Ksan

Ksan refers to the Ksan Historical Village and Museum, a cultural heritage site near Hazelton in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It preserves and presents the traditional culture of the Gitxsan people of the Skeena River region. The site is a focal point for education about Gitxsan history, art, and daily life.

Located near the confluence of the Skeena and Bear Rivers, Ksan comprises reconstructed Gitxsan longhouses and outdoor displays. The village features cedar carvings, house fronts, and sculpted panels, along with interpretive exhibits that explain clan systems, kinship, and traditional practices. Visitors can learn about craft techniques such as wood carving and weaving, and about the architectural styles that characterized historic Gitxsan settlements.

History and purpose: The village was developed in the mid- to late 20th century as a living museum to preserve and share Gitxsan heritage with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. It operates as a site for cultural revival, education, and community storytelling, often hosting demonstrations, tours, and workshops.

Visiting information: Ksan is typically open to the public during the warmer months, accessed via Highway 16. Guided tours and seasonal demonstrations are commonly offered, with on-site displays and a shop selling Indigenous crafts and artwork. The site serves students, researchers, and travelers seeking insight into Gitxsan history and Northwest Coast Indigenous culture.

Significance: Ksan is one of the region’s best-known Indigenous cultural sites, contributing to the preservation of Gitxsan language, art, and traditional lifeways, and providing a tangible link to the history of the Skeena River communities.