates from you!
Below are a few profiles and words highlighting some of the key Elders that attended our Farewell Feast this year.
Mel Bazil - Gitxsan/Wit’suwit’en Knowledge Keeper. He spoke about the importance of being a witness at a feast. It is the job of the witness to stay until all speeches are done. "You are doing the work to witness that all the work is done properly. We must pay attention."
Algmxaa (Murray Smith) - Tsimshian Elder. His mother told him to remember two things: who your Chief is and which clan you are from. He was in Port Simpson when his brother picked him up and told him you are going to get a name. He used to cry because he believed he was going to die without a name, without an identity. If he did not have a name, he would not be able to speak to you today. He invited people from the Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Haida and Gitxsan when he finally received his name. His uncle spoke to him before the feast and said when you get a name, you to have to walk and talk differently. He became an honourable man. He went back to school when he was 55 years old. He sat with students to learn. He said it was very important for him to say how proud he is of the students who spoke today.
Sim’oogit Gilseen (Ron Nyce) - Nisga’a Elder and Chief. He congratulated all those that have made it and to keep up the good work. His grandfather told him, “You will learn a lot about your language when you attend a feast as you stay in your seat until the very end. Those that leave early will not learn. Listen to the speakers and watch how they deliver a feast." He went to Edmonton Residential School from 1956 to 1960. He was 7 years old when he left. When he returned, his parents never spoke English to him but he managed to get the language back. He says it is the very essence of who we are and that we are a spiritual people. When we give thanks, we must remember those that have passed on. You have to give thanks for each passing day.
Sim’oogit Axdii Anhl Smax (Larry Derrick) - Nisga’a Elder and Chief. "We are facing COVID but we got tech tools now. Our ancestors had none of that during the great flood or small pox. That is why I am so proud of the youth. All that blood in your veins, where did it come from? I thank the teachers and staff with online teaching and all the support given to the youth. I felt what the students are going through and struggling. When the youth spoke today, we witnessed the hardship they are going through. Our feasts are always done with respect. When we invite someone to a feast, we invite them by “hets’. It is a person who travels to deliver the message in person. I was so happy Jill came to “hets’ me to the feast. I am happy someone talked about the importance of witnessing a feast. The Nisga’a invited Europeans to one feast. They had their backs to the fire. The Nisga’a were eating seagull, swans and sea lion. They would throw the bones in the fire and call out names of people who passed. The Europeans also threw their bones in the fire. They were smiling because they carried out respect we showed them.
Liitam Laxdaaw Gibaaw (Sharon Bryant) - Kitsumkalum Matriarch. "Thank you for acknowledging our students and sharing the importance of family gatherings. We all miss family gatherings. It will be at least a year before we have a feast again, but we will begin to plan. We collect our dalla to pay expenses. We tell our children to get gifts to use to thank our guests for attending our feasts. At the end of the feast, we pay everyone. We share a meal and hand out gifts. We honour our Chiefs and students for coming today. We always have to keep learning. Take advantage of every learning opportunity.
Guno’ots’n Gibau (Vernon Dudoward) - Kitsumkalum Knowledge Keeper. "We have multiple feasts, such as thank you feasts, stone-moving feasts, cleansing feasts, and settlement feasts. We have a soup feast, where the clan announces an upcoming naming feast. The host announces the time and day when it will take place. They put in money and announce who will be getting names. When feast begins, someone at the front door will announce who you are and your name. This information helps the seaters to know where you will sit. Seats are categorized in five different seating areas. Each clan by themselves. Once they are seated, then the hosts provides a meal followed by the ceremony. Once it is done, the guests give thanks to the host for the invite.
Haawa,T’oyaxsut nüüsm, T’ooyaḵsim̓ n̓isim̓, Ha'miyaa, ʼAnáɫzaxʷ nugʷuƛá, Misiyh Thank you to each of the speakers who shared with us during the feast, we have all learned so much and appreciate every moment we have with our Elders and knowledge keepers.
What Would Ts'iits' Do?
Ts'iits' would say Aan gwa gina da sḵ'aadg̱a? (Are you learning something here?) Ts'iits would also say Dii guudang.ngaay 'laa ga, dan hll ḵings g̱aaganah (I am happy because I see you). Tsi'iits would be harvesting different kinds of cedar in the month of April Xiid Ḵuu.ngaay. Ts'iits would be making different items out of the cedar including red cedar hatsts'uu daajing.aay and ḵiig̱uux̱aay (basket weaving). Ts'iits would save some of the cedar to weave in the winter Siing̱aad gyinuu ḵiig̱uux̱aay ga (in the winter I basket weave). Ts'iits would also ask if you have seen the migratory geese as you are out harvesting the cedar.
Here are some important words to practice and learn:
Yellow Cedar - sg̱aahlaan
Red Cedar - ts'uu
No tree is more useful than cedar - Gam ts'uu dluu ts'aanuu aan ts'aanuud gyaaging g̱ang ga
Herring Roe - k’aaw
Grandfather - ching̱a
Grandmother - naang̱a
Mother - awg̱a
Father - x̱aadg̱a
To basket weave (the act of basket weaving) - ḵiig̱uux̱aay
For more words to practice Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil (Skidegate Haida), check out First Voices here.
Traditional Harvesting
We have harvested many great recipes for our Eats with Jiits': Seasoned with Love FNAC Recipe Book! Check out the Recipe Collection Booklet that was released live at our Student Farewell Celebration Feast on April 14. Check it out here.
Our recipe project came about when we were discussing the importance of sharing traditional food knowledge at our Eats with Jiits’ online cooking session and Cookies and Lidi drop-in social where FNACs and students talked about their family recipes, new ones, and the teas we enjoyed alongside it.
Thank you again to everyone who submitted a recipe! We look forward to hearing about your adventures in the kitchen — don't forget to send us pictures of you learning to cook some of the recipes.
It's not too late to submit a recipe! Just email FNACs and we will add it to our Eats With Jiits’ recipe booklet project. Each person who contributes will receive a collection of recipes.
Haawa, Melody, for sharing her beautiful Haida preserving method. Find her recipe in the cookbook along many others!
Make your favorite recipe and chill
Indigenous in Media
Check out Kiefer Collison, from the Haida nation and one of CFNR’s radio hosts, on Big Brother 9!
- Name: Kiefer Collison
- Age: 32 years old
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Zodiac: Sagittarius
- Hometown: Old Massett, B.C.
- Occupation: Radio Host
- My mantra or words I live by: "Kief it Real!" and "Love, Peace, Oolichan Grease!"
Indigenous Words of Wisdom
The FNACs are aware of the loss happening in our communities and we want to provide support during this difficult time. FNHA offers valuable resources for those who may be experiencing a form of loss in their lives. Take a look at this informative video that surrounds the cultural practices around illness and death.
This video shares information from the Tsimshian, Tahltan, Haisla, Gitxsan, and Nisǥa’a people on their cultural practices and how this pandemic has impacted their wellness. This video was developed by the Terrace/Kitimat and Area Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee with financial support from Northern Health.
Indigenous Reads
The food traditions of North America’s Indigenous peoples are centuries old and they have endured to this day. For almost two decades, Dolly Watts and her daughter Annie have served native cuisine in both traditional and modern forms. Where People Feast is one of very few Indigenous cookbooks available at book stores. It is the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to introducing people to extraordinary foods that are truly North American. Recipes include Smoked Salmon Mousse, Indian Tacos, Venison Meatballs, Alder-Grilled Breast of Pheasant, Blackberry-Glazed Beets, Wild Rice Pancakes, and Wild Blueberry Cobbler. This book includes sixteen full-color photos and 120 recipes. For more information on how to purchase this book, check it out here.
Your weekly meme!
Self-care is essential
Self-care is very important for our well-being. Try out this new Scavenger Hunt below to help improve your wellness.
With all the spring sunshine, walking outside is FNAC's Katie's favourite self-care activity. We challenge you to get outside (safely) and try some of our wellness activities.
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.
* PLEASE NOTE *
We have a No Visitors Policy. Access is granted to staff, students and others upon special approval. The Waap Galts'ap Longhouse at the Terrace Campus and the Smithers Campus Library are designated study spaces for registered CMTN students. Contact a FNAC or member of the student services team to request this access.
Some of the changes we have implemented include:
- Limited face-to-face activities: Only approved face-to-face activities will take place on CMTN campuses this academic year.
- Self-assessments: How are you feeling? Only come to campus if you are healthy and not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands: Everyone is encouraged to frequently wash hands with soap and water, particularly before and after entering a new space.
- Physical distancing: Stay six feet — aka ONE MOOSE — apart.
- Face coverings are required in all spaces at every campus.
Find more information HERE on our website or you can connect through info@coastmountaincollege.ca
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, the Students’ Union is here to support you. We want to hear from you. To learn more about what we’re here for or just to say hello, email us at organiser@mycmsu.ca or visit our website: mycmsu.ca
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/
Computer Assistance
Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? There is a laptop lending library available. You are eligible to borrow a laptop per semester!
Need computer help? Connect with a FNAC to learn more about computer courses or computer tutoring. These can help you better know your device and programs.
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 to access 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. For the Learner Support Team & Accessibility Services, email: las@coastmountaincollege.ca. For Education Advising, contact ea@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Bursaries, Awards, Scholarships! Oh My! CMTN & Northern Health have partnered to offer the opportunity for funding if you are enrolled or interested in the Health Care Assistant program. Successful participants will get paid $785 and get their school costs covered. Express your interest through our program application online
CMTN is now offering Intersession Bursaries to eligible domestic students who register for 2021 spring courses. Up to $500 for part-time and up to $1,000 for full-time based on tuition/fee expense. Students need to register and apply for the award at least 10 business days prior to the start of courses. For complete details, visit the web at https://www.coastmountaincollege.ca/awards-bursaries-scholarships/award-or-bursary-details/intersession-bursaries.
Mental Health Check-in
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.
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.
Keep Me Safe connects CMTN students to a counsellor, available 24/7 through multiple formats (call, chat, email and videoconference) for you. Go to coastmountaincollege.ca/counselling or www.mystudentsupport.com for more info.
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.
COVID-19 updates & FAQs
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. For updates and FAQs, please visit our website here.
Haawa,T’oyaxsut nüüsm, T’ooyaḵsim̓ n̓isim̓, Ha'miyaa, ʼAnáɫzaxʷ nugʷuƛá, Misiyh
Have something you want to contribute for next month's issue?
If you have feedback, story ideas or pictures to share, please contact us: