New Gitxsan High School Opens, Ending 60-km Commute for Three Communities

After more than a decade of planning, the Gitksen West Secondary School began operations in Gitwangak, providing secondary education for students from Gitwangak, Gitanyow and Gitsegukla. Previously, pupils traveled roughly 60 km to Hazelton for high school, but the new campus—financed with roughly $39 million from Indigenous Services Canada—features 12 classrooms, a library, kitchen and gymnasium, and can host up to 170 learners in grades 8-12.

Local chiefs and elders celebrated the opening, emphasizing the cultural significance of bringing education home after the trauma of residential schools. The school is governed by a board representing the three communities and aims to integrate Gitxsan language and traditions into the curriculum. Principal Elmer Moody expressed optimism that the school will demonstrate the academic value of First Nations culture.