Introduction to the Gitxsan Language

The Gitxsan people are located inland along the Skeena River and towards the Nass River. Our traditional territory is approximately 33,000 square kilometers. Sim Algyax is spoken by the Gitxsan, the Nisga'a, and the Tsimshian. 

The Gitxsan people speak Sim Algyax. The language is referred to as Gitxsanimx or Gitksenimx. Sim Algyax is the language family that is spoken amongst the people all up and down the Skeena River and in the Nass Valley. There are two main dialects in Gitxsan Sim Algyax, Geenix and Gyeets - eastern and western or upriver and downriver.

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Language Strategy

This is an example of a holistic language strategy for the Gitxsan Nation based on community-based research. This was created in partnership with the Simgiiget'm Gitanyow, Gitwangax, and Gitsegukla. Participation from all communities was encouraged as much as possible.

Click the image to download the Gigyeets Language Strategy.
​Please email GitxsanLanguage@gmail.com to learn more about our language strategy. 

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