Gitwangak Education Society

The Gitwangak Education Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational programs to the Gitwangak First Nation community. It is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the Business Registration Number 890398373RR0001. The society plays a vital role in fostering education and cultural preservation within the community.

Objectives

The primary goal of the Gitwangak Education Society is to deliver comprehensive education programs, supporting both children and adults. It aims to promote cultural and language revitalization, particularly focusing on the Gitksan language and traditions.

Programs and Services

The society offers a range of educational and community programs:

• Elementary Education: Includes immersion classes for kindergarten to Grade 3, focusing on subjects like socials, science, physical education, and total physical response.
• Adult Education: Provides one-on-one teaching in a relaxed environment for adults seeking academic courses or employment readiness training. It includes programs like language and culture, land-based learning, and physical education. Tuition for these programs is free.
• Community Training: Partners with organizations to bring short-term employment certificate courses to the community, including heavy equipment operation, cultural tourism, aboriginal early childhood education, and more.
• Cultural Preservation: The society emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, facilitating opportunities for community members to learn and practice their traditional language, Simalgyax, and cultural practices.

Community Impact

The Gitwangak Education Society also supports community development by providing facilities such as a large classroom, small study area, and a computer lab. It offers additional services like resume and cover letter writing assistance, job search support, and sponsorship applications for post-secondary education and training.

Partnerships

The society collaborates with various organizations, including the Gitwangak Band Council. Notably, it partnered with the provincial government to establish a new child care centre, known as the Wo'umxhl Simalgyex (or "cradle of language"), which helps preserve cultural traditions and revitalize the Gitksan language among children. This initiative also provides employment opportunities and enhances community well-being.

Overall, the Gitwangak Education Society is committed to empowering the community through education, cultural preservation, and economic development initiatives.