Coast Mountain College (CMTN), previously Northwest Community College (NWCC), is an accredited post-secondary institution that serves the rich and diverse communities and learners of British Columbia’s (BC) beautiful northwest region. Established in 1975 in Terrace, BC, Coast Mountain College has five regional campuses serving 34 communities, 21 of which are First Nations communities. The College provides students with innovative programs that lead to sustainable careers for people in the north. Our campuses are located in Hazelton, Haida Gwaii, Smithers, Prince Rupert and Terrace.

Health and Social Services

Study classroom theory and practical skills necessary for employment in a broad range of health and social services occupations. Practice what you learn in workplace settings to gain valuable and employable experience. At Coast Mountain College our unique classroom settings, field work and local projects connect you to your community. 

Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing (NCBNP) | BSN

The four-year Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP) prepares students for entry into the Registered Nurse profession.  The program is offered collaboratively with the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). After completing two years of study at CMTN, NCBNP students continue at UNBC Terrace Campus (or transfer to a partner site) to complete third and fourth year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing Program and the Access to Practical Nursing Program are designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, judgments and attitudes to perform to the full range of competencies as identified by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCN&M).

Health and Social Services Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

Five CMTN faculty and instructors (and staff) have completed the CASN Workshop Series on Implementing the TRC Calls to action in Nursing Education codesigned by the Canadian Institute of Health Research Indigenous Research Chairs in Nursing.

Local learning resources for instructors and professors:

1. A three-part, self-directed set of modules, Braiding Pathways Through Self-Awareness with Reflection Guide is available to CMTN faculty and staff through the Indigenization Department, on Brightspace. The modules include Indigenous Peoples, Colonization, Decolonization
2. An online learning centre on Brightspace to help faculty infuse more Indigenous content into their practice. FPIR is structured around five-module, each support one of the five principles of the 5 R’s:  1) Relationships 2) Respect 3) Relevance 4) Reciprocity 5) Responsibility. 
3. ChatReconciliACTON: Monthly Faculty Workshops hosted by the Indigenization and Centre for Learning Transformation Departments. 
4. Top Harvests: Publications written by the Learning Transformation Specialist, Indigenization. A one-page newsletter, with links to Indigenous related events, announcements, important local events, and pedagogy for faculty. These are available for all on the College website. 

Coast Mountain College

Indigenization at CMTN Report

In 2017 and 2019, Coast Mountain College issued reports outlining the various ways that the institution supports cross-cultural understanding, Indigenization of teaching and learning, and improved access to education for Indigenous students. Since that time, we have been reviewing and advancing our progress and next steps. 

This report is organized to show our accountability for progress on four key mandates:

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Our internal Stepping Stones Guide to Improved Relationships
• BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training (AEST’s) Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan: 2020 Vision for the Future.

Call to Action # 24

We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Mandatory Course: Yes  

ANTH 102 Intro Social and Cultural Anthropology 3 Credits – NCBNP

With a global and comparative perspective the course will study a variety of customs and beliefs of indigenous people. Specific topics will include rituals, kinship, politics, economics, mythology, art and religion.

NURS 205 – Introduction to First Nations Health 3 Credits – NCPNP

Provides an overview of First Nations health, factors influencing health status, and issues arising from Northern and remote living. Historical events and their impact on health are introduced. Current barriers to health, along with culturally sensitive nursing implications, are explored. This course provides an overview of Indigenous health and the factors influencing health status among Indigenous peoples, particularly those living in Northern and remote regions. 

Current barriers to health and culturally sensitive nursing implications are explored in the context of historically significant events such as the legacy of residential school, colonization, and trauma. Students will discuss aspects of health related to Indigenous groups such as poverty, women’s health, mental health issues, and traditional healing approaches as well as the effects of the social determinants of health.

The meaning of health and healing from an Indigenous perspective will be explored and diverse Indigenous healing practices on promoting, maintaining, and regaining health will be included. Integration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action are discussed throughout the course. This course uses the term Indigenous, which includes the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada.

Course descriptions: Health Care Assistant Courses are located here;

Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program Courses (NCBNP) are located here;

Practical Nursing Courses are located here;

Access to Practical Nursing Courses are here.   

School of Nursing Commitment to Call to Action # 24: 4 out of 5 = 80%

1. Aboriginal health issues
Yes. See mandatory course description.
2. The history and legacy of residential schools
Yes – See mandatory course description.
3. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
No. Not explicitly referenced.
4. Treaties and Aboriginal rights
Yes. See mandatory course descriptions.
5. Indigenous teachings and practice
Yes – See mandatory course description.

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing’s “Statement” of apology for colonial harms resulting from nursing education

Dec.11, 2023: CASN apologizes to Indigenous Peoples of Canada for Colonial harms resulting from nursing education…CASN is committed to a process of self-reflection, learning, and transformation. We will take the following steps to address the harms:

1. Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety, and Humility: Promote education, resources, and practices that address anti-Indigenous racism, supporting decolonization, cultural humility, and cultural safety for nursing faculty, staff, and students. Promote institutional policies and processes that address systemic racism to foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
2. Curriculum Revision: Promote a review of nursing education curricula to ensure a strengths-based focus and trauma-informed approach, the inclusion of content on the continued impact of colonialism and racism on Indigenous health, as well as Indigenous perspectives on health and well-being.
3. Community Engagement: Establish meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities to ensure their voices are heard in shaping nursing education policies and practices.
4. Recruitment and Retention: Promote strategies that create culturally safe and supportive learning environments including pre-admission supports, in-program supports, and services that are developed in partnership with Indigenous communities.
5. Ongoing Accountability: In collaboration with Indigenous partners, establish mechanisms to monitor progress and address concerns raised by partners, Indigenous nursing students, and faculty.

Land Acknowledgement: 

The Territory Acknowledgement is located on the Coast Mountain College Home Page under Indigenous Resources – Traditional Territories. This Land Acknowledgement also applies to the Health Programs and Human Service Programming.

Acknowledgement of traditional territories 

Coast Mountain College is located in the Northwest region of British Columbia and serves the educational needs of communities within the territories of the Ts’msyen, Haida, Haisla, Gitx̱san, Nisga’a, and Witsuwit’en peoples. We thank them for the opportunity and privilege to gather, live, learn, and work in their territories. 

Land acknowledgements are opportunities to open our hearts and minds to the past and show our commitment to a better future. Land acknowledgement videos for four campus locations have been created as a resource for faculty (e.g., https://youtu.be/RCEZz65tAkA?si=PaXjqbZgFooiErH1)

Prince Rupert

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Ts’msyen people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Prince Rupert campus is located.

Terrace

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Ts’msyen people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Terrace campus is located.

Kitimat

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Haisla people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Kitimat campus is located.

Hazelton

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Gitxsan people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Hazelton campus is located.

Smithers

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Witsuwit’en people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Smithers campus is located.

Haida Gwaii

Coast Mountain College acknowledges the Haida people on whose unceded, traditional territory the Masset campus is located.

A list of languages and dialects pertaining to each campus and prominent community served (e.g. Kitimat) is made available for faculty.

Prince Rupert	Ts’msyen (Coast)	Sm’algya̱x
Terrace	Ts’msyen (Inland)	Sm’algya̱x
Haida Gwaii	Haida	Hlg̱aagilda X̱aayda Kil
Gitlaxt’aamiks	Nisga’a	Nisg̱a’a
Kitimat	Haisla	x̄á’islak̓ala
Hazelton	Gitx̱san	Gitsenimx̱
Smithers	Wet’suwet’en	Witsuwit’en

NOTE: All content has been submitted to the respective faculty for validation to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. The Coast Mountain College – Health and Social Services  reviewed and approved the document. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Research Assistant:  Timothy Maton