Community
people of the
river of mist
For over 10,000 years the People of the River of Mist have celebrated a deep, spiritual connection to our land, which is central to our traditions, our identity, and our wilaaloo (way of life). Our culture is rooted in our system of adaawk (oral histories), our laws, and territorial stewardship that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Our land is a living entity that richly sustains us with gathering, hunting and fishing from the Skeena River through all its tributaries. Through our feast ceremonies, Gitxsan pass down to our youth our lineage, our stories, and our connections with the earth that sustains us. It is the Hereditary Chiefs who lead their wilp (house group) in exercising rights and responsibilities that protect our lands and keep our people safe and engaged in a bright future for generations to come.
OUR language
Gitxsanimaax is the traditional Gitxsan language. Dialects include Giigeenix (up river) and Gyeets (down river). As with many other indigenous languages world-wide, colonizers attempted to steal our language from us. The Gitxsan language is slowly being reclaimed; by not only our Chiefs, but our matriarchs, who train our youth for future leadership positions. Please find our ever-growing Gitxsan language guide and links to Gitxsan language classes.
our education
Education is key to the future success of our youth who are growing to become local lawyers, doctors, nurses and educators. We support the sharing of our Gitxsan culture and traditions through education from our matriarchs, during our feasts and through engagement in our community. Watch here for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is working behind the scenes of the Gitxsan Huwilp Government?
The Huwilp Government is led by the Simgiigyat. In total there are 38 Simgiigyat that make up the government today and that number is growing. In the next 24 months our government structure will grow with more Simgiigyat added and new staff roles that will support operations and objectives of the government structure.
This January, the government took action on implementing their strategy by aligning the Gigeenix Simgiigyat (up river hereditary chiefs) and Gyeets Simgiigyat (down river hereditary chiefs).
What is the purpose of this site?
This website is the central hub for information about the progress and activities of the Gitxsan Huwilp Government.
The Gitxsan Huwilp Government is committed to create new tools for regular engagement with all Gitxsan and the public.
All of the new communications tools are intended to create transparency and accountability for all matters that affect the Gitxsan.
Why should I support this process?
What is unique about the governance model is that it combines the Gitxsan traditional laws, systems and knowledge with a modern government structure, moving the whole of northwest British Columbia towards balance, respect, unity and prosperity.
CREATES OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE: Under the leadership of the Simgiigyat, the Huwilp Government is working to protect protect the fisheries tenure on the Skeena Nass Watershed, to create more jobs and training, and to create more economic opportunities in the laxyip.
CELEBRATES OUR GITXSAN IDENTITY: The Huwilp Government creates a strong unified platform to affirm and celebrate our identity and “status” as Gitxsan
HELPS OTHERS UNDERSTAND OUR WAY: The Gitxsan Huwilp Government is expanding the knowledge of both the provincial and federal governments understanding of the Gitxsan government and our structure.
PROTECTS THE LAXYIP: With stewardship programs that will ensure the use and access of our natural resources (fish and moose to start) is done sustainably, according to Ayook.
media centre
Gitxsan Huwilp Government welcome media inquiries on a variety of issues. Our media centre offers a glimpse into the issues and activities we oversee.
