Gitxsan West Secondary School
New 4,000 m² wood-frame secondary school for Gitxsan communities with exterior curtain walls and commercial glazing by Sky Windows.
A Cultural and Educational Hub for First Nations Youth
Gitxsan West Secondary School is a single-storey, 4,000 m² educational facility under construction in Kitwanga (Gitwangak), British Columbia. The school is designed to serve about 200 students from the neighbouring First Nations communities of Gitwangak, Gitanyow, and Gitsegukla.
The building reflects a commitment to culturally grounded education, blending modern academic needs with respect for local heritage, and aims to become not only a school but a community gathering place.
The Scope
The glazing and glass-work package for Gitxsan West Secondary was awarded to Sky Windows. Their scope includes exterior curtain walls, interior storefront systems, and aluminum commercial doors, including sliding and bi-fold doors where required. Since the building is of wood-frame construction and intended for use by a First Nations community, the glazing work needed to balance structural integration, durability for a school environment, weather resilience, and aesthetic quality. The design supports flexible school layouts and likely accommodates both educational and community-use functions (classrooms, common spaces, etc.), while the glazing ensures ample natural light and solid building envelope performance in a northern climate.
The Outcome
Following a groundbreaking and feast ceremony in September 2022, construction began under Yellowridge Construction. The new school is intended to support about 200 students and will provide a modern, culturally responsive learning environment that merges standard curriculum with community-based values and traditions. Once completed, the glazing systems installed by Sky Windows will help deliver functional, light-filled classrooms and communal spaces, contributing to a safe, welcoming, and long-lasting educational facility for the region’s youth and community.
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