Welcome to the third issue of Hagwil Yaan!
Welcome back to campus! As we transition, we are happy to introduce to you volume two of this student newsletter. As you have noticed, volume two has a new name: Hagwil yaan which means "walk softly, walk slowly".
In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature the language of the Haida People: Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil . The language is called Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil in Skidegate dialect and X̱aad Kil in Massett.
It is already Hlgidgun kung (November)! Hlgidgun kung means the Canada Goose month. The t'aag̱aaw (snow) is getting ready to grace our lands as it starts to come down the mountains. Which means you might feel a little xwii (cold) outside now so make sure to wear your jacket! We hope you are all doing well in your studies and you are able to keep up with your assignments. We understand it is a very busy time, so feel free to reach out to us if you need extra support before you hibernate!
We are still seeing COVID_19 Restrictions set in place so please Guuda.ngang hla 'laa da (have a good mind) and damx̱an (be careful). Be mindful of the space you hold around others. Masks are required in all indoor public settings, including your classrooms and lab times. Haawa (thank you) for being considerate and safe!
Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance, we are always here to tllg̱ad (help). We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey. Damx̱an hla agan ḵing g̱uu (Look after yourselves)!
Enjoy, take care and stay safe!
Jillian Stephens, Terrace jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca
Sharon Oskey, Prince Rupert soskey@coastmountaincollege.ca
Kellie Nyce, Hazelton knyce@coastmountaincollege.ca
Katie Humphrey, Smithers khumphrey@coastmountaincollege.ca
Algmxaa, Murray Smith, shares a song
Haawa, Algmxaa, for the beautiful song you have gifted us! Assii llnagaay gii hla glaayii isda - It has given this place calmness and peace! We cannot wait to see Algmxaa soon!
November Events
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza kicks off in November! Join the FNAC's and grab some popcorn/snacks as we launch our first movie of the semester: Smoke Signals!
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza presents:
Smoke Signals (1998)
Arnold rescued Thomas from a fire when he was a child. Thomas thinks of Arnold as a hero, while Arnold's son Victor resents his father's alcoholism, violence and abandonment of his family. Uneasy rivals and friends, Thomas and Victor spend their days killing time on a Coeur d'Alene reservation in Idaho and arguing about their cultural identities. When Arnold dies, the duo set out on a cross-country journey to Phoenix to retrieve Arnold's ashes.
Date: November 4th
Time: 5:00pm
Bluejeans/Online
Join FNACs virtually to enjoy the films together online, with a discussion period to follow the film. Sign up by emailing FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca – popcorn snacks are available at each campus location
*Rated PG for some intense images and frightening scenes*
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza presents:
Reel Injun
A documentary about the evolution of the depiction of First Nations people in film, from the silent era to today. Featuring clips from hundreds of films, candid interviews with famous Native and non-Native directors, writers and actors, Reel Injun traces how the image of First Nations people in cinema have influenced the understanding and misunderstanding of their culture and history.
Date: November 18th
Time: 5:00pm
Bluejeans/Online
Join FNACs virtually to enjoy the films together online, with a discussion period to follow the film. Sign up by emailing FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca – popcorn snacks are available at each campus location
*Rated PG for mild profanity*
'Xbisuunt Dance Group Weekly Practice
Mondays @ 6:00-7:00 PM
Online option to join via Bluejeans
https://bcnet.bluejeans.com/972155116/2431
If you have any questions about joining, please reach out to FNAC Jillian at jstephens@coastmountaincollege.ca
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza presents:
Haida Gwaii: on the edge of the world
Eighty miles off the Northwest coast of British Columbia, the mountainous archipelago Haida Gwaii rises above the Pacific Ocean. These islands have been home to the Haida people since 13,000 BC, though smallpox decimated their population and industrial fishing and logging perpetually threaten them. Despite all this, a vibrant community thrives there, and Haida Gwaii: On the Edge of the World celebrates the chiefs, farmers, scientists, and artists who work to secure a sustainable future for the islands and their culture.
Date: November 25th
Time: 5:00pm
Bluejeans/Online
Join FNACs virtually to enjoy the films together online, with a discussion period to follow the film. Sign up by emailing FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca – popcorn snacks are available at each campus location
*Rated PG-13*
December Events
Vision Boards & Stressbuster: Wellness Day
Date: December 1st
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Make a hot tea or coffee and socialize with the FNAC team while creating your own vision board. No experience necessary; just let the creativity flow!
With special guest Emma DeVynck, one of CMTN's Student Engagement Officers, will be showing us Mindfulness and Chair Yoga!
Register with FNAC by November 22nd to pickup supplies needed to make your vision board and wellness gift, please include campus location and student number.
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza presents:
The Whale & the Raven
Director Mirjam Leuze’s The Whale and the Raven illuminates the many issues that have drawn whale researchers, the Gitga’at First Nation, and the Government of British Columbia into a complex conflict. As the people in the Great Bear Rainforest struggle to protect their territory against the pressure and promise of the gas industry, caught in between are the countless beings that call this place home.
Date: December 2nd
Time: 5:00pm
Bluejeans/Online
Join FNACs virtually to enjoy the films together online, with a discussion period to follow the film. Sign up by emailing FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca – popcorn snacks are available at each campus location
*Rated PG*
Holiday Tea & Social
Date: December 8th
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Join the FNAC Team before the Holiday Break during this tea and social event. Register to receive a cookie making kit and Purdy's chocolate (limited supply).
Sign up to receive a special gift by November 26th to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca with campus location and student number!
International Indigenous Film Extravaganza presents:
Dance Me Outside
A story of life on a First Nations reserve in Ontario: Silas and Frank are trying to get into college to train to be mechanics but they find themselves having to deal with girls, family ... and murder.
Date: December 9th
Time: 5:00pm
Bluejeans/Online
Join FNACs virtually to enjoy the films together online, with a discussion period to follow the film. Sign up by emailing FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca – popcorn snacks are available at each campus location
*Rated R for language and brief violence*
Recent Event Highlights
Cedar Hat Weaving with Val Morgan
Haawa, Val, for sharing your knowledge with us on sg̱aahlaan (yellow cedar) and ts'uu (red cedar). We are so grateful for Val; she was such a gracious teacher throughout the month of October! Gam ts'uu dluu ts'aanuu aan ts'aanuud gyaaging g̱ang ga (no tree is more useful than cedar)!
Elders Tea & Social- Spooky Stories with Mel & Larry
Haawa to Sim'oogit Axdii anhl Smax (Larry Derrick), Sim'oogit Gilseen (Ron Nyce) and Mel Bazil for joining us and sharing a couple spooky stories! What a thrill!
Halloween Highlights
We hope you were able to safely partake in Halloween activities this year. Here are some of the carved pumpkins we received by students and some dress up fun!
Poppy Pin Beading Sessions with Shalane Pauls!
Participants were able to bead their own Poppy Pins in honour of Remembrance Day on November 11th. We have two more sessions to get to our completed projects but here are some updates on how we are doing!
What would Sḵaanaay Do?
What does Sḵaanaay Yahlnaaw (Auntie Yahlnaaw) do around this spooky season? Learn more language, of course! Sḵaanaay says Ham.mayuu dang dawtl'lxas ga! I hope the monsters will get you! That Sḵaanaay is always trying to spook us!
Yahlnaaw Uu.iijii! - “It’s Yahlnaaw!” video: Ginaxan ad tll NangxisGala! - “Halloween!” A fun opportunity to learn some Halloween HlGaagilda Xaayda Kil (Skidegate Haida words)!
Words used by Sḵaanaay today!
- Ginaxan ad tll NangxisGala Halloween
- K'adaxan sii.ngaay Ghost Day (alt. Halloween)
- K'adaxan Ghost
- Xanhlgid Spooked/Spooky - essence/season/atmosphere
- Jaaxiisda Spooked; feeling spooked
- Skuujii Bone
- K'aadxan Skeleton
- St'aw.wa Witch
- Ham.mayuu Monster; a scary thing
Haawa, Yahlnaaw, for the HlGaagilda Xaayda Kil for K'adaxan sii.ngaay! Learn more at First Voices HERE!
Here are more Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil words to practice in Hlgidgun kung (November):
- Chinga Grandfather
- Awga Mother
- x̱aadg̱a father
- Sii ngaay 'láa Good Day
- Dii guudang.ngaay 'laa ga, dan hll ḵings g̱aaganah I am happy because I see you
- Kil 'láa dkyy gam gina kuuya gan ga Nothing more precious than kind words
- Aan gwa gina da sḵ'aadg̱a? Are you learning something here?
Treat Day with Nanaay
Haawa to Nanaay (grandmother) Marilyn Hooper for sharing this treat recipe that is perfect for the Halloween season! This is Confetti Squares: Peanut butter Marshmallow Squares!
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 - 300g bag butterscotch chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 ½ cup coloured marshmallows
- On Low Heat: Melt together on stove top or microwave. Careful - do not overheat!
- Remove from heat and let cool a bit
- Mix with marshmallows
- Spray 8x8 pan and pour mixture into the pan. Spread out and let sit.
Send pictures of your baking to FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca!
Your weekly meme!
Indigenous in Media
This is a great video to watch! Robert Davidson is a world renown Haida artist. He shares his personal journey as an artist. Including his upbringing to his journey to becoming a Northwest Coast artist, and the art he produces today. You can watch this video on Youtube HERE!
Want more Robert Davidson? Check out Haida Modern - an amazing documentary shown through the Vancouver International Film Festival of 2021!
Indigenous Reads
Potlatch as Pedagogy
You can access this book through the CMTN library with your student card! Please look out for their other books that they collaborated on such as the Sk'ad'a Stories - Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii (Book 1) and Learning to Carve Argillite (Book 2).
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 on Campus
- If you're sick, stay home and get tested
- Masks are mandatory
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly
- Cover your face when you cough or sneeze
- Practice careful social contact
- Use hand sanitizer when it's available
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/
Financial Aid
Have any financial aid questions? Connect with our Financial Aid Officer today
Allison Conway, Financial Aid Officer, Phone: 250-635-6511 Ext. 5204, Email: aconway@coastmountaincollege.ca
There are a wide variety of bursaries! Be sure to check out what is available here on the CMTN website!
Computer Assistance
Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? There is a laptop lending library available. As a registered CMTN student you are eligible to borrow a laptop per semester!
Connect with one of our Education Advisors at advising@coastmountaincollege.ca or First Nations Access Coordinators at fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca to learn more.
LAS & Advising Help
One-on-one Brightspace Help — If navigating and using Brightspace is making your course more difficult to mange, let us help! Our Learning Assistance Specialists (LAS) are available to walk you through the finer points of Brightspace so you can focus on your coursework. Contact LAS@coastmountaincollege.ca to book an in person or virtual appointment.
Drop-In Q &A, plus shared tips for success — Are you looking for learning strategies to help you succeed in your courses? Need some time management tips to help you juggle school and other parts of life?
Then pop into these virtual office hours for assistance with these or any other issues. Make sure to BYOC (bring your own coffee!)
Tuesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.: https://bluejeans.com/311032793/0587
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: https://bluejeans.com/25063565115493
Contact Georgie Watts for more information at gwatts@coastmountaincollege.ca
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 if you need help accessing 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. To contact the Learner Support Team & Accessibility Services, email them at las@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Education Advisors also have weekly drop-ins on Mondays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. If you have questions about course planning or need to speak to an education advisor, please join them here: https://bcnet.bluejeans.com/299192688
For Education Advising, contact advising@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Upcoming Important Dates
Don't forget that the last Day for Official Withdrawal is November 19th, 2021! If you are looking to change your course schedule, please visit with your local Student Services members or Registration desks.
CMTN Bursaries, Awards & Scholarships
Bursaries, Awards, Scholarships! Oh My! The Indspire post-secondary bursary applications are closing on November 1st! Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $115 million in financial support to more than 37,500 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. All Building Brighter Futures donations are matched by the Government of Canada allowing us to be double the impact for students. For a complete listing of Building Brighter Futures Supports, please visit indspirefunding.ca.
Student Engagement Updates & Activities
- Nov 9th @ 12pm - 1pm: Join BK Chan for a lunch-and-learn one hour workshop on how stress impacts our brains. Door prizes (Terrace Campus & online). BK Chan is an award-winning sex and emotional literacy educator in Toronto, Canada, with 20+ years of experience. Trained in Creative Facilitation, Productive Thinking, and Non-Violent Communication, BK's favourite ways to learn and teach are through stories, metaphors, diagrams, and things that make people laugh. Above all, BK is dedicated to having difficult conversations that are real, transformative, and kind.
- Nov 18th @10am-2pm: Pizza and drop-in activities (Prince Rupert)
- Nov 23rd @ 10am-1pm Men's Mental Health & Wellness Trivia, Prizes, Moosehide information & pins and food (Terrace)
- Nov 25th @ 10am-1pm: Using a Naloxone kit can save someone's life. Look out for on campus Naloxone training in Terrace late November. Anyone can take the free, 10-minute training online with this link and pick up a kit from Northern Health when you show them your certificate. (Terrace)
Any questions about Engagement Activities please reach out to Emma DeVynck at edvynck@coastmountaincollege.ca or Anjo Colago at acolago@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Mental Health Check-in
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.
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.
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.
Stay Connected check out our FNAC Facebook group under the name “CMTN - Indigenous Connection & Support”.
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