TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION HEADINGS
To the Malsgm Sa'winsk
Greetings Subscribers!
Welcome to the Fall 2021 Edition of Malsgm Sa'winsk (Newspaper).
We hope you had a great summer with family and friends. If you enjoyed the summer edition of our newsletter, you're in for a treat with this fall edition. We are happy to bring you more news and happenings from our communities. The fall newsletter highlights the Youth Empowerment Camps that were hosted in a couple of communities with more coming soon. We will also read about other communal activities that took place throughout summer, check out the latest updates on our Lighthouses, and be inspired by insights and wisdom from the people. Want to learn how to make yummy seafood fritters? Then you want to visit the 'Relish-ous Recipes' section! Don't forget to check out the 'Fun-tastic' section and win a $100 gift card. What is Nature Deficit Disorder? Find out in the 'Health & Wellness' section. Much more await you in this edition of the Malsgm Sa'winsk.
We would love to hear any ideas for stories, community events and other newsworthy activities that you may wish to share.
Please click HERE to send us your stories, suggestions and feedback.
Wishing you a mesmerizing autumn!
The Editorial Team
Community Spotlight
VOICES OF OUR YOUTH
Youth Empowerment Camp 2021
The Youth Empowerment Camp was scheduled for August 2021. So far, one camp each has been held in Lax Kw'alaams and Gitxaala, with more being planned for the rest of the seven First Nations communities we serve. The purpose of these camps is to create spaces for youth to come together and enjoy a sense of camaraderie while acquiring meaningful knowledge in leadership, teamwork and cultural values/virtues through fun activities. In addition, we hope that these events, alongside other efforts by the community, will provide a sense of normalcy in life after having endured 18 months of varying degrees of isolation due to the pandemic.
Lax Kw'alaams Youth Empowerment Camp - Video Highlights
Gitxaala Youth Empowerment Camp - Video Highlights
Teambuilding Activities
Help! How do we flip this tarp without stepping out of it?
Now I know why they call this activity Gravity Ball!
Morning motivation!
Which colors did you say I have to pick from these?
Preparing for the grand Egg-drop challenge...
Elder Bryant mesmerizing the youth with his traditional stories
Feel like a willow-in-the-wind. I trust you to keep me from falling.
The Tarantula Tango! Now which way do I go?
Like the waves of a sea, we move in solidarity, and joyful unity...
You can trust me. I won't let you fall!
Wrapt in attention... we're gonna get this right!
A good stretch. Best way to start the morning!
A brighter future awaits us on the flip side of this tarp. How do we get there?
Instant indoor camping. Takes 20 seconds to setup! How cool is that?
Planting the Tree of Virtues
Lax Kw'alaams Youth & Family at the Garden of Virtues at the end of the two-day
Youth Empowerment Camp
Gitxaala Youth & Family at the Garden of Virtues at the end of the two-day
Youth Empowerment Camp
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Weaving in Kitsumkalum
The summer of 2021 was met with few larger gatherings due to the uncertainty of Covid transmission. At the Kitsumkalum Health Centre, Sandra E. Wesley had opened up days of teaching youth how to work with cedar bark. In these photos, it shows two youth spending time to learn how to work with their hands and minds with cedar. One is making a cedar hat and the other a small mat.
Working with cedar has been something that has been done for centuries with people of the coast. This provided clothing, storing food, carrying items, and/or making mats for the floors or wall-hanging. So many uses were done with cedar bark. It is good to see that these teachings continue to be passed down and the offering to teach youth is open.
In these times of a pandemic, although not in huge numbers, cultural sharing can still exist and this is a great example of what can be done.
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
The After-school Program
This is a place to keep the youth of Kitselas busy after school and to learn some everyday tasks that we face each day, such as cooking/baking, staying active, learning new ways of using their imagination with crafts and handy DIY hacks. We also recently started a girls/boys group for support. Our plan is to empower our youth to live a fun yet healthy lifestyle. We are also trying to pursue some cultural activities, such as cedar weaving, we want to eventually do a fish harvesting class, gathering berries and picking natural medicine like Labrador tea and devils club. Our goal is to build a healthy relationship with the youth and families of Kitselas and grow together as a community. Enjoy the pictures below from these activities.
NIFCS Staff Spotlight
Emily Bryant
Please introduce yourself, traditional or non, you pick:
Dm Sylhaytk Gyibaaw di waayu. Laxgyibuu d’pdeegu. Kitsumkalum ada Laxkwa’laams di wil waatgu. Kitsumkalum di wil dzogu.
My name is Dm Sylhaytk Gyibaaw, I am from the wolf clan. I am from Kitsumkalum and Laxkwa’laams. I live in Kitsumkalum 😊
What is your role at NIFCS?
I am a Youth Empowerment Worker, yay! New role, for the past two years I have been a Family Support Worker
What was your very first job (In general)?
My very first job was working with kids in a summer program in Kitsumkalum. It was called “Fun in the Sun” and it was a part of the “Student Summer Program” provided by Kitsumkalum. We all had the opportunity as young kids to work for community. Some of us did summer programs and some worked in lawn maintenance.
Describe how and when you came to NIFCS?
I started as a on-call/casual front desk clerk. Whenever the office was empty and needed someone to answer phones – I was that person. It wasn’t until December 2018 that I was approached to become a Family Support Worker. My mother has a very strong history within this organization and has always been a source of support and inspiration – this was an easy call to answer YES to! As time went on I got more familiar with community and community engagement, which has empowered me to take another step into the Youth Empowerment Role 😊 So exciting!
What is your favorite Dinosaur?
Velociraptor! And whatever dinosaur Little Foot is ❤
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People chewing with their mouths wide open LOL.
Most memorable moment from 2020?
OH, it is many moments. Especially within my language community. So many online groups throughout 2020, we got to engage in so many and still do today. I’m forever grateful!
What is your favorite chocolate bar?
HANDS DOWN it is Crunchie. Nomnomnomnomnom.
Do you have a favorite song?
I have many! Today I will choose Screaming Indian by Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Powerful songs by that duo.
If you had an extra $200 to spend on anything, what would you buy?
I would buy ski boots! Because the season is near and I’d love to be prepared!
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer youth who may be considering your profession?
If you, or if you know of someone who is interested in this kind of work, I am here for you. If you have any questions, I am here. Choosing to work within community is a huge reward in itself – you begin to reintroduce yourself to many people and introduce yourself to many opportunities. At the best of times, it doesn’t feel like work at all – you’re in the moment with your relations and your co-workers and you’re all working together on culture, inclusion and support. I have to say, sometimes it feels surreal. That being said there is a lot of work and policies to be mindful of and to educate yourself on, thankful to have a strong team at my side.
Are you a cat, dog, or bird person?
Definitely a cat person. I’d love a dog if I had more supports in place (space, time, etc.)
If you could pick your birthday dinner, what would you chose?
SPAGHETTI – always Spaghetti and ribs
Jacqueline Bryant
Please introduce yourself, traditional or non, you pick.
My name is Jacqueline Bryant; I belong to the Gitwilgyots Ganhada Tribe
What is your role at NIFCS?
I am a Family Support Worker
What was your very first job (In general)?
My very first job was “General Labourer” for the Lax Kw’alaams Band. I was given a machete with about 7 other people and we cleared the School Field so that the school would be able to use it for sports.
Describe how and when you came to NIFCS?
I was going through the job listing on the Lax website and seen the ad for a Family Support Worker. Once I did a little bit of research I applied for the position. I started work right on my mom’s birthdate of April 3rd and have been working happily for the past 3 years now.
What is your favorite Dinosaur?
Hehehe my favorite Dinosaur is T-Rex
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when my son’s insist that they are right when they KNOW that mom is ALWAYS right 😊 even when I am wrong…hehehe
Most memorable moment from 2020?
The most memorable moment for me is when my first grand daughter was born.
What is your favorite chocolate bar?
The Green Aero Bar
Do you have a favorite song?
CCR – Put a candle in the window.
If you had an extra $200 to spend on anything, what would you buy?
Cat food (I am sure I am feeding the ENTIRE neighbourhood or two)
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer youth who may be considering your profession?
Think before you act and always be grateful!
Are you a cat, dog, or bird person?
All of the above. Love them all
If you could pick your birthday dinner, what would you chose?
Steak with sautéed garlic veggies and mashed potatoes.
CULTURE & HISTORY
Wisdom from our Elders
Vera Wilson from Haisla Shares Some Thoughts...
Q: What are some of the highlights in your life from a cultural standpoint that brought you joy?
A:- Working with young people and working on our language together. Especially the young men and women that are not in my age bracket, fresh out of college and high school, learning fast. It helps that they hear the language from their grandparents. It was always spoken in my household, so, siblings understand the language.
Q: What advice would you share with young people today to help them navigate life using culture and tradition as a guide?
A: When I was growing up and if we were seen misbehaving in the streets, whatever elder that was there watching, would go to our house and tattle on us and we’d get in trouble, we would be constantly lectured to not misbehave. We were always advised before we leave the house, not to say anything