Northwest Community College Connections

NWCC Student Blogger - Paula Wesley

Paula Wesley is NWCC's newest full-time student blogger!

Paula is currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. She is from the Wolf people from Coast Salish and also is Tsimshian, born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides. Says Paula: "I feel inspired by the art of my people. I create art to continue what our people started long before me, to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. It is unique to mix these two cultures to create my own style, she says.

Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along.

Hi, I’m Paula Wesley.  I’m in my second year at Freda Diesing Art School working on carving projects.  I just wanted to share with you a thought that popped up today. It has been a mind-boggling week of trying to figure out how to balance my life with Art history research. From what I have learned in the last few weeks, I have started to find more about who I am. The more I dig, the more I discover about how Art is important to me and how I want to share this knowledge with generations to come.

I see that most artists struggle; in life, that is common and this builds strength. Becoming an artist, I accept that I will have this struggle and fight for survival, but that the purpose of these struggles is to make me stronger.

I identify myself as a visual artist, but also I use my other senses. How do I define these? You all know that we have five traditional senses:  sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. Well, so far, you probably have not realized that “hearing” does not have any effect on me. In this blog, I want to educate people and make them aware that Deaf people can do anything other people can do except hear. I have already made my Deafness my strength since I have decided I don’t want to be invisible to the world.

The Deaf use their facial expressions, hands and body language – they depend on it for their communication.  For non-Deaf people, 85% of communication is non-verbal through body language, facial expressions and tones, but most people aren’t aware of this. So often, non-Deaf people will say very different things with their bodies than with their words. Deaf people pick up on this very quickly.

However, in spite of the differences, Deaf people do all the same things as the non-Deaf. Deaf people can drive, get groceries, forget our homework. Do I seem like a different person than you?  I think my hopes and dreams would seem very similar to yours. I hope one day we can meet and you will feel the same.

Stay tuned, next blog post will be about how Deaf Culture parallels Native Culture.

NWCC gets new Director of Technology, Chef and Manager of Student Development

TERRACE – There have been a few personnel changes at Northwest Community College (NWCC) over the past month.

Tahlia Thomas has been hired to lead the College’s Information Technology (IT) department as the Director of Technology Services. Thomas comes to NWCC from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, where she spent three years as the Information Systems Project Coordinator and six years as the Director of Academic Computing and Information Services. “Tahlia’s extensive experience, project management skills and success in leadership will help guide the IT department as NWCC enters its next phase of growth,” said Cathay Sousa, NWCC Vice President of Finance & Administration.  

In other personnel moves, Chef Brad Vennard has joined NWCC’s School of Northwest Culinary Arts. Vennard brings more than two decades worth of experience and expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors. Most recently living in Smithers, Vennard has worked in fine dining establishments in the Lower Mainland and in the North, and has several years of teaching experience at the College of New Caledonia. Margo Van der Touw, NWCC Dean of Culinary Arts programs, said, “Brad brings experience and a fresh perspective to the Culinary Arts programs and we’re all looking forward to the fine dining events returning.”

Irlanda Price has taken on a new role at NWCC and has joined the Student Services Team as its Manager of Student Development. Price will focus on creating a more positive experience for students at all NWCC campuses by focusing on campus life, early intervention, peer tutoring, mentoring and strategic enrolment management. Price will maintain her role as Campus Manager in Kitimat.

“The student experience goes far beyond what happens in the classroom,” said Lianne Gagnon, NWCC Dean of Student Services. “We understand that in order for our students to be truly successful, we need to look at the whole picture of what our students experience in and out of the classroom. Irlanda's social work background and past experience in Student Services will serve her well in this new role.”

NWCC Student Blogger - Christine Leclerc

NUTRICIOUS AND DELICIOUS

If you went to the cafeteria last week you may have noticed a little kiosk. The nurses teamed up with the culinary arts students to have a healthy eating week and were surveying any willing participants on healthy eating. Together they are looking at offering more healthy options on the menu.

The problem with eating healthy is it costs more, and it’s more time consuming to prepare the meals. I have dabbled with raw foodism over the past couple years (eating foods that haven’t been heated above 116F) and would love to eat a strict diet as such, but reality is, is I don’t have the time, or the money to pay for the specialized products needed to uncook this way.

If school isn’t stressful enough, we are faced with a limited budget and limited time away from studies. It's finding the balance between what is most important with your spare time, whether it be working out, making healthy food, hanging out with friends and family or playing Starcraft. But this balance isn’t always easy to find.

In order to be successful, I’m a firm believer that you need a healthy mind and healthy body. It’s great seeing NWCC make these steps towards trying to make things easier for the students to make the right decisions. I asked a couple people what they thought of this, and their answers were pretty similar:

“I’m so happy to see the cafeteria looking into offering healthier options. I try not to eat there because I don’t always want a burger and fries. A salad with chicken would bring me in there on a more regular basis” C. Farkvam, Business Admin

 

“We got into groups and came up with healthy mainline lunches, short order lunches, salads, desserts, and baked goods. Our objectives were mainly to see if people were interested in healthy eating and the booths were set up to provide information about nutrition!” L. Smith, Biology 222

It looks like the students are responding in a positive manner and we can hope to see some positive results from this. Good work NWCC!

Christine Leclerc is NWCC's first ever full-time student blogger! She's a second-year Business Administration student in Terrace who took part in a study exchange to China earlier this year. Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along. She's looking forward to getting your feedback and maybe some inspiration, too, throughout her blogging experience. And in case you're wondering, that's her beloved English bulldog Maddox!

Fiddle music and sashes add Métis flavour to NWCC Smithers Campus

From left, fiddler Shelby Nicolson, Kim Hodgson of the Métis Nation BC and NWCC's Regina Saimoto.

 

SMITHERS - A Métis gathering was held at Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Smithers Campus today in the Gathering Space to mark Louis Riel Day (Nov. 16). Riel, a prominent figure in early Canadian history, is remembered as a political and spiritual leader of the Métis.

Kim Hodgson of the Métis Nation BC approached NWCC in Smithers about collaborating on celebrating Louis Riel Day. NWCC Smithers Campus Principal Regina Saimoto says she and her staff saw it as a great opportunity to celebrate the day, and to build on the relationship with the Métis Nation, as well as invite the community to the newly-renovated campus.

"People had an opportunity to look at fabulous displays from the Métis Nation, converse with Métis Nation BC members, listen to fiddle music, tour the campus, and join in with bannock, jam and tea," said Saimoto, adding that it's important to celebrate the cultural diversity in the community and at NWCC.

NWCC's Molly Wickham (First Nations Access Coordinator) and Tracy McIntyre (Educational Advisor) helped bring the event to fruition, in coordination with Hodgson. The talented Shelby Nicolson provided fiddle music to enhance the celebration.

"It was great to see the Métis Nation reach out to NWCC to put on this event, and I look forward to many future ventures with the Métis Nation.  Our staff, students and community are fortunate to have the opportunity and energy to celebrate our cultural diversities, and learn more about our history as a province and a nation," Saimoto said.

As a legacy of the event, the Métis Nation BC donated a book to the College library, and a Métis sash for display at the campus.

Talking trades at Smithers NWCC campus

SMITHERS/HOUSTON – Trades careers ­— from getting started to the rewards and challenges in the field — will be the focal point of a panel hosted at Northwest Community College (NWCC) Smithers Campus next week.

The panel, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 1:30 to 3pm, comprises people representing a variety of trades, from plumbing to heavy equipment operating. The panel is organized by the Employment and Training Service Providers Committee made up of local service providers, such as Community Futures of Nadina, WCG International and NWCC. The committee meets once a month to share ideas and network information. Since its inception two years ago, it has also has organizing monthly Ramp-Up to Employment events related to training, employment maintenance and industry. This June’s Ramp-Up to Employment event included a field trip to the NWCC School of Exploration and Mining’s (SEM) Camp Ganokwa. It focused on how to enter the Mining Industry and tips on successfully finding entry-level positions. Students from SEM in the Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program met service providers and their clients for an afternoon of learning and fun.

“Through partnership, collaboration and innovation, the committee works to offer opportunities for the service providers and their clients and students to participate in information sessions with guest speakers regarding current news, trends, techniques or training for employment,” said Regina Saimoto, NWCC’s Campus Principal for its Smithers and Houston campuses. “The purpose of such a group is to keep up-to-date with local opportunities and to increase local employment and relevant training for those that need it.”

In the Bulkley Valley, NWCC offers local trades opportunities. In 2012, the College will offer the Heavy Equipment Operator Foundation program, followed by the Heavy Equipment Technician program in Smithers, plus a Primary Care Paramedic Training course and Do It Yourselves Trades sessions. Also in 2012, the Carpentry Foundations program will be offered in Houston.

Next week’s panel will feature a handful of local trades people addressing how they got started in the field. There will be a question and answer period followed by an informal networking session, where the audience and the panel can mingle over some donated refreshments and snacks, thanks to the support of BV Wholesale. One of the panellists is Brian Badge, NWCC Trades Chair (right). He will discuss the rewards and challenges of a career in trades.

“Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel,” said Saimoto. “His sharing his passion and knowledge of the trades industry with our community will greatly benefit those with interest in the field. Our hope, as employment and training service providers, is to create links between those that are interested in trades and local training, and potential employment. We want to connect those that are thinking about trades with those that are already in the industry.”

To register for this free event, or for more information, contact Community Futures of Nadina at 250.847.1389.

Healthy eating the buzz words this week at NWCC

NWCC nursing and culinary arts students are behind an informative and tasty initiative this week at the Terrace Campus. Here is a group of students working on menu items for Healthy Eating Week.

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) is celebrating Healthy Eating Week at its Terrace Campus all week thanks to a unique collaboration between students in two programs that know a little something about nutrition.

Aiming to promote healthy eating to their fellow students, nursing and culinary arts students put their heads together last month to alter the cafeteria menus this week, in what is being promoted as Healthy Eating Week. Working in five groups with students from each program, they created healthy menus for each day of the week.

“Nutrition is an important part of both programs and it just made sense to get both groups in the same classroom with two instructors, Germaine Mistry and Chef Darlene Godfrey, to work on putting together a healthy eating week,” said Kerry Clarke, NWCC Director of Ancillary Services.

Working from the menus created, culinary students will be preparing the food that the students have brought forward to represent healthy eating. In addition, nursing students will be presenting static displays about healthy eating and taking blood pressures readings from volunteers in the cafeteria.

Professional Cook 1 student Taien Creed said it’s been a great experience working with the nursing students, bringing what each cohort has learned when it comes to nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle.

And in what might be a first for a college cafeteria, the deep fryers will not be turned on all day this Friday, what Clarke is dubbing “Fryless Friday.”

“It should be very interesting,” says Clarke, who knows some students will be disappointed. “There is nothing wrong with fried foods in moderation and this week of activity and menu items is just showcasing how healthy eating doesn’t compromise on taste.”

Guests of the cafeteria this week will be asked to complete a survey — with a chance at a daily draw for a $10 cafeteria card — asking what they learned from the week and what improvement it has made in their eating.

NWCC Student Blogger - Christine Leclerc

IT'S THAT time of year again, when everything is so colourful. The trees are changing colour, the mountains are filled with snow and the streets are lined with signs. Small signs and big signs. Simple signs and colourful signs. Now they even come with the candidate’s face on them! It almost seems as though some candidates are having this competition for who can put the most on one corner. Or maybe how many signs can one candidate line along one street before another candidate gets in the way!

With that being said, there is more to election season than just the signs. This blog is just going to be simple and to the point. Voting is a privilege or a right -- however you look at it -- but not enough of us do it. An alarming 20% of voters came out to vote during the last local election.  Can you imagine if only 20% of people decided to show up for school?  Next time you’re downtown, take a quick survey in your head: the statistics say that just two of the first ten people you see actually voted to select the leaders of our community.  Pretty surprising, isn’t it?

Election Day is on November 19 from 8am to 8pm. Now is your time to educate yourself on the candidates running and who you want to vote for.

I am very excited to say that the Students Union has also put on a meet and greet November 15 from 4pm – 6pm in the Kiva. "Rock the Vote" will be starting with a Mayoral Candidates Debate (4:00PM to 5:00PM), followed by an all Candidates Meet and Greet (5:00PM to 6:00PM). 

“The Students Union believes that young people will be much more inclined to vote if they have had some type of connection and interaction with the candidates. This event will increase the awareness of young voters as well as provide candidates the opportunity to meet with students and hear their concerns. Similar events have been organized for cities across BC, as part of the Rock the Vote BC campaign to increase young voter turnout.” – Mikael Jensen NWCCSU Organiser

For more information on each candidate, visit http://www.terracestandard.com/news/election/

Hope to see you on Tuesday!!

Local politics take centre stage at NWCC Smithers Campus

Smithers and area residents packed Northwest Community College's new campus for an all-candidates forum Nov. 9. They came to see the candidates running for Smithers mayor and council seats, along with candidates for the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

SMITHERS – Democracy touched down at Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Smithers Campus today, as the new facility was the venue for an all-candidates forum for upcoming local elections.

All but one of the candidates vying for municipal and regional district seats attended as did a diverse community representation numbering about 65 people, says NWCC Smithers Campus Principal Regina Saimoto.

"Debate focused on topics of relevance to current issues regarding research and resource management issues in our communities," added Saimoto. "It strengthened the understanding of what the College and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre (BVRC) do, and provided input on what could be done in the future."

The forum was organized by the BVRC, while NWCC provided the venue, support and the added exposure to attending staff and students. The youth vote was represented, too, as Bulkley Valley Christian School provided transportation for its Grade 12 law class to attend.

"This event was very well received, and it was great to see so many people from the community, including high school students, NWCC students, staff, and community members engaging in the forum," added Saimoto. " The moderation was excellent, questions were stimulating, and the candidates responses were thoughtful. This is a great example of how NWCC can be an active participant in our community."

There's nothing scary about this NWCC Student Food Bank donation!

On Halloween, the City of Terrace Youth Advisory Council, with help from Astral Media, trick or treated for canned goods for the NWCC Student Food Bank. The group's efforts resulted in a whopping grocery donation weighing in at 350 lbs! They chose to donate to the NWCC Student Food Bank because of their goals of increasing youth issues, activities for youth and support for youth in our community. Pictured, clockwise from top left, is Terrace Mayor Dave Pernarowski, Kim MacDougall, Anna Wilke, Grace Thompson and NWCC Business Administration Diploma student Laura Smith.

Said Melanie Wilke, NWCC Head Librarian and food bank coordinator: "It was great to see community support for the students and great to see youth in Terrace contributing in such a positive, meaningful manner! They truly deserve to be congratulated on their efforts."

 

 

Member of Lake Babine Nation receives CAMA bursary

SMITHERS –A proud member of the Lake Babine Nation is the recipient of a $3,000 Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association (CAMA) bursary.

Richie Dominic Jr., grandson of Kathy Dominic and son of Richard Dominic Sr., will use the bursary to complete his Associate of Arts degree specializing in Archeology and Cultural Resource Management at Northwest Community College.

SEM instructor Richard Jenne said, “Richie has consistently stood out both academically and in the workplace. From his first training in the Environmental Monitor Assistant Program (EMAP), through his work as a Cultural Resources Field Assistant, Drillers Helper and, most recently, Team Leader, in NWCC’s Workforce Exploration and Skills Training program, Richie has shown an amazing work ethic and aptitude for work in the mining and exploration industry. I couldn’t think of a more deserving student to receive a CAMA bursary."

In his application for the bursary, Dominic wrote, “Archeology and Cultural Resource Management have become a passion of mine since I was first introduced to the field. I am interested in understanding my own cultural origins and traditional knowledge and passing this information onto my peers and community members.”

Tracey McKay (Nisga’a) and Michelle Blackburn (Tahltan) were the previous recipients of the CAMA bursary.

CAMA is an Aboriginal, non-profit organization which seeks to increase the understanding of the minerals industry, Aboriginal mining and Aboriginal communities' paramount interests in lands and resources.