Kitselas Stewardship Education Centre

The Kitselas Stewardship Education Centre (or KSEC) is a mobile learning hub. It will make visits to schools, culture camps, and events to foster a deeper understanding of the marine and freshwater environments found within the Traditional Territory. The KSEC will offer immersive learning experiences and interactive activities focused on Kitselas’ connection to the coastal and inland waters. This project works to restore the cultural knowledge lost due to colonization.

The KSEC will be fully launched in 2024 and will be open for bookings for staff to bring the educational experience to learners. All ages will enjoy the experience!

The KSEC educational content focuses on five key themes:

Kitselas Culture

Kitselas’ proud history as a Tsimshian Nation, as the guardians of the Skeena River, and the tollkeepers of the Kitselas Canyon.

Marine & Freshwater Connections

Showcasing the incredible diversity, productivity, and beauty of the marine and freshwater resources in the Traditional Territory.

Harvesting & Stewardship Kitselas traditional harvesting technologies were built for sustenance, stewardship, sustainability, and reciprocity.

Salmon Connections

Describing the deep spiritual, cultural, social and economic relationship to Skeena River salmon.

Rights and Title Details on Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, a landmark ruling that affirmed existing Aboriginal rights and title, including the right to land, as well as the right to fish, to hunt, and to practice one’s own culture.

KSEC learning experiences

The KSEC provides fun and immersive experiences that promote learning about Kitselas culture, stewardship, and biodiversity of the Traditional Territory. KSEC activities include:

Marine Touch Tank

The KSEC touch tank will have several examples of marine plants and animals found in the Traditional Territory. The main aquarium will be housed and cared for at the Kitselas Lands and Resources Department. Smaller touch tanks will be transported in the KSEC for learners to enjoy. Learners can touch, feel, and examine live animals such as crab, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and more! Traditional Technologies First Nations have heavily influenced fishing technologies over the centuries. Replicas of many traditional technologies will be used as a teaching tool to introduce learners to cedar bark and spruce root fish traps, halibut hooks and gillnets.

Virtual Reality Virtual reality is quickly becoming a popular tool to introduce learners to the surrounding environment. Get an underwater view of the Skeena River during the salmon run! Fly like the eagles to the tops of mountains! The virtual reality tool will also showcase short films that span several parts of the Kitselas Traditional Territory and people harvesting cultural resources.

Supporting and extending our learning with the KSEC

Curriculum development We are also developing a curriculum that focuses on Kitselas culture, aquatic resources, and the traditional and contemporary use of those resources. This will support the KSEC educational experience.

Stewardship and traditional knowledge The KSEC will help promote the marine and freshwater stewardship practices of the Kitselas people. This project can assist in the continuity of traditional knowledge transfer and provide an opportunity for the non-Kitselas community to learn about the Kitselas First Nation. Example KSEC educational panel