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!

October 2021 Events

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.

Hamiyaa, 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.

This year, the CMTN staff and faculty have donated a total of $525 to the local Indian Residential School Survivors Society through the purchase of orange shirts. Hamiyaa, CMTN!

What Would Nits'iits Do?

Nits'iits would be wondering how you are doing. She would call to ask "Hindahl wila win? (How are you? ) Amhl wila winaa? (Are you doing fine?) Amhl wila will'y (I am doing fine/great.) Its almost Halloween! She would be looking forward to the kuba tk'ihlxw (children) a yukxws (dressing up). They will be bringing their gwe'ehl (goody bag) for their swee das (candy). They would come up after sk'eex xw (dark) and be tsaa gyuksxw (frightened) of hii luulak (ghosts).

Kuba tk'ihlxw - children

a yukxws - dress up

gwe'ehl - goody bag

swee das - candy

sk'eex xw - dark

tsaa gyuksxw - frightened

hii luulak - ghosts

Gitxsanimx words from The Gitxsanimx Teacher produced by Dr. Jane Smith and can be found at this following link:

https://www.gitxsansimalgyax.com/uploads/7/8/1/3/78136032/gitxsanimx_teacher.pdf

Eats with Nits'iits

While you're practicing your words, practice this recipe from Nits'iits!

Easy Biscuits

• 2 c. Flour
• 4 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1tsp. Salt
• 1/2c. Shortening
• 3/4c. Milk

Pre-heat oven on at 400. Mix all dry ingredients together by blending with a fork in shortening until crumbly. Then add milk until combined but be careful to not over mix. Roll out until about an inch thick and cut out circles (upside down cup or circle cookie cutter) and place on cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 mins until golden brown.

Best enjoyed with your favorite soup or jam! This is a kid approved recipe; let us know how yours turn out!

Send pictures of your baking to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca!

Your weekly meme!

Indigenous in Media

Stories are in our Bones by Janine Windolph

In this layered short film made in 2019, filmmaker Janine Windolph takes her young sons fishing with their kokum (grandmother), a residential school survivor who retains a deep knowledge and memory of the land. The act of reconnecting with their homeland is a cultural and familial healing journey for the boys, who are growing up in the city. It’s also a powerful form of resistance for the women.

Available for free through the National Film Board of Canada website!

Indigenous Reads

Mapping my way home : a Gitxsan history by Neil J. Sterritt

Today, it is one of the most picturesque communities in all of BC--a tiny, tourism mecca nestled quietly in Gitxsan territory at the foot of an iconic mountain and bordered by two nurturing rivers. But as recently as 140 years ago the adjacent villages of Hazelton and Gitanmaax were the economic hub of northern British Columbia. Packers, traders, explorers, miners, surveyors and hundreds of tons of freight passed through every year. From Port Essington on the coast east to the Omineca gold fields, from Quesnel north to Telegraph Creek, author Neil Sterritt tells how the trails and the cultures of the north converged where the Skeena meets the Bulkley. Mapping My Way Home: A Gitxsan History is also the story of a people, recorded in both the oral and written traditions, and their adaptation to ever-changing geographies, cultural imperialism and economic opportunity. And finally it is the author's story. Born and raised in two cultures, Sterritt shares his journey from the wooden sidewalks of 1940s Hazelton to the world of international mining and back again to the Gitxsan ancestral village of Temlaham where he helped his people fight for what had always been theirs.

You can access this book through the CMTN library with your student card!

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/

Student Bursaries, Awards & Scholarship

There are a wide variety of CMTN Bursaries, Awards & Scholarships available to all registered CMTN students. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2021! Be sure to check out what is available here on the CMTN website at: https://www.coastmountaincollege.ca/student-services/financial-aid/cmtn-awards-bursaries-scholarships

PLease email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca for a General Awards Application form. The completed General Awards application can be dropped off at your nearest campus or emailed to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca. Please let us know if you need assistance in completing the form. If you would like to apply for a number of the bursaries, please list them all on one application. We encourage you to apply, apply and apply!