Students from three Gitxsan communities in northwestern British Columbia now have access to a new secondary school in Gitwangak, eliminating the need to commute to Hazelton for high school. The recently opened Gitksen West Secondary School will cater to the communities of Gitwangak, Gitanyow, and Gitsegukla, situated between 98 and 117 kilometers northeast of Terrace, BC.
The primary goal is to provide students with a culturally immersive educational experience deeply rooted in Gitxsan traditions, language, and community values. The school’s inauguration was marked by a celebration attended by hereditary chiefs, matriarchs, band councils, elders, and other community members from the three regions.
Funded by Indigenous Services Canada, the project received approximately $39 million for design, construction, and operational program costs for its first year. Gitwangak Chief Chasity Daniels, who also serves as the president of the Gitksen West Secondary School Society, emphasized the significance of reclaiming education, particularly in light of the historical impact of residential schools.
The school, governed locally by a school board representing the three communities, is envisioned to empower youth to achieve academic success within their communities, aiming for dogwood certificates instead of leaving certificates upon program completion. In the new facility, with a capacity for up to 170 students in grades 8 to 12, there are 12 classrooms, a library, kitchen, gymnasium, and other amenities.
Previously, students had to travel 60 kilometers to Hazelton for high school education. Gitanyow Chief Bryan Williams expressed optimism about the new educational era, emphasizing the potential for Gitksen scholars to make meaningful contributions to the future. Principal Elmer Moody highlighted the importance of integrating First Nations culture into academic settings, fostering collaborative relationships with students, parents, and the community to showcase the value of indigenous knowledge in education.