In 2009, the Gitwanak Education Society received funding from Northern Development towards a series of renovations at the Gitwangak community hall. Northern Development funding supported the removal of the old floor and the installation of new durable laminate floor. This funding also contributed to the re-painting of the hallway and office interior. In order to make this project a success, the Society engaged numerous local volunteers for most of the labour involved with implementing the improvements, showing how much this facility means to the community's residents.
Local Families and Youth Volunteers Work Together to Restore Community Hall In Gitwangak
Gitwangak Education Society
Gitwangak (Land of the Rabbits) is nestled in the Skeena Valley approximately 300 kilometers east of Prince Rupert. Four hundred and ninety community members call Gitwangak home, with over 50% of the community's population being comprised of youth under the age of thirty. The area is home to the world famous totem poles, Seven Sisters Mountain Range, the Battle Hill National Historic Site, the historic St. Paul's Anglican Church, as well as world-class recreational fishing. Well endowed with culture and history, Gitwangak is a true treasure in northwest British Columbia.
"I am so grateful for the funding from Northern Development as partners with us to renovate the hall flooring. The whole community is so happy about the results of the new floor. Our kids will have a nice, clean and safe place to spend the long Winter months. As well, we have seen much more economic activity going on in the community ever since the new floor was installed. Thanks Northern Development!"
Deb Bright, Education Coordinator, Gitwangak Education SocietyPositive Economic Impacts in Gitwangak
The Gitwangak Community Hall plays a key role in supporting community members in all of the activities and events held at the facility. These events contribute to the local communities' financial, cultural, social, and recreational stability. In addition to providing a place for the community, the Gitwangak Hall Committee rents the community hall to neighboring villages for bingo nights, which provide $2,800 per month in revenues to the society. The society also employs three community members to attend to the hall, including a hall/events manager, a janitor/maintenance person, and a confectionery store clerk.
The Gitwangak Hall Committee promotes healthy childhood, family, and community development with many events and social activities hosted at the community hall facility that are focused on the community's youth who are essential to the well-being and future of Gitwangak.
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