About GYMS

Gitxsan Youth Movement Society (GYMS)

HONOUR. EMBRACE. EMPOWER

Mission statement: We revive Sim'algyax and cultural practice by connecting youth with Elders, skills, and leadership opportunities.

About us: Founded in 1998 as a pilot project to support youth, the program was later adopted by the Gitanmaax Band as "Gitxsan Nation Youth." GYMS is a separate, youth‑led, volunteer‑driven society reactivated in January 2026 to help young leaders on and off reserve thrive in a culturally rich, supportive environment. We empower Gitxsan youth through language revitalization, cultural practice, education, and leadership development.

How we work: We record short teaching and traditional‑harvesting videos, run workshops, and create learning materials that connect youth with Elders, families, and community. Honoraria are paid to every Elder who participates. Participants sign consent/release forms and we follow community‑led protocols for sharing, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.

Goals & impact:

First goal: produce 100 videos to support language learning and cultural transmission.
Estimated 80 fluent Gitxsan speakers remain (January 2026); we are urgently recording Elders to save the language.
We aim to connect with an estimated 2,000 youth through programs, recordings, and outreach.

Legacy and leadership: Built on the foundation laid by founders and Elders — including Chief Woo’sim’lax’ha Peggy Morgan and the late Chief Gakxlh Verney ‘Barney’ Morgan (d. February 3, 2026) — our work continues across generations. While tools change, the responsibility to pass on language and culture remains; we centre youth voices to help them become strong, culturally grounded leaders.

Governance and funding: GYMS is youth‑led and currently 100% volunteer‑run until core funding is secured. We welcome partners, donors, and volunteers to help reach our goals.

Stephanie Morgan, Program Director

Gitxsan Youth Movement Society (GYMS)

GitxsanYouthMovement.org