A new secondary school—the Gitksen West Secondary School—has officially opened in northwestern British Columbia, bringing a new educational option for students from the communities of Gitwangak, Gitanyow, and Gitsegukla. The school is governed by a school board representing the communities and it will offer secondary education in a learning environment that is rooted in Gitxsan culture, language, and community. With the launch of the new school, students will no longer need to travel 60km to Hazelton for their education. “Reclaiming education holds profound significance for our people, especially given the history of residential schools,” said Gitwangak Chief Chasity Daniels. “Today, we are bringing education home and creating opportunities for our children on our own terms.”
