Welcome to the third issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin.
Each week we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This week we are focusing on the Witsuwit’en language.
Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means "it's good for you to stay home" in Nisga'a. In the Witsuwit’en language we say TSIYÏH’ YIKH OH’ DÏZIWLHTSIY: Stay home everybody!
We are happy that you are safe at home and doing your part to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially your Tsets yu (Grandfather), Cha’/Tso’ (your Grandmother), Bah (your father) and Ne’ (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
What would Cha’/Tso’ do?
Cha' would most likely say to you with much love…
"TSIYÏH’ YIKH OH’ DÏZIWLHTSIY! Stay home everybody!"
Here are some phrases to try the next time you call your Tsets yu or Cha'. This could be a lonely time for some, so this may brighten their day, and you learn your language at the same time!
Hadïh Hello
So’endzin? How are you?
Honist’iy’ nenyïst’ë’n I’m happy to see you again
Sa’newenyïst’el I haven’t seen you for a long time
Mbï nts’iyitnï What’s your name?
Tabee Honistiyh’ I’m very happy
FirstVoices is a suite of web-based tools and services designed to support Indigenous people engaged in language archiving, language teaching and culture revitalization.
Learn Witsuwit'en here.
Witsuwit'en Wednesdays started in 2017 by Indigenous educator Dolores Alfred and Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach. This is a fun way to learn the langauge.
Witsuwit’en Language and Culture Society is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that seeks to promote a resurgence of Witsuwit'en language and culture to ensure the survival of our ways of being as a distinct people for future generations. Connect via phone 250.847.3166 or email info@niwhkinic.org
Make and then chill
Here's a fresh recipe to try courtesy Katie Humphrey
Grandma’s Granola Bars
- 4 cups oats
- 4 cups trail mix
- 1 cup coconut
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Press mixture onto large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, press down firmly. Bake at 350 for 15 mins for chewy bars and 18-20 minutes for crunchy. Cut into bars while still warm.
While you snack on your granola bars check out fun activities online like:
FREE documentaries. This week, check out Trick or Treaty by Alanis Obomsawin. Covering a vast swath of northern Ontario, Treaty No. 9 reflects the often contradictory interpretations of treaties between First Nations and the Crown. To the Canadian government, this treaty represents a surrendering of Indigenous sovereignty, while the descendants of the Cree signatories contend its original purpose to share the land and its resources has been misunderstood and not upheld. Enlightening as it is entertaining, Trick or Treaty succinctly and powerfully portrays one community’s attempts to enforce their treaty rights and protect their lands, while also revealing the complexities of contemporary treaty agreements. This is the first film by an Indigenous filmmaker to be part of the Masters section at TIFF when it screened in 2014.
Read an article! Slow down, relax and reflect on a bigger you by Richard Wagamese (Source: Windspeaker. Oct2013, Vol. 31 Issue 7, p6-6) available through the CMTN Library here. This piece is perfect for our situation right now as we are all slowing down and learning to trust isolation.
Wellness Bingo
Brought to you by CMTN First Nations Access Coordinators! Please send questions and completed entries to any of the FNACS. Contact details are posted at the beginning and end of this newsletter.
Rules complete ONE full line (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). Make sure to document all your entries with a selfie/photo (photos must be current).
We encourage everyone to stay socially and physically distant themselves by at least 6 feet from others. Deadline is April 24.
Mental Health Check-in
Don't forget to reach out during these difficult times. 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
