Northwest Community College Connections

First Nations Fine Arts Student Takes Back His Roots

“I’ve always been interested in art. In high school I used to make small wood sculptures and a little bit of jewelry. Art was one of my favourite subjects,” says Angelo Cavagnaro, 20 and a second-year student at NWCC’s Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. “I didn’t really know about the First Nations Fine Arts program until I finished a Career and College Preparation course in 2011.”

From Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh), Cavagnaro started a degree in mechanical engineering in Vancouver in the fall of 2011. He came back to the Northwest to pursue his interests in art and learn more about his culture. In his program he is learning traditional art skills in woodcarving. He carves portrait masks, spoons and different styles of bowls.

“This is a unique learning experience that you can’t find anywhere else,” he says.

Courses are taught by world-renowned carvers Stan Bevan (Tahltan/Tlingit/Tsimshian), Ken McNeil (Tahltan/Tlingit/Nisga’a) and Dean Heron (Kaska/Tlingit).

“My instructors are very helpful and it’s an honour to learn from them,” says Cavagnaro. “I do artwork during the day and hang out with students after class. I didn’t know anyone in the program when I started. Now they feel like family.”   

After Angelo graduates with a NWCC Fine Arts Diploma next April he plans to do some travelling.

“I dream of going to New Zealand to learn about the Maori people and their art. But for now I plan to stay in the Northwest. Creating artwork has inspired me to participate more in my culture. Now I want to go fishing and hunting and study the traditional use of plants. Later on I’d like to show others how to live off the land.”

Challenging the Paradigm is back at NWCC

Marie-Eve Drouin-Gagne, a PhD student at Montreal's Concordia University, leads a discussion on The Evolutionist Explanation, and the Challenge of Indigenous Higher Education. Her presentation was at NWCC Terrace Campus Waap Galts'ap during the first day of Challenging the Paradigm 2012.


TERRACE – Challenging the Paradigm 2012 is in full swing today, the first of three full days of Northwest Community College's (NWCC) annual gathering that centres discussion and learning activities around decolonizing post-secondary education.

This year, Challenging the Paradigm's theme is Teaching, Learning & Knowing in Both Worlds and features keynote speaker Gerald Taiaiake Alfred (see bio below).

In addition to Taiaiake, the gathering attracts people from around the province and the rest of Canada. Organizer Seth Downs, NWCC Manager of Events & Conference Planning, says this year there are representatives from several Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island institutes, including Capilano University, Simon Fraser University, University of the Fraser Valley, Justice Institute of BC, Camosun College, Vancouver Community College, University of Victoria, and representatives from the University of Northern BC, Prince Rupert School District no.52 and from as far away as Toronto's George Brown College and Concordia University in Montreal.

The conference kicked off Wednesday night with a welcome reception from NWCC President, Dr. Denise Henning at Waap Haawk.

Today, the first full day, is packed with speakers/breakout sessions from 10am to 5pm. Among the speakers and the topics they are covering are: Mark Fettes (SFU) – LUCID Teaching: Decolonizing the Imagination; Audrey Woods & Ed Harrison (UNBC) – Dividing one life between two worlds; Molly Wickham (NWCC) – Turning Points: Challenging perceptions of decolonization; Marie-Eve Drouin-Gagne (PhD student, Concordia University) – The Evolutionist Explanation, and the Challenge of Indigenous Higher Education; and Sheree Ronaassen and Gordon Weary (NWCC) – Power of Field School Learning.

Friday morning will see the keynote address by Taiaiake Alfred, followed by a new and unique addition to Challenging the Paradigm, half-day field school learning experiences to the Nass Valley and Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site.

Challenging the Paradigm wraps up on Saturday with an open-floor for all participants to discuss how to move forward with decolonizing the education system. Dr. Henning will moderate this discussion, focusing on the topics/experiences from the previous two days.

This marks the fourth Challenging the Paradigm gathering at NWCC since it was started in 2009. With the exception of 2011, it is an annual event that all NWCC staff, post-secondary educators and administrators are encouraged to attend.

For Dr. Henning, a Cherokee/Choctaw originating from Creek County in Oklahoma, Challenging the Paradigm is an event tied directly to her expertise and knowledge in the post-secondary world, which has been marked by a dedication to inclusion and equity in higher education and to increasing the knowledge and appreciation, by all people, of the rich heritages of Indigenous peoples in North America.

"Challenging the Paradigm is an opportunity to share ideas that are essential to making post-secondary education accessible and meaningful to all students,” said Dr. Henning. "Decolonizing post-secondary education is but one pillar in the success of Aboriginal students that we our proud to be helping to lead."

Registration is still open for one and two-day participation. See the website for details.
 
Challenging the Paradigm keynote speaker Gerald Taiaiake Alfred:
Gerald Taiaiake Alfred is a Professor of Indigenous Governance at the University of Victoria, where he specializes in studies of traditional governance, the restoration of land-based cultural practices, and decolonization strategies. He has been awarded a Canada Research Chair, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the field of education, and the Native American Journalists Association award for best column writing.

Educated at Concordia and Cornell universities, Taiaiake has lectured around the world and has served as an advisor on land and governance and on cultural restoration for his own and many other First Nation governments and Indigenous organizations. His writing includes scholarly articles and reports, newspaper columns, non-fiction essays, and three published books, Wasase, a runner-up for the McNally Robinson Aboriginal Book of the Year in 2005; Peace, Power, Righteousness; and, Heeding the Voices of Our Ancestors.

Paula's last blog: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

    I am very sorry for my absence since my last entry blog in February. It has been a very difficult time for my family and me. I have not been 100 percent myself since my grandfather had his first stroke. I really loved to go to class, though; no matter what, my instructors, class and art made me strong and gave me the will and power to get through this. You probably all have heard about my grandfather, Clifford Bolton.  His death was a big loss for all of us.  

My grandfather, Kitsumkalum master carver, Clifford Bolton passed away April 12, 2012.  He is a great loss for not only the Tsimshian community, but also all nations. He was an inspiration to all artists. In his desire to preserve the Tsimshian culture, he opened a path for artists to explore their own personal visions.  

My grandfather and I were very close-knit. He was a funny man, full of stories and compassion, an exceptional artist and friend. I will miss him greatly.  This picture I took a shot of my grandfather was taken at the Freda Diesing Student exhibition on April 15, 2011.  For the last 6 years, he contributed to the Freda Diesing of Northwest Coast Art School.  I thought I want to share something special he would be remembered where he loved the most was looking at the Northwest Coast pieces and meeting people. 

I am honoured to carry on his carving skills, as the very same instructors who taught him trained me: Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil, Dempsey Bob, and the late Freda Diesing.

The Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art at Northwest Community College changed my whole life. Enrolling in the First Nations Fine Arts program is the best decision I ever made in my life. I am very fortunate to have gotten to know Stan, Ken, Dean, and Dempsey in the last few years, as I have enrolled twice but had to withdraw from the program for family matters. Eventually, I came back in September 2010 to give myself another opportunity. Perhaps it is my lucky charm this time that I was able to complete the Diploma program.

My classmates and I celebrated our year-end show and graduation ceremony on April 13, 2012.  This ceremony is something I will never forget and I would like to give my gratitude to all of my classmates, the sign language interpreters, and all members of NWCC—especially the Freda Diesing instructors.

Beyond the Freda Diesing School, I also have future ideas for my art. At end of March, I received a letter from Emily Carr University (in Vancouver) that I have been accepted to go into the third year of the Visual Arts program there. Unfortunately, I could not accept this spot for September 2012.  Instead, I will be going to the school in September 2013.  Since I was 17 years old, my dream has been to go to Emily Carr.  For this gap year, I will have the opportunity to spend time with the local carvers and practice my carving skills, and try other media on my own. This will give me more confidence in myself so that I know I can do this. 

It has been my privilege to write my last blog for Northwest Community College. Be safe, be happy and please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]

 

Paula Wesley is NWCC's  full-time student blogger! Currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. Born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides, she says she's inspired by the art of her people and creates art to continue what her people started long before her, "to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

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.

 

Punjabi New Year celebration a hit at NWCC!

NWCC's Waap Haawk cafeteria was full today for a colourful and lively Vaisakhi celebration at the Terrace Campus.

Students in the Northwest School of Culinary Arts put on an a delicious East Indian Buffet to celebrate the New Year in the Punjab, and with the help of Skeena Diversity, the hundred or so who came to eat were treated to a cultural experience from the Bhangra Dancers (see pictures).

Freda Diesing 2012 Exhibit: Arts of the North

Come check out the beautiful art work from the talented students at Northwest Community College's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art this Friday and Saturday. This is the 6th annual Freda Diesing student exhibit held at the Waap Galts 'ap Terrace Campus.

A variety of carvings, paintings and more from both first- and second-year First Nations Fine Arts students will be showcased and priced to sell.

All are invited to meet, greet, mingle and discuss the art with the artists themselves over the weekend exhibition.

Nisga'a Dancers welcome NWCC students in unique learning experience

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program got the chance to meet recently with their peers for a spirited weekend of learning, sharing and culture.

The ECE program is offered in a distance format consisting of audio teleconference, weekend seminars, practical field work and online learning. While this multi-mode format emphasizes the importance of learning in students' own communities, the times when they can meet face-to-face are especially valued, says program coordinator Jessica Hrechka-Fee.

"Our distance ECE students travelled from Iskut, Smithers, Kinkolith and Prince Rupert—from throughout the Northwest—to Terrace for a weekend of shared learning and culture," said Hrechka-Fee.

From here, the Terrace-based students planned and brought the whole group to a Gitlaxdax Nisga'a Dance Group practice at the Nisga'a Hall as part of the program's Working with Families course. It made for a day of traditional dancing, local culture and sharing part of "their community" with their classmates.

"ECE students are applying their knowledge in their community," says Hrechka-Fee. "They are showing their understanding of the value of culture, families and community. All together, our students thoroughly enjoyed learning a few Nisga'a songs and dances."

"Visiting the Gitlaxdax Nisga'a Dance Group practice was beyond awesome!," said ECE student Kia Morgan. "I couldn't believe how much I have missed dancing. I plan to go to more practices with my classmates."

The benefit to students of such an exercise is hard to quantify or describe in a program curriculum, says Hrechka-Fee. "Our students could see the power of culture to a family. They felt the students' emotions when they shared part of their culture with the whole group. Students were able to share a part of who they are with people they might work with. They discovered connecting classroom and community is not difficult, and it helps build relationships, support families and allows learning to occur in many ways."

Sincere thanks go to the Gitlaxdax Nisga'a Dance Group for inviting the ECE class to share in the cultural experience and providing such a welcoming environment.

NWCC is a valuable community asset impacting the lives of students and our communities. Through its nine campuses, 500-plus employees and an annual injection of more than $30 million in the local economy, NWCC is an economic engine supporting the many communities that look to us to provide innovative programs and services.

New plaque unveiled at Prince Rupert Indigenous Gardens

Tsimshian Elder Leonard Alexcee, centre, blesses the new plaque that will be installed at NWCC Prince Rupert Campus's Indigenous Gardens. NWCC instructor Judy Thompson, right, holds the plaque, while NWCC President Dr. Denise Henning, left, holds up an umbrella for an Elder.

PRINCE RUPERT – Local Elders joined staff, students and invited guests at Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Prince Rupert Campus March 9 in a short ceremony to bless a bronze plaque that will mark the Indigenous Garden.

Judy Thompson, NWCC First Nations Studies instructor and Nancy Mackin, MRAIC Phd (who originally designed the garden), invited the Kaien Elders from the Prince Rupert Friendship House to a presentation during a meeting of the College's First Nations Council.

In a moving and powerful event, First Nations representatives from throughout the Northwest met and introduced themselves, many sharing their First Nations names and lineage. The Elders joined the First Nations Council, including NWCC President Dr. Denise Henning, for lunch. After lunch, everyone proceeded to the Indigenous Garden where Elder Leonard Alexcee, a member of the Tsimshian Nation of Lax Kw'alaams from the Killer Whale Clan, blessed the bronze plaque. The plaque is embossed with the Sm'algyax words SUWILAAY'MSGM S'NOODYN A TAX'NII GOO and the English translation of "The Learning Garden of Everything".

The plaque will be fixed on a rock in the middle of the garden providing a centrepiece for the many varieties of Indigenous plants. The garden supports the Prince Rupert Campus's journey towards incorporating Indigenous knowledge in post-secondary education.

"Listening to the Elders and members of the First Nations council speak of their connection to their territories was both moving and humbling," said Wendy Prystay, NWCC Prince Rupert Campus Manager. "We were very proud to host this event and look forward to the continued involvement of the Elders on our campus."

NWCC created Indigenous Gardens at its Prince Rupert and Terrace campuses in 2008. They showcase local plants and flora with symbolic meanings for the College community, including staff, students and the region's Aboriginal people.

Elders in Residence program a hit at NWCC Smithers Campus

SMITHERS – Each Wednesday afternoon since November, Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Smithers Campus has been the site of a growing group coming to share wisdom in the Elders in Residence program.

Other Elders, students and community members join Gitdumden Elder Mabel Forsythe in the campus' popular gathering space to learn cultural crafts, share stories, and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Since the beginning of January, those attending have been making moccasins with Forsythe. Some students have already completed a pair, beading designs and adding liners, and some continue to work on their beading skills.

Each week, snacks and beverages are provided, and students have the opportunity to relax, learn, and interact with other students, Elders and community members.

Molly Wickham, NWCC First Nations Access Coordinator in Smithers, says Wednesday afternoon with Forsythe is something that people look forward to each week, something the numbers can attest to! Each week the group grows, including youth from the Bulkley Valley Learning Centre and an increasing number of Elders.

See what the excitement is about next Wednesday at NWCC Smithers Campus from 1-3 pm.

NWCC hosts Hoobiyee celebration

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) hosted a celebration and information session today over the lunch hour for Hoobiyee, the Nisga'a New Year that marks the beginning of the harvest season.

 

Open to all students and staff, about 45 people came out to NWCC Terrace Campus Waap Galts'ap for free soup and fried bread and a presentation led by guest Caroline Daniels from the First Nations Education Centre with Coast Mountains School District 82. Daniels shared her insight as to what Hoobiyee is and where it will be celebrated this weekend. She shared a song about Hoobiyee and had students participate in the dancing of the song. Each crest was represented in the dance.

 

For more info on Hoobiyee celebrations this weekend, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paula’s Blog: How to become a bridge between hearing and Deaf culture

Brooke Sproule just spent a month on a practicum at Northwest Community College as a Sign Language Interpreter. She worked closely with First Nations Fine Arts Diploma student Paula Wesley, an NWCC student blogger.

The dialogue between the two talking with hands

PW:  Hello. I’m Paula. What’s your name? How are you?
BS:  I’m Brooke Sproule. I’m good, thanks.

PW:  Welcome to my hometown Terrace, I hope you are enjoying your stay!
BS:  Oh yes, I am loving this whole experience!  I didn’t expect Terrace would have such breathtaking views. The mountains, river, forests and all the snow is amazing!

PW:  What did you expect when you first came to NWCC, Terrace Campus?
BS:  I had no idea what Terrace would look like, how the experience at the college would be. I am being mentored by one of the professional Sign Language Interpreters who works here and before arriving, she explained a little bit about the small community of Terrace, as well as the college. It is cool to be in such a small, friendly community where everyone knows each other and waves when they pass by.

PW:  Yep, that’s right.
BS:  I really love it here!

PW:  How has the past four weeks been for you? Is it nice to get a more hands-on experience? Do you like working with the two different programs: First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) and the Criminology Specialization program?
BS:  In the Criminology program, with the other student, it is a classroom setting with more of a formal approach compared to FNFA. With the FNFA classes, I notice that on some days it was casual, yet challenging at times. In order to be successful, I have to do prep before arriving to class, such as reading textbooks and gathering information from each instructor. This way, I am fully prepared to interpret for each class.

PW:  (nodding)
BS:  It as been an interesting experience at NWCC as I have been learning about three different cultures and backgrounds.  I have learned to observe people and try to match their character and personality traits. Sometimes, accents are difficult to follow but I do my best so I can sign or voice accurately. I have really enjoyed interacting and learning more about Deaf, hearing and First Nations culture.

PW:  If you wouldn’t mind, you could explain what Classifiers (CL) means in American Sign Language?
BS:  Classifiers are different hand shapes, which represent nouns and verbs. CLs are used to describe the locations, kinds of actions, size, shapes and manner. In the FNFA class, I noticed that we use a lot of CLs for describing or interpreting carving techniques, drawings and paintings. I use CLs because they are more visual for you, especially when it comes to describing hands-on projects. I have to know various names of the carving tools, native vocabulary and different cultural things like where to carve with precision etc… and what words are often used in class. I find this challenging to learn pronunciation of native vocabulary and learn the new signs that have already been established by you. I have also asked some of the Elders from class on how to pronounce native words properly.

PW:  Do you find it easy or hard to interpret for someone with a sense of humour?
BS:  Oh yeah… interpreting humor is a big challenge for me. Deaf and hearing humour are very different. For example, I have to try and interpret a joke for a 60-year-old man; look at me! I am a 20-year-old woman trying to match a man’s style of speaking, which is kind of funny. I have learned a lot from being here but I am still challenged by the concept of interpreting humour and will continue to grow and develop.

*laughing*

PW:  This is funny for sure. I can imagine that it is a lot of work to learn so much in such a short period of time.
BS:  Yes, this is a very unique and rich learning experience for me. I have had to work hard in order to learn all of the vocabulary and other things for both of the programs.

PW:  So do you feel that you have learned something from your experience up north that you will be able to carry on in your education? I bet you are probably one of the only people in your program that gets to experience the rich culture here on the campus in Terrace, B.C.
BS:  I have really enjoyed working with the students, as well as the communication access team.  Each person has their own style of speaking and communication with each other. I feel I have improved in many different areas.

Before coming to Terrace I did some prep by reading books on First Nations culture in order to learn a little and have an idea of what to expect. I really respect all the cultures and I am so grateful to have developed my skills by interacting and interpreting with everyone. As interpreters, it is important to respect one another and work as a team.

PW:  Right! Do you feel that you have benefited from the hands-on experience at the College?
BS:  Oh definitely! It is nice to finally get out of the classroom and into the ‘real world’. I feel like the College has really supported me and feels like a family. I feel connected with the College because just like your class, you have a family because of the small size; back at my school in New Westminster we also have small classes. I have notice and appreciated how Terrace and NWCC is such a tight-knit community. And I feel so supported and welcomed.

PW:  Do you think you could describe a bit about the IEP?  What does it stand for? How long does the program take?
BS:  IEP stands for Interpreter Education Program and it takes two years to complete the program.

PW:  I have heard that before entering the two-year program that usually students have to take a 10-month program at Vancouver Community College. Did you have to do this?
BS:  No, I actually got to skip that 10-month program because I grew up with a Deaf sister, so I was able to challenge the program and got accepted. The program is very difficult to get into. At Douglas College, we have to learn how to interpret, learn how to sign fluently as well as learn about ethics and boundaries.

PW:  One last question; what made you decide to become an interpreter?
BS:  Well, as you know, my sister is Deaf, so that got me interested. But the other reason is my fascination with the language and lifestyle. When I was 7 years old, Amanda (the professional interpreter here at NWCC) came and stayed with my family for one of her practicums. I immediately created a friendship with her and she became my role model. I have learned so much from this experience and everyone is so great. It is my goal to become the best interpreter I can be and I am so grateful to have had this four-week placement at NWCC.

PW:  I think this is it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in life!

 

Biography of Brooke Sproule: I grew up in a small town in the Okanagan (Oyama B.C.). At a young age I decided that I wanted to become a sign language interpreter through the influence of my younger Deaf sister. I moved to Vancouver to take the two-year program of Sign Language Interpretation at Douglas College. This intensive program includes three, four-week long practicums. I have been up here in Terrace for the past four weeks working and learning about the interpreting process. I have enjoyed my time here and look forward to my next two practicums in Vancouver, then Texas! Thanks everyone for the support!

 

I very much enjoyed meeting and working with Brooke.  It feels like she only arrived two days ago and it’s already been a month!

Paula Wesley is NWCC's newest full-time student blogger! Currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. Born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides, she says she's inspired by the art of her people and creates art to continue what her people started long before her, "to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

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.