Welcome to another issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin!
Welcome to the eighteenth issue of Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin. Each month, we will focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are focusing on the Sm'algyax language in the Tsimshian dialect.
Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin means "it's good for you to stay home" in Nisga'a. In Sm'algyax, Amanii wila gyoon means "be careful what you do".
Time has gone by so fast, we are already in the month of Ha'liwilgyisiyaask (February) and your first month of classes have come and gone. We hope your semester started off well and you continue to be gatllet (strong) just like the north wind!
People are starting to get ready for another harvesting year! Have you ever seen a harvesting or seasonal calendar for your nation? So many of our community members go out to the laxyuup (territory) all year long. Now would be a great time to ask for knowledge sharing - whether it's your o'os (cousin), bip (uncle), dzi'i (grandma), or anyone else you know!
Please stay safe, keep your physical distance from people outside your home, wear a mask while shopping, use hand sanitizer, and keep washing your hands. We will get through this together. Above all: be kind to one another! Remember that Ha'liwilgyisiyaask is also the month of awareness and advocacy for anti-violence and anti-bullying.
Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance. We are here for you! We will do our best to support you in every step of your educational journey. Until then, remember to take it all Meła k’üülda sah (One day at a time).
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
Student Spotlight - Freda Diesing Students 2020/2021
Join us in celebration of our accomplished Freda Diesing First Nations Fine Arts students!
We are certainly missing the opportunity to witness the many pieces that the Freda Diesing students complete. But, don't worry! You can check out their pieces online today at the Terrace Art Gallery.
If you are a student and would like to share some of the things you are learning or creating, email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca, we would love to share your story!
Upcoming Events
Join us for our annual International Indigenous Film Extravaganza! Now we can watch Indigenous excellence in film together online in our own spaces. We have one last show coming up, we hope to see you there!
Red Dress Beading Workshop & REDress Project Presentation
Our upcoming Beading workshop session is full! T’oyaxsut nüün to Shalane, our beading facilitator! We will be sure to share pictures of our projects along the way. However, we do have a special opportunity for you to learn more about the REDress project and movement.
Pink Shirt Day
You can find more events happening at CMTN on our website HERE!
Recent Workshop Highlights
The Button Blanket Wall Hanging workshop is going great with our guest facilitator Bobbi Morgan! Our next session is February 17th; we can’t wait to share the finished creations with everyone- talk about a next-level video conferencing background! T’oyaxsut nüün, Bobbi!
What Would Dzi'i Do?
Dzi'i wants to let you know to Amanii wila gyoon (be careful what you do). She knows you are 'wiigyetk (homesick) and missing everyone, especially those who may have passed on during the pandemic. She knows you carry the heaviness in your goot (heart) when you can't be there to help like we usually do. So, try not to be 'wahgoot (thoughtless) and keep t'aagoot (content/calm). But, you staying safe is the real resiliency of the gyigyet (people). She would said akandi wilaayt (I don't know) when this will end but until then, ground yourself with the amamaxsm gangan (beautiful trees) and trust the land you're on. It's ama hadaawx (good medicine).
We challenge you to practice these Sm'algyax phrases at home:
Ama h’upl Good Night
Ama sah Good Day
Siiptut nuun I love you
Lu aam g̱oodu nwil nii g̱asg̱aw da'axgsm I am happy to see how much you can do.
Ha'limootk oolichan/saviour
Noos dip gwatga gyelx It is very cold outside.
Gwida'ats' Jacket
Gyelkwsu amag̱alik. I felt a good sign.
To find more words to practice in Sm'algyax, please visit the Sm'algyax Living Legacy Talking Dictionary!
Traditional Harvesting
Ha'liwilgyisiyaask (February): ha'li= time when/place where, wil= where, gyisiyaask north wind.
Ha'liwilgyisiyaask is time for a celebration and bringing in Hoobyiee with your Nisga'a neighbours! Hoobiyee is the Nisga'a New Year and time for all nations to wish each other a plentiful year. Hoobiyee signifies a new harvest year and that the oolichans are arriving. Get your dip nets, climb into your waders, and check the tide tables. They're coming!
FNACs Jill & Sharon are members of the Nisga'a Nation. Both wish you all a very plentiful year; plentiful in harvest, love, and laughter. HOOBIYEE!
Picture courtesy of Douglas Swank; Hoobiyee 2020 in Gitlaxt'aamiks
Dm si łaada̱xłm ts'a̱'a̱x!
Ha'liwilgyisiyaask also means Dm si łaada̱xłm ts'a̱'a̱x (We're going to make clam fritters)! This recipe is straight from the late Ji'its Ida May Russ (nee Stewart)! This recipe is based on harvested/preserved sa’max (Butter clams). FNAC Sharon's No’o (mother) used two cups ts’a’ax (clams) & 1–1.5 cups aks (water) to preserve ts’a’ax (clams).
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh/frozen butter clams
- 1 - 1.5 cup clam juice
- 1 cup all purpose ksa’anaay flour
- 1 tsp iis powda baking powder
- ½ tsp moon salt (optional)
- 1 large łgümat egg
- 1 small onyens onion (finely chopped)
- 1 stick p’iins celery (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh herbs or spices to taste(optional)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Directions:
- Add cut clams, clam juice, egg, 2 tbsp vegetable oil to a large mixing bowl.
- Add finely chopped vegetables and fresh herbs to liquid mixture.
- Combine flour, salt, baking powder & spices in a small bowl, mix well, then add dry ingredients to the clam mixture.
- Cooking Option #1: Deepfry - If you have a deep fryer and deep fried makes you happy
- Cooking Option #2: Panfry - Heat pan over med/med-high heat and add approximately 1 tbsp oil. Drop ¼ cup clam mixture and let cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side. If the batter spreads to thin: add a tbsp flour; if it’s too thick: add a tsp water till is the consistency of a thick pancake batter. Add oil to the pan as needed.
Note: It’s easier to cut a partially frozen block of clams than it is to cut them individually after they’re thawed. If you don’t have fresh or frozen clams: This recipe will work with store bought canned clams, but you will have to adjust the amounts of flour to clam juice to get the proper consistency.
We are collecting recipes! Email FNACs one of your family recipes and we will add it to our Eats With Jiits’ recipe booklet project. Each person who adds to it will receive the collective recipes. This project came about when we were discussing the importance of sharing traditional foods knowledge at our Eat’s with Jiits’ online cooking session as well as Cookies and Lidi drop-in social, where FNACs and students talked about their family recipes, new ones, and the tea we enjoy with it.
Fry n' Try
We know waiting for your ts’a’ax clams to fry is a long wait! Check out these fun activities to try with your family and friends virtually!
Indigenous in Media
Lets visit the Museum of Anthropology virtually to explore the Cultural Collections.
MOA currently has 2110 items in the Gitxsan collection, 1925 items in the Haida collection, 264 items in the Haisla collection, 110 items in the Nisga’a collection, 379 items in the Tsimshian collection & 16 items in the Wet’suwet’en collection. You can see these beautiful items by clicking on the link below and searching for items by nation. You can check out more artifacts at collection-online.moa.unbc.ca!
Indigenous Reads! First Nations 101 / Lynda Gray. Overview of the diverse and complex lives of First Nations people with subjects including veterans, youth, urbanization, child welfare, appropriate questions to ask a First Nations person, feminism, the medicine wheel, Two-spirit (LGBTQ), residential schools, the land bridge theory, and language preservation. Author Lynda Gray endeavours to leave readers with a better understanding of the shared history of First Nations and non-First Nations people, and ultimately calls upon all of us - individuals, communities, and governments - to play active roles in bringing about true reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations people.
Gray is local from the community of Lax Kw'alaams! By reading this book, you not only have an opportunity to learn more but you will also find relevancy from the Northern persective.
Available through the CMTN Library and BC Libraries Catalogue online.
Your weekly meme!
Self-Care is Essential
We know self-care can take the back burner when you're a student! We want to make sure that you are still taking time to decompress and breathe. Holding space for self-care doesn't always mean colouring, doing yoga, or entering ceremony. Sometimes self-care means listening to music and allowing yourself to rest. Check out this great round dance song by Butch & Tone!
Wellness Bingo!
We will be hosting a virtual Wellness Bingo on February 19th after a special information session "Connection is Medicine" by Sandra Harris. Email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca to sign up today to be part of "Beyond the Blues" on February 18th and 19th!
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.
****PLEASE NOTE****
We have a No Visitors Policy. Access is granted to staff, students and others upon special approval. The Waap Galts'ap longhouse at the Terrace Campus and the Smithers Campus Library are designated study spaces for registered CMTN students. Contact a FNAC or member of the student services team to request this access.
Some of the changes we have implemented include:
- Limited face-to-face activities: Only approved face-to-face activities will take place on CMTN campuses this academic year.
- Self-assessments: How are you feeling? Only come to campus if you are healthy and not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands. People are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water frequently, particularly before and after entering new spaces.
- Physical distancing. Stay 6 feet - or ONE MOOSE - apart.
- Face coverings are now required in all spaces on all campuses.
Find more information HERE on our website or you can connect through info@coastmountaincollege.ca
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, the Students’ Union is here to support you. We want to hear from you! To learn more about what we’re here for or just to say hello, email us at organiser@mycmsu.ca or visit our website: mycmsu.ca
CMSU APP now available on the Google Play Store or iTunes Store, download the APP to check out virtual community boards, services and supports in your region. You can also visit their website here: http://cmcsu.campusapp.com/
Computer Assistance
Are you facing challenges with lack of equipment or support? There is a laptop lending library available; you can rent a laptop per semester!
Need computer help? Check out TUTORME! A new, on-demand virtual service with access to over 1000+ tutors in 300+ subjects. Writing support available as well!
Connect with FNACs to access 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. For the Learner Support Team & Accessibility Services, email: las@coastmountaincollege.ca. For Education Advising, contact ea@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Bursaries, Awards, & Scholarships - OH MY!
Check out the CMTN Financial Aid page to find out more about emergency funds, upcoming awards, and bursaries. There are many listed bursaries and awards that are open for applications right now. Make sure to apply before the February 15th, 2021 deadline. Bursaries like: Alma Van Dusen Bursary, Dr. Jacob McKay Award, and more! Contact your local FNAC for more information!
CMTN & Northern Health have partnered to offer the opportunity for funding if you are in the Health Care Assistant program! Successful participants will get paid $785 and get their school costs covered. Express your interest HERE!
Mental Health Check-in
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.
Keep Me Safe connects CMTN students to a counsellor, available 24/7 through multiple formats (call, chat, email and videoconference) for you! Go to coastmountaincollege.ca/counselling or www.mystudentsupport.com 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 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.
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