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 Gitxsan language. Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means it's good for you to stay home in Nisga'a. In Gitxsanimx we say Xhla wansim! Stay home! Guuxw ama gyaatxwsim take care of yourselves.
As we start the month of Lasa Maa’y June, we can look forward to sunshine, longer days and warmer weather. We hope you are doing well in your studies and personally. Please feel free to call on any of us by email or phone to let us know if you are having any issues or concerns with your distance learning. We are here to provide you support in any we can. Work hard but don’t forget to take time to enjoy the outdoors! Continue to social distance and stay safe. We hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.
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
Visiting with Tsiits
Tsiits would say that Lasa Maa’y June is a great month to start gathering food to preserve for the winter. Time to pick some maa’y berries such as iss soapberries, a time when the ya’a spring salmon arrives, and good time to do some gardening. So, what would you plant in your anduuyan garden? How about these basic vegetables and fruits:
k’awts carrots
k’inuu turnips
sgusiit potatoes
miigunt strawberries
naasik’ raspberries
Check out fun activities online!
FREE film. Through dialogue with knowledge holders and Gitksan speakers, the communities of Gitanyow, Gitanmaax, Sik-e-dakh and Kispiox with the Gitksan Government Commission, put together a short video, Exploring Gitxsan Wellness identifying key concepts in being well. More information about the project can be found at gitxsangc.com.
Check out Indigenous reads! Gathering What the Great Nature Provided: Food Traditions of the Gitksan by People of 'Ksan, illustrated by Hilary Stewart. Available through the CMTN library. FNAC Kellie Nyce followed the directions in the book to prepare blueberries to dry, then put it in the oven overnight at a very low temperature to dry the fruit, she says, "It was very good. Like a fruit roll-up."
Have a party with friends ONLINE! Check out the free app Houseparty. You can enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, and desktop. You can play games with your friends while on a call with them. Games such as Heads Up! Chips, Trivia and Quick Draw.
Your weekly meme
CMTN President's Message to Students
Justin Kohlman, President at Coast Mountain College, provides an update to our students. CMTN's courses and programs are offered via Distributed Learning in Fall 2020 and are open for registration on June 1. Feel free to contact a FNAC if you require assistance with registering for your courses. We can also assist you with renewing your Adult Upgrading Grant for the Fall 2020 semester.
Student support
Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? Contact your local FNAC and ask about the Indigenous Wellness Assistance Fund.
Mental Health Check-in
Check out this article on Self-care during COVID-19.
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.
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
