Northwest Community College Connections

First Nations Studies students learn about life by the Tsimshian calendar

PRINCE RUPERT – Northwest Community College (NWCC) professor and First Nations Studies coordinator Judy Thompson and her Aboriginal Languages – Preservation and Revitalization class (FNST 120) recently took the opportunity to invite two respected Elders to share their experiences living through the seasons of the Tsimshian calendar. 

Alex Campbell and John Pahl, pictured with Thompson, explained the profound effect the lunar cycles have on the gathering of food, and preparation of clothing. Students at the Prince Rupert Campus and those at the Smithers Campus, linked to the rendezvous via videoconferencing, and guests were afforded the opportunity of compare the Gregorian calendar, the retail seasons and the traditional Tsimshian Seasonal Rounds calendar over a modest lunch.

Thompson has made it a habit to incorporate the traditional knowledge of Tsimshian Elders throughout the curriculum of First Nations Studies courses offered at NWCC.

Paula's Blog - Traveling Around the World through the pages

 

I have read some books through the year.  However; this is quite challenging because I realize I do too much researching than reading for pleasure.  That is why I thought I would do at least try to do a light reading book.  The other books I have been reading for my own pleasure.  I read in a quiet place where I can focus on reading and let it be a safe place.  Apart from school assignments, I love to read a book to help me relax and let my thoughts be in peace without feeling distressed.  It is a like meditation to me and when I read a story I feel like I become one of the characters myself, you know.

Here are a few of the things that I have been looking at and what I think of them.  What I got out of it. Who suggested it to me.  Whether I would recommend it. 

Right now I am reading a book called The Book of Negroes.  The story is quite interesting.  It talks about the African child have gone through many struggles.  It is truly inspiration. This book was given as a gift from my grandmother. 

My rating: 4 stars

 

You might also like read some historical and cultural books:

• Cherokee
• You Are Asked To Witness:  The Sto:lo in Canada’s Pacific Coast History
• American Indian Myths and Legends

 

What I got out of it is Anatomy for Fantasy Artists.  It helps me to understand how to improve my drawing skills for shading and forms.

My sister said I would enjoy this book.  That it would challenge me and enrich me.  That it would broaden my perspective and understanding.  That it would help me make sense of my frustration with my own kind, in a world radically changed.  Indigenous Storywork did all of that & more. 

My rating:  5 stars

 

 If you are not in the mood for reading in text then I would recommend Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind book.  It is about the the princess who rescue and befriended with the insects in the valley. In the world of Nausicaä and the Earth’s ecosystem have gone through quite changes.

My rating:  5 stars 

 

 Fantasy Art Now is breaktaking! This book contains awesome pictures and details on the art - I am finding it so very fascinating. This is one of those "Once you start - you just can't stop" books which depicts in detail the art, the artists behind the art and details of how the art came to be.  Who does enjoy and love to read fantasy art.

My rating:  5 stars

 

It would be nice to have an open discussion or suggestions of books to read.  I am trying to at least read some books that are not related to school research or assignments.  You may have heard or read from Christine's blog and also the President already mention about the college’s economic crisis on our NWCC Connections website.  This is why I wanted to do something different for this blog.

I would love to hear your suggestions, drop a note in the comments box! I would like to keep myself open-minded and open to any suggestions for future blogs.

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.

 

Welcome to the beginning of our journey towards 2012!

The beginning of the year always seems the appropriate time to take a step back and see what happened in the last few months…So let’s take a deep breath…

First of all, I am sorry for not keep in touch with the blog for the readers since school re-opened.  I felt like everything seem to go into the opposite way, if you know what I mean.  Perhaps I am the only one who feel this way.

The last year has been a busy for me…In September 2010, I had to draw the ovoids over and over.  We all did draw about the ovoids in dreams.  Crazy, hey but it did help!  After Christmas 2011, everything I felt was under pressure and stayed sane with the deadlines for two Art gallery show.  There were quite a lot of things happened in the Spring time and I thought I wasn’t even ready to finish all 4 assignments which was hectic.  And then I finally graduated in April.

Now I look back to this Fall 2011 that I have gone through quite a lot.  I have no idea how the heck I did manage to keep up with school and family schedule but hey I am still here!

What I have realized that I decide to make amends for 2012 that my priority is ME!   I didn’t realize how much my life has been way off and over my head.  After Christmas, I told my partner that I decide that I would start to look after myself first, then taking care of my lil’ man who is 4 years old with more TLC and well-balanced schedule for school, family and for myself too.  I wasn’t thinking straight and my partner told me that I worked too way hard.  I said, “Are you kidding, TW?”   I thought I didn’t really I wasn’t trying hard enough to keep up with school.  I realize that I have been staying up late quite a lot than I thought.  This doesn’t sound good. I had to stop and re-evaluate myself whether I am sane or crazy enough to have less sleep whenever I don’t feel tired. Now I feel that I need to spend more time with my family:  TW and my lil’ man.  They are my whole world and I could not imagine without them.

I guess you probably all need to look at yourselves in the mirror.  I remember one time, this individual once told me but I won’t mention the person’s name in here, however, someone told me to go home and look in the mirror, take a good look at myself.  At first I didn’t believe that I was a success and I denied it.  Somehow, someone said, “You are already a success so start now by saying this to your self everyday in the mirror (Oh and without laughing)".   Well, it took me several practice to start believing in myself.

I hope I still have the confidence to keep it up for 2012.  That doesn’t mean I need to spend less in school but tune up with the schedule and go for a walk with my dog everyday.  That makes a big difference, even thought I thought I was going crazy for not able to keep everything together.  I guess I better sign off and it is 11:36pm.  See what I mean.  I am pretty tempted to continue on and typing but I have to be a bit more firm with myself for getting enough sleep. Until next blog, I will come up with something more interesting, I hope so.  Good night to all..Take it easy.



Paula's Blog: Deaf Culture parallels Native Culture

As I have become involved in art, I have really noticed how much Deaf and Native culture have in common.  As an a carver and artist, I use visual images passed down without a written form, much like I do in Deaf culture.   Art is a visual language and is not written.  So, it would seem obvious that the First Nations would be very keen on the visual arts.  There are many famous First Nations artists who have continually and accurately portrayed the First Nations experiences on their media of choice.  Art culture itself is even passed down “verbally” through storytelling, songs, ceremony, totems, carvings, rituals, paintings, community gathering, dancing, performances, dreamings, and designs – not through books like non-native cultures. 

Like First Nations art, there is a wealth of Deaf art including poetry, stories, theatre, media, mime, games and comedy and that teach the culture.  Most of these are not written down.  There are couple examples of links related to Deaf Culture: Deaf Culture Centre and  Deaf artist websites.

These avenues demonstrate and support the way Deaf people lives their lives:  being Deaf and proud!  Now, you may notice that in First Nations communities, we are also proud of who we are.

First Nations has a culture of art that reaches both positive and negative ends of the spectrum unlike any others;  I have truly learned so much about the First Nations simply by seeing the artwork that First Nations culture produces.  The First Nations people have experienced many negative life changing events throughout history.  They’ve been strongly oppressed and labeled as “non-human” in the early centuries.  More recently, have even been forbidden to express and identify with their spirituality in a variety of different ways.  That is why the Freda Diesing  Art School is so important.  The strong positive connections and community in the First Nations Fine Art program is like finally finding the light at the end of a dark tunnel. 

The Deaf community has also hundred of years of oppression.  Even 130 years ago, they were forbidden to use their sign language and even now are expected to conform to hearing society.  Should we be forced to wear FM devices, hearing aids or surgically altered (cochlear implants) to fit this society?  Is this supposed to make our lives easier or is it supposed to make hearing society more comfortable?

Just like with First Nations culture, not all people agree and some have good reasons for this disagreement.  I just want to educate that these are decisions we all have to make for ourselves.  I can only share my experience as a First Nations Deaf person and hope that you will make your own decisions.

I hope that you have gained as much from reading this as I have from writing this blog.    I also wanted to show you what I have been making out of little buttons for Christmas ornaments, see a cute Snowman on left, White angel on top right and Santa Claus on right below.  Hope you can see the photo that I took from my Christmas tree as the Christmas lights may have made it a bit bright in the background.   

Please have  a safe and happy holidays.  See you in the New Year 2012!

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.

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.

Student success: focus on the First Nations Fine Arts program

Northwest Community College students have great stories to tell. Get to know the future of the Northwest's workforce now.

Jamie Nole, First Nations Fine Arts student.

Jamie Nole is the first to admit she was pretty skeptical about post-secondary education and, specifically, Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

But a funny thing has happened during her first semester as a first-year student in the First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) program.

"I thought it would be boring but I'm really enjoying it," said the soft-spoken Nole, a Tahltan/Nisga'a born in Terrace and raised in Iskut. First-year students begin with basic drawing and two dimensional design techniques and the history of designs and crests, and Nole says she already sees improvement in her work – especially her painting.

Nole has been keenly interested in art since she was an infant. Ever since she could pick up pencils, she was doodling and instead of toys, she would ask for art supplies and pencils. Her uncle Huey Carlick, a carver, sparked her interest in First Nations art, teaching her to draw shapes and form lines. However, when she moved back to Terrace some seven years ago, she says she felt disconnected and had no one to look up to.

In Nole's case, it was a few Freda Diesing School graduates who changed that and eventually landed her in the program at NWCC. Her stepdad, Sheldon Dennis, graduated with a FNFA Diploma in 2010. Around the same time, 2009 FNFA Diploma graduate Todd Stephens was her art teacher at Parkside Secondary in Terrace. Through them, she met several other current and former Freda Diesing School students.

"It's important to have peers and I think it's pretty important that they were telling me I need to be up (at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art)," Nole said.

Now, Nole not only has peers but a wealth of knowledge in Freda Diesing School instructors, world renowed artists at their craft, plus visitors to the School, including premier gallery owners, museum curators and cultural advocates.

"It is nice to hear what Elders have to say," said Nole, who adds the School is currently hosting an instructor from the Vancouver-based Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Luke Parnell is teaching FDS students about art research. The students have to choose a photo from an image library and research the photo.

"It's really good to learn what ancestors did, then experiment with your own creative mind," said Nole, who is preparing for what will be her first-ever art show when the School puts on its annual Christmas show in December. First-year students typically display past artwork – crest design paintings – and other work. For Nole, she has been refining a series of hummingbird spray and acrylic paint designs (below right).

Nole has never sold a piece of art and admits that letting go of art – even for a price – is a necessary  step if one commits to a career in art. Everything, she says, is pointing to just that in her future. She has the support of her family and peers and interest in her hummingbird pieces that has buoyed her aspirations. It doesn't hurt that she is now immersed in full-time learning with role models such as FDS artists/instructors Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil and Dean Heron.

"Jamie has displayed both passion and eagerness to learn, along with natural talent for the art and that's an ideal combination of skills to have as an aspiring artist," says Heron. "We are excited to see her continued progress and creativity."

Nole, who practices a mix of traditional and contemporary First Nations art, says she plans to do both years of the First Nations Fine Arts program at NWCC and go on to third year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at Emily Carr University.

Nole maintains her own blog, which details her experiences as a First Nations Fine Arts student and budding artist. Check it out here!

 

 

NWCC instructor wins First Nations art award

Stan Bevan, a full-time instructor at NWCC’s Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, is among five recipients of the 2011 BC Creative Achievement Award for First Nations' Art. Presented annually by the BC Creative Achievement Foundation, the award is based on a juried competition celebrating artistic excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art. The 2011 recipients will receive $5,000 and the seal of the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for First Nations' Art in an award ceremony on November 25, 2011 in Vancouver.

Bevan is a graduate of the Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art and has been an instructor at NWCC’s Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art since it opened in the fall of 2006. For over thirty years, he has produced an impressive body of work which includes masks, poles, bowls and frontlets created in the Tsimshian and Tahltan-Tlingit style and has received significant provincial, national and international commissions.

Bevan is currently in China to raise a pole carved to commemorate the victims of the May 12, 2008 earthquake. Bevan and Freda Diesing School instructor Ken McNeil worked with Freda Diesing graduates on the 16-foot tall red cedar pole that bears the crests of the grizzly bear and eagle and will be placed at a new school built with emergency relief funds in China’s Sichuan province.

“Stan is an amazing artist and a fantastic instructor,” said NWCC President Denise Henning. “I am so proud of the work he has accomplished and that he is sharing his passion and knowledge of Northwest Coast art with our students.”

It's official: NWCC Smithers Campus is open!

 

Cutting the ribbon to officially open NWCC's Smithers Campus is, from left, NWCC Board of Governors Chair Rhoda Witherly, Vancouver-Fairview MLA Margaret MacDiarmid, Wet'suwet'en Chief Gyologet Darlene Glaim and NWCC President and CEO, Dr. Denise Henning.

SMITHERS – The public answered Northwest Community College's invitation today as hundreds came out for a street party to mark the official opening of the newly-renovated, state-of-the-art Smithers Campus.

The day's festive atmosphere reached its peak with the blessing and raising of a 28-foot red cedar totem pole, carved by local artists Ron Austin and James Madam. Raised in partnership with the Wet’suwet’en, the pole marks the symbolic last piece of the project.

"This project has been about partnerships from day one and today all those partners and all our communities were represented in a celebration that owes so much to this beautiful and stunning pole that will greet everyone who comes to our Smithers Campus," said Dr. Denise Henning, NWCC President and CEO.

The campus itself opened to classes earlier this year for the spring and summer semesters following an 18-month, two-phase renewal and expansion project. The result, exclaimed visitors and speakers alike today, is a beautiful and modern facility.

Dr. Henning said the transformed campus meets the College's needs to improve and expand the learning opportunities in Smithers and it does so while incorporating the latest in sustainable building technology – a Gold LEED design.

"With this new campus, Northwest Community College can better meet the needs of our students and the community," said Dr. Henning. "The expanded learning facilities mean when opportunities come to our region, we'll be here to help students get the skills they need to take those opportunities."

Visitors toured the new campus throughout the day and they were treated to First Nations singing and drumming and a ceremonial feast following the pole raising.

In addition to being a joint federal-provincial Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) project, the renewal and expansion work was also part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Click here for more pictures of the Smithers campus opening and pole raising...

New grads ecstatic about experiential learning at School of Exploration & Mining

SMITHERS – “This program is life altering,” says Cody Joseph, a 25 year-old graduate of Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining. “I haven’t graduated from anything in my life, and here I am today graduating.”

Joseph and 29 other students enrolled at the School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) have graduated from a first-of-its-kind program in northern BC.

The Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program is a seven-week training program based at Ganokwa Camp, north of Smithers. The program features hands-on training of employable skills for careers in exploration, mining and other resource industries, and is provided at no cost to eligible participants through funding provided by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. 

A Celebration of Learning ceremony was held Aug. 17 at Ganokwa Camp to honour the program’s first graduating class. 

Click here to view the Celebration of Learning photo gallery

Dignitaries and delegates representing industry, communities, and First Nations were also in attendance at the celebration, providing words of support and encouragement, and presenting deserving students with a number of awards. Student award recipients and a sample of what they had to say at the Celebration of Learning:

Mason Berg, Most Improved Student award:

"Without this program, I'd be working as a dishwasher or who knows what, but with this program, I know I just won't have a job, but a career. I'm leaving camp a changed man."

Conan Aukland, Highest Academic Standing award:

"Thank you for all the support we've gotten from the staff. I'd also like to thank all the students for their support. I'm really proud of everybody - we accomplished a lot, without your support, I wouldn't have been able to do this. Thank you very much."

Owen Nisyok, Prospector's and Developer's Association of Canada (PDAC) $500 award for the Best All Around Student:

"The best moments were when we were at the top of the mountains, smiling at each other, saying, 'We did this!' This is an amazing feat in our lives."

Beatrice West, Most Inspirational Student award.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Judi L’Orsa, Grant Administrator from the Smithers Exploration Group addressed the students:

“You are leaving here today armed with new technical knowledge, health and safety skills, knowledge of best practices, environmental awareness, and a better understanding of the modern minerals industry.  I would like to congratulate you on your achievements and welcome you to our industry.” 

The second and final intake of the WEST program starts Aug. 25 at Ganokwa Camp. Find the School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) online or on Facebook for more information about upcoming courses and programs.