The Gitxsan traditional territory occupies a 33,000 square kilometer area in Northwest British The Gitxsan traditional territory occupies a 33,000 square kilometer area in Northwest British Columbia. The Gitxsan territory is a land of mountains, forests and large rivers, including the Babine, Bulkley, Kispiox and Skeena. All Gitxsan belong to a Wilp or House group, which is an organizational unit for social, economic and political purposes. An important aspect of the Wilp is control over the land. The Wilps are based on a matrilineal system, with House members tracing lineage through their mother’s side. There are approximately 64 Gitxsan Wilps, each with their own territory. Each Wilp belongs to one of the four clans: Lax Gibuu (Wolf), Lax Seel/Ganeda (Frog), Giskaast (Fireweed) and Lax Skiik (Eagle). This traditional system remains active within the Gitxsan Nation.
There are 5 Timber Supply Areas that overlap the Gitxsan traditional territory: the Bulkley TSA, Prince George TSA, Kalum TSA, McKenzie TSA and Kispiox TSA. However, the majority of forestry activities in Gitxsan territory take place within the Kalum and Kispiox TSAs.