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New Indigenous High School Opens in Kitwanga (Gitwangak)
The school can serve up to 170 students and ends 60-kilometre commutes to Hazelton, officials said.
- On Thursday, September 3, the Gitksen West Secondary School opened in Gitwangak, serving 170 students from grades 8 to 12 across three Gitxsan communities. The facility eliminates the previous 60-kilometre commute to Hazelton.
- Indigenous Services Canada provided about $39 million for design, construction, and initial operations following a decade of development. The school is locally governed by a board representing Gitwangak, Gitanyow, and Gitsegukla.
- The facility includes 12 classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium with a curriculum rooted in Gitxsan culture and language. Principal Elmer Moody said he is excited to demonstrate that "First Nations culture has academic value."
- Gitwangak First Nation Chief Chasity Daniels emphasized that reclaiming education is profound given the history of residential schools. Gitanyow First Nation Chief Bryan Williams called it a "start of a new era where we empower our flowers to bloom in a world that can benefit from Indigenous knowledge."
- Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty called the opening a significant achievement for the three nations. Leaders envision students succeeding with standard completion certificates rather than leaving school without credentials.
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After years of commuting, students in 3 Gitxsan communities have a high school of their own
A new high school serving three Gitxsan communities in northwestern B.C. has officially opened, giving students the chance to complete grades 8 to 12 closer to home in a school rooted in Gitxsan culture, language and community.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
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- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
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