Welcome to another issue of Hagwil Yaan!
Welcome back to another Hagwil Yaan issue! If this is your first time here, volume three of this student newsletter has the name: Hagwil Yaan which means "walk softly, walk slowly" in Sm'algyax!
In each issue, we focus on an Indigenous language in our region. This month, we are happy to feature the beautiful X̄a'islak̓ala language of the Haisla Nation. The new semester is here, we are in the month of Láisdels (January, sun moves back from its zenith). We hope you have had a good rest and start of the ’áluɫc ’esénx̄ (new year).
Enjoy, take care, and stay connected!
Meet the FNACs
Happy New Year from your First Nations Access Coordinators! Welcome to all of our new students. We hope you enjoy your studies with us and have a successful term this year. Welcome back to returning students, we hope you had a great holiday and are feeling well rested and rejuvenated for the semester ahead.
'Connection is Indigenous' Indigenous Student Handbook
We hope you do well with your studies and enjoy your time here at CMTN. We created an Indigenous Student Handbook to provide you with information on supports and resources available to you while attending classes at CMTN!
The online version can be viewed here on our website at https://issuu.com/coastmountaincollege/docs/indigenous-student-handbook_digital?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ. or with this QR code.
Highlight from Past Events
Winter Wellness, and Cookie Decorating!
Upcoming Events
Grad Cap DIY Workshop
Decorate your grad cap before the end of term rush. Cricut, sew, or attach designs of your choice. Grad caps, crafting materials, and snacks provided.
Dates: January 13 & 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Waap Galts'ap Community Building (Longhouse)
- Gathering Space (Smithers Campus)
- Wil Lu Sagaytwan Gathering Space (Prince Rupert Campus).
Limited spots available. Pre-register by email at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca
Food Thursdays
Come enjoy some food with FNACs on Thursday once a month
Date: January 15
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Terrace - Waap Galts'ap
- Smithers - Gathering Space (Jan 22 from 12 to 1 p.m.)
- Prince Rupert - Wil Lu Sagaytwan (Jan. 19 from 12 - 1 p.m.)
- Hazelton - Classroom 4 (Jan 15 - starts at 4 - 6 p.m.)
Cedar Headband Workshop
Come learn from Wet'suwet'en Native Arts how to make your own woven headband.
Date: January 27
Time: 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Terrace - Waap Galts'ap
- Smithers - Gathering Space
- Prince Rupert - Wil Lu Sagaytwan
- Hazelton - Classroom 4
Registration required as limited kits are available per campus
To sign up, or for more information, email our team.
Weekend Warrior Program
Did you know as a registered CMTN student you can access our Weekend Warrior backpack program?
The FNAC team has non-perishable food items that students can take home with provided backpacks.
Just make sure to bring the backpack back to be refilled twice a month.
Connect with one of our FNAC team members to gain access to this amazing project.
Email FNAC@coastmountaincolleg.ca with your campus location to sign up!
‘Xbisuunt Dancers Practice
- Date: Every Monday
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Waap G̱alts'ap (Longhouse), Terrace Campus.
Join the 'Xbisuunt Dancers group from the Ts'msyen Nation at Waap G̱alts'ap on Monday evenings for singing and drumming. Light snacks and tea/coffee available.
Practices are not held during final exams and statutory holidays.
For more information email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Gitlax̱dax Sayt-K'il̓im G̱oothl Nisg̱a'a Practice
- Date: Every Wednesday
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Waap G̱alts'ap (Longhouse), Terrace Campus
Join the Gitlax̱dax Sayt-K'il̓im G̱oothl Nisg̱a'a Dancers from the Nisga'a Nation at Waap G̱alts'ap on Tuesday evenings for singing and drumming. Light snacks and tea/coffee available.
Practices are not held during final exams and statutory holidays.
For more information call Jill at 250.635.6511 Ext. 5222 or email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Bee Kind Initiative
Have you noticed someone Bee'ng Kind at CMTN?
Student, Staff or Faculty? We want to hear about it!
Connect with our team so the person can 'bee' acknowledged for promoting a positive atmosphere on our campuses.
Email FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca to let us know about lateral kindness on campus!
Bee artwork by Frances Campbell, Gitxsan artist and Freda Diesing alumna.
Community Events
What would Babá’u(Grandfather) say?
yawc̓ (hello)
sas hˈmsa tha? (are you going to eat?)
y̓ax’a sa? (are you sick?)
y̓un q̓ala (I don't know)
’nna y̓ax nug°a (yes, I am sick)
thx̄°aˈs p̓aˈsp̓l̓I ya ˈaq°s (rub your temple)
ses sax̄g t̓aláusa (do you want dried fish strips?)
lan ’ageḡúmasin yánemλins (I have gathered all the gifts I am going to give)
Eats with Mamá’u (Grandmother)
Clam Fritters
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped clams
- 5 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 finely chopped onion
- a few green onions
- 3 slices of bacon crispy and finely chopped
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tbs sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- salt
- pepper
- 2 cups of milk
- 4 eggs
Use a lot of oil when frying. I like to almost over cook to get that crispy fritter.
Thank you to Char Ryan for providing the recipe. Please send us a pic if you try this wonderful recipe.
Your monthly meme!
Indigenous Reads
Haisla, Rivers and Chinook Salmon by Joe Starr, Brenda Boreham and Terri Mack.
"'We Are All Connected' is a series that explores how we all live together in a shared balance upon Mother Earth. Each book explores a specific ecosystem with a focus on one animal and its adaptations for survival within that ecosystem. Indigenous interviewees, each living within the same area, have responded to strategic questions as to how their community interacts with the land, their traditional territory. Explore each text with a sense of inquiry in mind."--from Publisher
Indigenous in the Media
James' Story - Harm Reduction
This powerful video shares the story of Haisla members leading with heart, healing through action, and showing up for those still struggling with addiction. This is harm reduction rooted in love, compassion, and culture. It’s about showing up, breaking cycles, and reminding our people: you matter.
Student Support
Coast Mountain Students' Union
The CMSU 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. Download the CMSU app for virtual community boards, services and support systems in your region.
To learn more about what the student union does, email the student union organiser at organiser@mycmsu.ca or the student union outreach worker at outreach@mycmsu.ca.
2026 Winter Semester Opt-Out Deadlines
Please be aware of the CMSU Health & Dental Plan that you are auto-enrolled into when you register for courses. This has a $295 annual fee that students can choose to opt-out of if you already have coverage. You have 30 days to opt-out from your program start. Connect with CMSU for more details.
Information on the CMSU Health & Dental Plan can be found here: https://cmsu.studenthealthbc.ca/Optout. Here is the link to the opt out form here. Please feel free to contact a FNAC if you need assistance with the form. Thank you.
Student Wellness Counsellor
A new Student Wellness Counsellor is available for CMTN Students
The counsellor is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and half-day Fridays in the Health and Wellness Centre in Waap Amgam.
In person and virtual appointments are available.
For more information reach out to mentalhealth@coastmountaincollege.ca
Learner Services
LAS & Advising Help
Having a difficult time academically? We can connect you with the Learner Services Team to make sure you have even more tools to complete your studies successfully.
One on one Brightspace help - if navigating and using Brightspace is making your course more difficult to manage, 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.
To contact the Learner Support team & Accessibility Services, email them at las@coastmountaincollege.ca.
Education Advising
For Education Advising, to book an appointment, please call 1.877.277.2288 or email advising@coastmountaincollege.ca. Follow this link to book an appointment online - https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/AdvisingAppointments@coastmountaincollege.ca/bookings/
Financial Aid
CMTN Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Be sure to apply for any of the CMTN awards, bursaries, and scholarships by February 15, 2026 to be considered for an award for the Winter semester. New applications are now only accepted online at https://coastmountaincollege.awardspring.ca/. Contact the FNACs if you would like to know more, or if you need assistance completing your application. Don't miss out on these great opportunities!
Coast Mountain College offers an emergency funding program available to eligible students experiencing unexpected financial hardship during the course of their studies at CMTN. Find more information about emergency financial assistance https://www.coastmountaincollege.ca/student-services/financial-aid/student-emergency-financial-assistance#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Post-Secondary%20Education%20and%20Future%20Skills%20provides%20grant!
Have any financial aid questions or would like to know more about general awards, bursaries, and scholarships? Please contact the Financial Aid Officer, Monica Barro, at 250.635.6511 ext. 5204 or by email at financialaid@coastmountaincollege.ca or visit the Financial Aid webpage!
Mental Health Check-in
Are you looking for support? Here at CMTN, we can help you explore and find what support works best for you. Follow this LINK to find resources like regional counsellors, mobile apps, and crisis lines.
Need Support right now?
Suicide Crises Helpline Call or text 9-8-8 for a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you are considering suicide, or are concerned about someone who may, please call!
Stay connected and check out our FNAC Facebook group to keep your finger on the pulse!
Have something you want to contribute for next month's issue?
If you have any feedback, story ideas or pictures to share, please contact us:
Credits:
Created with images by Africa Studio - "Tasty breakfast with fried eggs, pancakes and bacon on plate" • javiindy - "Couple in a spinning class wearing sportswear." • Berit Kessler - "Holding a head with a happy smiling face in the hands, mental health concept, positive thinking, support and evaluation"