September 4, 2026 — Gitwangak First Nation, Gitksen Territory, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada
With the opening of the new Gitksen West Secondary School, students from the communities of Gitwangak, Gitanyow and Gitsegukla First Nations now have access to secondary education in a culturally enriched learning environment rooted in Gitksen culture, language and community.
Yesterday, Simgigyet (hereditary chiefs), Sigidim Haanak (matriarchs), Band Councils, Elders, community members, educators, and students from the three communities celebrated the opening of the new Gitksen West Secondary School on Gitwangak reserve #1. The school has the capacity to accommodate up to 170 students from the neighbouring communities.
Until now, students have had to commute over 60 km to Hazelton, BC, to attend high school. The new school will enable students to remain closer to family and community while accessing high-quality secondary education rooted in Gitksen culture and traditions that meets the learning outcomes of the BC curriculum.
Gitksen West Secondary School is locally governed by a School Board representing Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, and Gitanyow, ensuring that education is guided and determined by our people, for our students and for our communities.
Indigenous Services Canada provided over $39 million for the design and construction of the school, and to support the delivery of programming in the first year of operations. This partnership between Canada and First Nations’ leadership represents a shared goal to create learning environments that inspire student success, improve educational outcomes, strengthen culture and create opportunities for future generations.
