Embracing Indigenous Perspectives: Biskaabiiyaang attends the UN World Summit on the Information Society
Gamifying Indigenous Knowledge to create a path towards Healing and Reconciliation through the Metaverse
At the UN World Summit on the Information Society Forum (WSIS Forum 2023), Biskaabiiyaang had the privilege of sharing our project’s insights and experiences while constructing an Indigenous-led metaverse. Our session, facilitated by Professor Maya Chacaby of York University and Benoit Buyse of UniVirtual, was a welcoming environment of collaboration and understanding that explored the potential for a truly inclusive metaverse. It allowed participants to learn the priorities for metaverse development defined by Indigenous community groups represented by Nokiiwin Tribal Council. It also provided space to find common ground on which networks of trust and respect can be built.
We encourage you to watch the full recording of our session, “Gamifying Indigenous Knowledge to create a path towards Healing and Reconciliation through the Metaverse” which is currently available here at the WSIS Forum 2023 website. Our full session description is also available here.
Below, we summarize the topics covered.
The Essentiality of Indigenous Presence
Indigenous presence is crucial in the metaverse. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives, the metaverse becomes enriched with unique knowledge, traditions, and practices, creating a platform for learning and understanding. Developers should strive to create a virtual space that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and cultural representation.
Community Priorities for an Inclusive Metaverse
Indigenous community groups from Nokiiwin Tribal Council identified priorities for creating an inclusive metaverse that is respectful of Indigenous culture, language, and knowledge.
These priorities are that the metaverse should provide:
Cultural continuity, by restoring ways of knowing, being, and doing through cultural practices in the digital world.
Accessible culture and language repositories, developed and designed by each community.
Inclusive processes that ensure marginalized voices such as Indigenous women, Two-Spirited people, youth, and those identifying as Disabled are heard.
Prioritized capacity for employment and training in the creative technologies industry.
Decolonizing the Metaverse
Participants explored ways of challenging narratives that perpetuate colonial biases in the virtual world. Recognizing these power dynamics at play, the session aimed to foster dialogue and action towards creating a metaverse that acknowledges and addresses historical injustices.
Building Networks of Trust and Respect
Group activities relating to shared values demonstrated the foundational principles of building networks of trust, friendship, and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Values shared included those of Ojibwe, Cree, and Haudenosaunee tradition.
Translating Indigenous Teachings into Game Mechanics
An open discussion between Professor Chacaby and Benoit explored the process involved with Biskaabiiyaang translating Indigenous Knowledge into game mechanics and virtual storytelling. This showed that, through embedding Indigenous cultural elements, language, and worldviews within gameplay, developers can create immersive educational experiences that promote cultural appreciation and understanding.
Session Outcomes
One of the most remarkable outcomes of our session was its reach beyond Canadian borders. Inspired participants reached out to discuss how what we have learned could be applied to help their endangered languages. This highlighted the potential for the emerging metaverse to serve as a tool for cultural preservation and revitalization that transcends geographic boundaries. This connection also encouraged us with our plan to ensure Biskaabiiyaang’s virtual environments can be easily adaptable for other Indigenous languages or diverse groups.
Biskaabiiyaang remains committed to sharing our process with and following the lead of Indigenous communities so that others can implement best practices in metaverse development. Together, we can build a future where technology reflects and respects the diverse voices of all.
About the World Summit on the Information Society Forum
The annual World Summit on the Information Society Forum is a global multistakeholder platform facilitating the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines for advancing sustainable development, organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, in close collaboration with all WSIS Action Line co-/facilitators and other UN organizations. It provides an opportunity for information exchange, knowledge creation and sharing of best practices, while identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships, taking into account the evolving Information and Knowledge Societies.
About Biskaabiiyaang
Biskaabiiyaang is an Indigenous-led metaverse that delivers Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) language and First Nation cultural competency programs. Through partnerships with Nokiiwin Tribal Council, York University, and metaverse builders UniVirtual, Biskaabiiyaang archives and safeguards the living heritage of Indigenous Peoples.
The project runs in tandem with the UN International Decade of Indigenous Language and aims to support Anishinaabe resurgence by delivering Indigenous knowledge, histories, language, sciences, and philosophies in a unique, immersive environment. Through experiential education, learners explore and engage with an Indigenized curriculum and connect with community Elders during social, real-time events. Biskaabiiyaang is a safe space to learn, collaborate, and adventure together, regardless of geographical location.
For more information, contact:
Carolyn Cronin – Marketing & PR
carolyn@univirtual.com