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 Haida kil language of the Haida Nation. The semester has gone by so fast, we are already in the month of Taada Ḵung (December, cold month). Aan gwa gina da sḵ'adg̱aa? (Are you learning something here?) We hope you have been.
Enjoy, take care, and stay connected!
Meet the FNACs
We are very pleased to welcome Veronica Waechter and Lori Blumhagen as First Nations Access Coordinators at our Terrace Campus. They will be working with Jillian Swank (in Wednesdays only). Veronica is full-time and Lori is part-time. Their office is on the first floor of Waap G̱alts'ap Community Building (Longhouse), room 109.
'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.
Happy Holidays!!
We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! We hope your holiday is filled with a lot of happiness and joy. We have enjoyed working with you this semester and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
From CMTN's Indigenization Team Ali, Kasha, Sharon, Jill, Veronica, Lori, Kellie and Katie
Highlight from Past Events
Cricut-ing up a storm!
Upcoming Events
Winter Wellness Day
Dates: December 3, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Waap Galts'ap Community Building (Longhouse)
- Gathering Space (Smithers Campus)
- Wil Lu Sagaytwan Gathering Space (Prince Rupert Campus). Please note their event will be on December 11 from 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Limited spots available. Pre-register by email at FNAC@coastmountaincollege.ca or first-come, first-served.
Cookie Decorating Social
Come enjoy some cookies, crafts, and food with the FNACs!
Date: December 11, 2025
Locations:
- Terrace - Wii Gyemsiga Siwilaawksat (Student Housing common area) at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Smithers - Gathering Space at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Prince Rupert - Wil Lu Sagaytwan at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Please note that their event will be on December 2, 2025)
For more information, email our team.
Student Holiday Wellness Day
Date: December 11, 2025 Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Hazelton Campus Please join us for wellness activities before the holidays! Get your hair cut, nails done, and decorate some Christmas cookies. Refreshments will be served. For more info, please contact Kellie Nyce at knyce@coastmountaincollege.ca
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
Terrace Events
December 6th
- NARA Pet Photos with Santa
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Place: Total Pet
December 13th
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Place: Veritas School
December 13th
- NARA Pet Photos with Santa
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Place: Total Pet
What would Chinaay(Grandfather) say?
Hygge - a Danish word that describes a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable.
k'áastaaw - lamp, or anything that burns
Dámaan uu chíinee dáa x̱áwlaang - Your fish is really delicious.
Anáa hl k'yáagáadii - hang inside
Áatl'an Hl ḵ'áwaas gyaan ḵugíinee Hl líidadaasaang - I am going to sit here, and then read a book.
Dáa gu x̱áwga gudang? dáng gu x̱áwga gudang? - Do you want tea?
Hawan dii ḵang.aagang! - I want to sleep some more!
íitl gudnagée dang is ‘láagaa. - You make us happy.
x̱aat'áa 'laa - x̱aadáa 'láa - good people
Eats with Nanaay(Grandmother)
Haida Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked Paprika Aioli Ingredients:
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- Juice of 1 Large Lemon
- 1/8 Tsp Smoked & Regular Paprika Mixed (start with 1/8 and add more to taste at the end)
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Pinch Ground Mustard or 1/4 tsp Wet Mustard (optional)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Canola Oil (or another mild flavored oil)
Smoked Paprika Aioli Directions:
Break the yolk in medium-sized bowl and then combine all ingredients except the oil. Let it sit for a few minutes. Beat the mixture until the yolk is slightly thicker and then begin to slowly drizzle in the oil (very slowly in small batches) until the mixture is much thicker and stands up on its own (the consistency of Dijon mustard). Taste, and season with more paprika, salt or pepper if required.
Smoked Salmon Dip Ingredients:
- 6 Tablespoons of Aioli (or to taste)
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 1 Bunch of Chopped Chives
- 1 Stick of Chopped Celery
- 2 lb Smoked Salmon
Smoked Salmon Dip Directions:
Remove skin from salmon and place it in a bowl. Take a fork and break apart the chunks and mix until smooth (like you would a can of tuna). Add the aioli, celery and chives and mix until evenly distributed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Present to your guests along with your choice of crackers, pita chips or bread. Hala ga taa -come and eat! This dish is great for bringing to gatherings. Haawa, Haida Tourism!
Your monthly meme!
Indigenous Reads
Haida Gwaii: a guide to BC's islands of the people, by Dennis Horwood
"Haida Gwaii, ancestral home of the Haida Nation, was once as inaccessible and mysterious as it was beautiful. The tight cluster of islands off British Columbia's northwest coast remained virtually untouchable for millennia, allowing its people to develop a distinct and exceptional cultural identity that was revered across the region. Today, Haida Gwaii--a name that means 'islands of the people' in the Haida language--has piqued the interest of world travellers. Its magnificent beaches, unique flora and fauna, and world heritage sites have earned international acclaim. Haida Gwaii: A Guide to BC's Islands of the People is the newly updated, expanded, full-colour edition of Dennis Horwood's bestselling guidebook. Applying his in-depth knowledge of the islands' geography, social history, and natural and cultural attractions, Horwood equips travellers with everything they need to know about visiting these glorious gems of the Pacific. This indispensable guide includes stunning photography, full-colour maps, regional histories, archaeological sites, accommodation listings, sample itineraries, and informative facts about local wildlife" -- Amazon.ca.
Indigenous in the Media
CBC British Columbia: Haida Nation Reclaims Stewardship Over its Lands
"Generations of Indigenous people have fought to protect the land and culture of Haida Gwaii. This year, the Haida Nation has reclaimed stewardship of that land in a historic agreement with the province. Matt Galloway went there to hear why the agreement is significant and what it means for the future of Haida Gwaii."
Haawa to CBC news and those interviewed for sharing their perspective and history in this historic agreement.
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.
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, Allison Conway, 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 Introvertia - "Magical winter wonderland with lit christmas trees in forest path at dusk" • Vitalii Shkurko - "A warm, cozy winter scene featuring lit candles and amber bottles on a windowsill with raindrops on the window." • Vadym - "Christmas and New Year celebration traditions, festive sweets, family culinary. Traditional gingerbread. Friends decorating freshly baked cookies with icing and mastic" • @foxfotoco - "Christmas and winter holiday marketing background, with winter and christmas tree themes, christmas ornaments and presents, snowy vibes." • Africa Studio - "Tasty breakfast with fried eggs, pancakes and bacon on plate" • javiindy - "Couple in a spinning class wearing sportswear."