Gingolx
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Gingolx (Ging̱olx or Kincolith) is a Nisga'a community in the Nass River valley. The village population is approximately 500 people. Gingolx is one of four villages that make up the Nisga'a Nation. The community itself has four clans which are Killer Whale, Eagle, Raven and Wolf. Gingolx's government usually consisted of one chief and 8-10 other council members.
The name Gingolx comes from the Nisga'a language words meaning "place of the skulls." When attacked by another nation, the people of Gingolx fought back and won. They hung their enemies skulls on sticks, lining them up along the river as a warning.
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[edit] Modern History
Gingolx was founded as a permanent settlement in 1867 by the Christian missionaries who came down river by raft. Gingolx's first European type buildings (including houses, a school, and a church) were all built in 1879.
[edit] Isolation
Because of its location on the Nass River near the Alaska Panhandle, Gingolx was once an isolated village, the only ways able to get in being boat or plane. This isolation combined with the surrounding mountains meant Gingolx would often suffer power outages due to snow during the winter months. Residents could go as long as 3 weeks without power until helicopters could be flown in to fix the lines.
In 2003, a 28km road from Gingolx to Greenville was completed, which connected Gingolx to the other three Nisga'a communities. This road links Gingolx to the Nisga'a highway with connections to the Trans-Canada, Yellowhead, and Cassiar Highways.
[edit] Nathan Barton
One of the main Gingolx chiefs, Nathan Barton, left a lasting impression on the village. Barton pushed for the construction of a new administration building, and the local elementary school which now bears his name.
[edit] Economy
Gingolx's geographic location makes it ideal for fishing, forestry and tourism. There is a successful "Salmon Enhancement Program" situated behind the village at Gingolx's First Creek.
[edit] Culture and Recreation
Gingolx is known partly for its concert band, which has been called to play at weddings, funerals, and other local special occasions like crabfest, seafest and "river boat days." Gingolx also has a men's choir, as well as Nisga'a dancers and drummers.
The summer of 2004 brought the first annual Gingolx Crabfest, an event that has continued ever with performances of singing and dancing from across the Canada.
Hiking and mountaneering is common, and one of the nearby mountains has a "look-out" which gives a nice view over the village.
