The Gitxsan Youth Movement

Our Mission
At the Gitxsan Youth Movement (GYMS), we honor, embrace, and empower our youth through cultural engagement and community building. Our primary focus is on preserving our traditions and language, fostering deep connections between our young people and our Elders and knowledge keepers. We are dedicated to reconnecting Gitxsan youth with our rich cultural heritage, ensuring that the teachings of our ancestors are passed down through generations.

Who We Are
We are the Gitxsan Youth Movement, committed to empowering the youth of our Gitxsan Nation—ages 18 to 35. By fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging, we ensure that our youth are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s world while remaining rooted in their culture. Our programs are primarily for Gitxsan youth, who will have priority for available spots. However, we also welcome all Indigenous youth to join our workshops and learn about our traditions and language as spots become available.

Our Journey and Commitment
Founded in 1998, we began as a pilot project aimed at supporting our youth. Initially taken over by the Gitanmaax Band and rebranded as the Gitxsan Nation Youth, we reactivated our efforts in January 2026 to ensure our young leaders can thrive in a supportive and culturally rich environment.

Our commitment to empowering our young people is closely aligned with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These frameworks guide our initiatives and ensure that they reflect the collective human rights of Indigenous peoples.

Through our programs, we actively honor our identity, support cultural preservation, and promote equality. We engage with our community to provide resources and opportunities for our youth to learn about their culture, traditions, and language. Our initiatives include workshops and events focused on leadership, identity, and cultural awareness, as well as community gatherings that encourage participation and connection among our youth. We also collaborate with our Gitxsan Chiefs and Elders to nurture our cultural heritage and language revitalization efforts.

We engage with the community to provide resources, programs, and opportunities for Gitxsan youth to learn about their culture and traditions. Our initiatives include:

• Workshops and Events: Focused on traditions, language, identity, and cultural awareness.

• Community Gatherings: Encouraging participation and connection among youth.

• Collaborations with Gitxsan Chiefs and Elders: To nurture our cultural heritage.

Sign up for future workshops here

Connecting with the Community

We believe that the voice of our youth is vital to the health and strength of our community. By working together, we strive to create a future where all Gitxsan youth feel seen, heard, and valued.

Connecting with the Community

We believe that the voice of our youth is vital to the health and strength of our community. Our commitment to empowering Gitxsan youth is deeply aligned with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). By working together, we strive to create a future where all Gitxsan youth feel seen, heard, and valued.

Get Involved

We invite you to join us on our journey! The success of the Gitxsan Youth Movement relies on the passion, skills, and generosity of our community. We are seeking volunteers in all areas, including roles on our Board of Directors. Your involvement can help us support our youth, preserve our culture, and strengthen our community in alignment with these important frameworks.

Whether you choose to share your skills, participate in our programs, or help guide our organization at the leadership level, we deeply appreciate your support.

GoFundMe Campaign or PayPal.

Click here to fill out our Volunteer Interest Form or email us directly at  Info@GitxsanYouthMovement.org.