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

Each week we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This week it is Tsimshian Sm’algyax language.

Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means "it's good for you to stay home" in Nisga'a. In the Tsimshian Sm’algyax language we say: Dm al gyik niidzn gyilks ama'niidzn (I'll see you again, take care of yourself).

We are happy that you are safe at home and doing your part to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially your Niye’e (Grandfather), Nits’iits’(your Grandmother), Nigwoot (your father) and Nox (your mother), during this COVID-19 pandemic.

We continue to provide support by sending you the latest news at CMTN, sharing ideas to keep a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit and learning tips, recipes, and much more.

Please share with us. How are you keeping up with your studies through remote delivery? How are you keeping active? How are you are entertaining your kids?

If you can take a moment to complete this activity poll, that would be great!

We would love share information on sites you may have found to offer free e-books, online music concerts and more in our next issue.

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

Bake and then chill

It seems to be banana bread season! Got some ripe bananas? Kids not eating them? Try this quick and tasty banana bread recipe shared by Sharon Oskey.

One-bowl Banana Bread (makes 1 loaf or 12 muffins)

• 3 bananas (mashed)
• 3 tbsp butter (room temp or melted)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl using a fork and/or a spatula. Pour into a small, greased loaf pan (8 1/2” x 4 1/2 “) or regular muffin tins. Bake for 13-15 minutes for the muffins. Bake 50-60 minutes for the loaf. Remove from oven when firming and a knife comes out clean from the centre. Cool before slicing/eating.

While you wait for your bread to bake check out fun activities online like:

Enjoy some colour therapy! Many artists are sharing free colouring pages that they have designed for you and your family. Check out Infinity Art Graphics – Contemporary Gitxsan Artist, Frances Campbell and K.C. Hall - Haíłzaqv artist from Heiltsuk Nation. Michelle Stoney - Gitxsan artist continues to release new designs and Coast Mountain College has recently partnered with Michelle for a weekly series of 'How to draw' that will be shared on her Facebook page!

FREE documentaries. This week, check out Tsimshian Weaver Tsamiianbann - Willy White by Royal BC Musem. Tsamiianbaan (Willy White), a Tsimshian weaver and teacher from Lax Kw’alaams in northwestern BC, created a Raven’s Tail style ceremonial apron for installation in our new weaving exhibit in the First Peoples gallery. Mr White wove much of the apron on-site in the museum, demonstrating weaving techniques, interacting with the public and working with our Curator of Ethnology and Exhibit Designer on the display and interpretation of the apron.

Check out some Indigenous reads! People of the Saltwater by Charles R. Menzies available through the CMTN Library here. In this book Menzies explores the history of an ancient Tsimshian community, focusing on the people and their enduring place in the modern world. The Gitxaała Nation has called the rugged north coast of British Columbia home for millennia, proudly maintaining its territory and traditional way of life. People of the Saltwater first outlines the social and political relations that constitute Gitxaała society. Although these traditionalist relations have undergone change, they have endured through colonialism and the emergence of the industrial capitalist economy. It is of fundamental importance to this society to link its past to its present in all spheres of life, from its understanding of its hereditary leaders to the continuance of its ancient ceremonies. Menzies then turns to a discussion of an economy based on natural-resource extraction by examining fisheries and their central importance to the Gitxaałas’ cultural roots. Not only do these fisheries support the Gitxaała Nation economically, they also serve as a source of distinct cultural identity. Menzies’s firsthand account describes the group’s place within cultural anthropology and the importance of its lifeways, traditions, and histories in nontraditional society today.

Get creative! Anything goes. Participants in workshops at Smithers campus have shared their completed projects. Check out these beautiful pieces for inspiration. YouTube is a great place to learn something new. Do you have something to share? We'd love to see what you have been up to!