'Ksan Historical Village & Museum

Tourism Region: Northwestern B.C.

'Ksan stands where Gitxsan villages have stood through the centuries. Its desire is to preserve and truthfully portray the lifestyles of the peoples who have always lived here.

Today 'Ksan is a showcase for Gitxsan culture. It is the home of the museum collection begun in 1959, of the Kitanmax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art, and of the renowned 'Ksan Performing Arts Group. Many thousands of people of all ages and from virtually all parts of the world visit 'Ksan every year.

About the Collections

'Ksan has been described as a 'living museum'. Visit the museum with artifacts and regalia, much of which belong to, and are used by, Gitxsan owners. The artifacts in the collection have been collected within a 30 mile radius of our location.

Approximate number of objects in the collections: 450

Archives

We have some archival information that deals with histories of events which have occurred in this area since contact.

Prints and Drawings • Films and Videos • Textual Records

Decorative Arts

We house various parts of a Chief's regalia. These would include Button Robes, Dancing Aprons, and the Ceremonial Amhalyat or headdress. We also have a small number of items which would be classified as silver or gold jewellery items.

Costumes • Metalwork, Silverwork or Goldwork • Textiles or Tapestries

Fine Arts

The collection also houses carved wooden masks, rattles and spoons from the local area.

Culture:
Aboriginal or First Nations

Period:
Contemporary • Historical

Media:
Film and Video

Human History

The history of our collection portrays the rich and vibrant culture of the Gitxsan nation. We attempt to convey information which accurately portrays their lifestyle as it was prior to contact.

Ceremonial Objects • Costumes and Accessories • Fisheries • Imaging : Video • Masks

Services & Activities

Research Services

Archival Records

Educational Programs

We are reactivating our Educational programs for our outlying communities. Spring 2000 marked the completion of an Educational Package for school groups visiting our site. Teachers may purchase it for a cost of $15.00. We have hosted Gitxsan Song & Dance for Children and will have an Adult Session in the Fall. We also hope to host a couple of workshops on Vests and Blanket making. Storytelling for children is also an activity scheduled for the winter months. Each Spring the Curator will work with school groups when they come on site for a film viewing or tour of the collection.

Classes or Workshops • Films • School Programs

Visitor Services

Our Visitor Guides are tri-lingual and the Guide to the Museum collection is as well.

Films and Videos • Guided Tours : English : French • Audio Guides : English : French • Parking Facilities : Free : Bus • Gift shop • Special Needs Facilities : Washrooms : Wheelchair access • Washrooms
Other Guided Tours: Audio tour available in German

Food Services

During the months of June through September each year we offer food service in Wilp Tokw. The menu is a mix of traditional Gitxsan and western cuisine. Every Friday there is a traditional Gitxsan buffet which contains delicacies such as smoked salmon, moose meat, huckleberries, oolichans, fried fish, herring roe, seaweed, rice, potatoes, bbq salmon, etc.

Cafeteria • Reception Facilities

Internet Services

General Information • Collections • Online Giftshop or Bookstore

Publications and Products

We are please to offer a "uniquely 'Ksan" product line that includes t-shirts, tea towels and aprons. Visit our website www.ksan.org and check them out, they are available only at 'Ksan.

Map

Location

Address:	Highway 62 Hazelton, Gitxsan Territories, British Columbia V0J 1Y0 See Map
Telephone:	1-250-842-5544
Fax:	1-250-842-6533
Mailing Address:	'Ksan Historical Village & Museum Box 326, Hazelton, Gitxsan Territories, British Columbia V0J 1Y0
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