About
Storytellers' is a place-based and community-driven organization that focuses on community-based economic development in order to engage citizens and build relationships between people, and people and the land.
Our approach is grounded in fostering empowering relationships, where we learn and work together as Gitxsan, Wet'suwet'en and non-Indigenous citizens, to contribute to our community well-being; rooted in the needs, ideas, interests and strengths of the people living here.
Through our community learning space, The Learning Shop, we support meaningful learning experiences that engage people in literacy and food security activities to amplify their capacity, skill, and knowledge for personal growth, community engagement, and success. We also coordinate local networks to engage people and build collaborative approaches for community capacity building.
Our Roots
Storytellers’ was founded following the first round of Treaty talks involving the Gitxsan, British Columbia, and Canada in 1993. Our original team was deeply engaged in public education around the treaty process, and we frequently heard that local communities struggled to collaborate. However, what we witnessed in our work told a different story. We saw individuals eager to engage in dialogue and bridge their differences to foster a sense of community. Many showed remarkable courage by confronting sensitive topics and learning together.
This spirit of collaboration energized us and strengthened our commitment to our community. The Chiefs involved in the treaty process expressed their desire for us to continue our efforts, particularly in engaging young people. They appreciated how Storytellers’ brought together Gitxsan and non-Gitxsan community members to envision a culturally diverse society where collaboration enhances both social and economic opportunities while promoting healthy ecosystems.
With this vision in mind, we rented a space in Hazelton and evolved into a non-profit organization. Today, we are guided by a dedicated board and a passionate staff, all committed to carrying out impactful projects that benefit our community.
Annual Reports
2020 Annual Report