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Date: Dec 2, 2009

Entry: Kitwanga Elementary School is situated in Gitksan territory between the communities of Gitanyow and Gitwangak in Kitwanga Valley. We are fortunate to live in the Coast Mountains area with a majestic view of both the Seven Sisters Mountains and Kitwanga Mountain from our school grounds. The majority of students at Kitwanga Elementary School are of aboriginal ancestry. Our school crest depicts the eagle, a sign of strength and power, which is the symbol on our school t-shirts worn proudly by students and staff. We are a popular tourist route in the summer months, when many travelers come from around the world to witness first hand the historic totem poles that stand in Gitwangak and Gitanyow. The oldest standing pole in North America is located about a 15 min. drive from our school. Battle Hill, a National Parks Historic Site is within walking distance of our school. This year our teams are named after the various continents represented by the Olympic rings. We plan to hold a Kitwanga Elementary Torch Relay in the new year. KITWANGA STUDENTS SOAR!

The Eagles Soar in Kitwanga

Date: Apr 22, 2009

Entry: 537 members of the Gitxsan Nation are participating in the Ministry of Health's Honour Your Health Challenge. The number has tripled since the challenge began approx two years ago. Many of the participants are youth who have taken the challenge seriously and are seen running during their pre-training for the Vancouver Sun Run held annually on the third Sunday of April every year in the lower mainland. The participants will be continually motivated to stay in shape because several other community runs are already scheduled throughout the region and in British Columbia. The Health Department of the Gitxsan Chief's office is in the planning stage of their own 10K Run coordinated by Vivian Smith, Health Director. The plan is to have the kilometers marked so that all ages can participate and run/walk only to the marker that each individual is able to complete. All are winners no matter how many kilometers they run. Elders and childlren are also being encouraged to participate by having markers at a 1/4K, 1/2K and 3/4K. Everyone is a winner! This is one way of combatting the epidemic of Diabetes that is plaguing all First Nations communities. Hazelton has an arena that no longer meets the needs of the surrounding communities. Hockey and Figure Skating is popular in the winter. IN fact, in the last couple of years a young men's skating team called the Wolverines has gained popularity in Northwestern region for their style and teamanship. Basketball is another very popular winter sport which sees local village teams train every year for the annual BC Aboriginal Prince Rupert Basketball tournament. Soccer is the main sport during the summer months with all villages hosting tournaments that see teams from all eight villages and towns from all over British Columbia compete with each other. As well local teams travel to other parts of BC and other provinces to compete. Lacrosse is now being considered for the spring summer sports for the children, youth and adults. Fundraising efforts are currently ongoing to raise money for a new arena. People from all surrounding communities utilize the outdated and cold arena so winning the Gold of this contest would bring us closer to building a new arena for the athletes now and in the future. Help us to continue to motivate and role model improved health via physical fitness by considering our entry as a prize winner. Thank you.

Date: Apr 22, 2009

Entry: 537 members of the Gitxsan Nation are participating in the Ministry of Health's Honour Your Health Challenge. The number has tripled since the challenge began approx two years ago. Many of the participants...more

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