Gitksen West Secondary School
Vision Statement
At Gitksen West Secondary School, we walk together—students, parents, staff, and Elders—to weave
academic excellence with Gitksen culture, Sim’algyax, and traditional teachings. Through inclusive, high-
quality education grounded in respect for the laxyip, our learners graduate confident, capable, and rooted in
Gitksen teachings, ready for the world.
Mission Statement
Gitksen West Secondary School’s mission is to provide a high-quality, culturally grounded education that strengthens Gitksen identity while fostering academic excellence, athletics, life skills, technology, and career pathways. Rooted in the ayookw and laxyip, and honouring individual strengths, we nurture capable and confident graduates who stand proudly in their Gitxsan identity and are fully prepared to pursue post-secondary education, skilled trades, meaningful employment, and leadership in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.
Philosophy
1. Students
We believe every student has the right to learn in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment, free from bullying, discrimination, and harm. Rooted in Gitksen teachings and guided by the ayookw, we honour each learner’s strengths, identity, and voice. We hold high expectations for learning, behaviour, and personal growth, supporting students to develop confidence, responsibility, and pride in who they are as Gitksen people and as learners prepared to succeed in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.
2. Parents, Elders, and Community
Parents and grandparents are recognized as a child’s first teachers, and education is a shared responsibility among between home, school, and community. Gitksen West Secondary School values active involvement from families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and the three Gitksen West communities. Community teachings, histories, and protocols are honoured, including our Wilp and pdeek systems, li’ligit practices, and respect for our laxyip, Simgiget, and Sigidimhaana’k. Through shared accountability and collective guidance, families and community partners help strengthen student identity, belonging, and success.
3. Sim’algyax and Gitksen Culture
Sim’algyax and Gitksen culture form the foundation of all learning at Gitksen West Secondary School. Ayookw guides behaviour, discipline, and decision-making, taking priority in how students are taught and supported. Through adaawk, Sim’algyax, ayookw, li’ligit system teachings, land-based learning on the laxyip, songs, regalia-making, food harvesting, and seasonal practices, students acquire Sim’algyax, and Gitksen knowledge. As part of Gwelxyee’ ensxwhl, our Simgiget, and Sigidimhaana’k, Elders and Knowledge Keepers are central to the curriculum, ensuring teachings are accurate, respectful, and passed on correctly, so Gitksen identity, language, and traditions remain strong for future generations.
4. Staff
Staff at Gitksen West Secondary School are committed to upholding ayookw, modelling respect, fairness, and accountability in all they do. Administration and teachers provide the highest standard of academics while ensuring each student receives the support they need to be successful. All staff create a culturally safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment that recognizes diverse learning needs and promotes student well-being. Staff work collaboratively with families, Elders, Simgiget, Sigidimhaana’k, and community partners; maintain high expectations; address bullying and discrimination promptly; and commit to continuous learning to prepare students for future opportunities.