Indigenous support FAQs

First Nations Access Coordinators fill various roles at our Prince Rupert, Terrace, and Smithers campuses. Collectively, they help you to transition to college life at CMTN by:

• Creating a welcoming environment.
• Providing support to Indigenous students who require assistance with academic, emotional or financial issues with referral to appropriate resources as required.
• Assisting students to access community services and resources.
• Promoting cultural awareness & facilitating cultural activities and events on campus.

At three CMTN campuses: Prince Rupert, Terrace, and Smithers. To arrange a meeting, please contact the FNAC closest to you. 

Contact FNACs through calls, emails, or video chats. Contact information here.

If you cannot contact the person in your area, please email fnac@coastmountaincollege.ca for assistance.

Appointments are available during regular business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm) on weekdays. However, please contact a FNAC anytime and someone will be sure to return your call.

Contact your local FNAC or any other Student Services member as soon as possible. Here at CMTN, we want all of our students to feel included and safe.

FNACs can help you navigate policies and procedures for addressing harassment, discrimination, or other issues. For further understanding, we encourage all students to read the Education Policies available on our website here.

Contact a First Nations Access Coordinator, who are there to help you transition into college life and will connect you with Education Advisors, Accessibility Coordinators, and other Student Services members.

FNACs can also help you connect with Financial Aid options.

Funding and/or sponsorship can come in many forms. If you are unsure about band/village government funding, cost sharing, bursaries, awards, or scholarships, please contact your local FNAC for direction that is best suited for your academic plan.

Please contact your local FNAC and/or our Financial Aid Officer, Allison Conway (aconway@coastmountaincollege.ca), for assistance with emergency bursaries.

Eligibility may depend on your program and/or course.

Learn more.

This answer depends on various factors. If your selected courses are accredited and fulfill the policies and protocol of your specific funder, the online courses may not affect your funding/sponsorship.

Make sure to read the policies provided by your funder/sponsor that outline necessary requirements for selecting your courses and what is needed for the funding/sponsorship. If you have questions regarding courses that fill the necessary requirements, contact your local FNAC.

There are many computer labs on our campuses that you can access. If you are looking for access to a laptop, contact your local FNAC to ask about options for possible lending or bursaries that may help with purchasing one. Each campus has WiFi that students can access.

Here2Talk is an easy to use, free counselling service for BC post-secondary students. Connect with professional counsellors through the app, phone, or web chat. Get started at here2talk.ca and learn about the other services and resources offered through CMTN's mental wellness & counselling.

Other options for general and/or cultural support are available through virtual platforms. View resources.

If you need face-to-face counselling, please contact your local FNAC to learn more about community counselling resources and who to contact in your area.

Contact your local FNAC regarding options in your area. Information about community resources (food shares, food banks, and community food programs), emergency aid and campus services will be available.

First Nations Access Coordinators offer various cultural supports and events on campus. For example, CMTN hosts various elders, knowledge keepers, and language holders on campus to provide support personally or in a group setting such as Learning Feasts, Talking Circles, Traditional Food & Medicine workshops, Language workshops, Tea Socials, Art Workshops, and more!

Learn more.

Yes. Please sign up for our newsletter, Aam ji luu-x̱hln̓aa-t'aatgwin, to stay updated with our virtual cultural events hosted by various elders, knowledge keepers, and language holders from their home communities.

Find past and current issues here.

Visit coastmountaincollege.ca/events to stay updated or contact your local FNAC for information about upcoming events.

Yes, cultural events are safe and inclusive spaces meant to comfort and educate anyone who is interested. Come with an open-mind and share space for those attending. Some events may be for students only, due to limited space.

• Upcoming Indigenous Events
• Events Calendar

Yes, and most FNACs hold traditional medicine(s) and can provide upon request. You can smudge in these places on our four campuses:

• Prince Rupert: Outside between the two buildings, under cover in case it is raining. Cedar boughs available for brushing inside.
• Terrace: In Waap Galts’ap (Community Longhouse) and outside.
• Smithers: Outside by the totem pole.

Please be considerate of those who may be in the space/area and may have allergies to scent and/or smoke. It is good practice to let those in the area know you will be entering ceremony to ensure safety and privacy.

First Nations Access Coordinators can help you access traditional medicines at home or on campus. Contact your local FNAC and ask if they have any traditional medicines on campus that you can use. Or ask about our Indigenous Wellness Assistance Fund.

To speak to an elder or knowledge keeper one-on-one, contact your local FNAC with your personal needs and to connect virtually (email, messaging, or video chat) or over the phone with them.

FNACs are located in Waap Galts’ap (Community Longhouse) and can assist with accessing the space.

Please contact the Terrace FNACs if you have inquiries about appointments or smudging.