PRESS AREA
biskaabiiyaang (sometimes spelled biskaabiiyang) is an indigenous-led metaverse that delivers anishinaabe (ojibwe) language and first nation cultural competency programs
Through partnerships with the Nokiiwin Tribal Council, York University, and metaverse builders UniVirtual, Biskaabiiyaang: The Indigenous Metaverse archives and safeguards the living heritage of Indigenous Peoples. The project runs in tandem with the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Language (2022-2032) 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 during social, real-time events. Biskaabiiyaang is a safe space to learn, collaborate, and adventure together, regardless of geographical location.
Player avatar waves to Indigenous NPC at Biskaabiiyaang campsite introduction scene.
Copyright: Editorial use of these pictures is free of charge. Please quote the source “Biskaabiiyaang.com”. Download fullsize image.
partners & key contacts
Nokiiwin Tribal Council services five First Nation communities, including: Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway), Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation), Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sandpoint First Nation), Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation) and Animkii Wajiw (Fort William First Nation).
Glendon College York University
Maya Chacaby
Chief Visionary, Biskaabiiyaang
Professor of Linguistics, York University
The Glendon Indigenous Strategy draws from York University’s Aboriginal Strategy and shares its guiding principle that it should be based on the concept of reconciliation. Both recognize that Indigenous engagement is a priority for the entire University and all of its faculties and divisions, not as a specific concern for specific areas of the University or just for a concern relating to Indigenous students, staff or faculty.
UniVirtual is the technical service provider for Biskaabiiyaang. They play a crucial role in designing and developing the visual and interactive components of the project’s virtual world. While their team does not directly participate in Indigenous knowledge sharing and collection, they handle all technical aspects of translating this material into the metaverse, as directed by Nokiiwin Tribal Council.
latest press releases
Biskaabiiyaang Featured on CBC News
Biskaabiiyaang was recently featured on CBC News! The spotlight showcases the innovative ways in which our project brings Anishinaabe culture into the digital age. It also goes into detail about how Biskaabiiyaang is not just about technology but about preserving and revitalizing Anishinaabe stories, traditions, and language for future generations.
Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Reconciliation in the Digital Age: Biskaabiiyaang Indigenous Metaverse Awarded $1 Million
We are thrilled to announce that Biskaabiiyaang, an Indigenous metaverse that helps users learn the Anishinaabe language, culture, and ways of life, has received close to $1 million in federal funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Biskaabiiyaang Joins Groundbreaking York University Research Project, Connected Minds
Biskaabiiyaang: The Indigenous Metaverse is pleased to announce its collaboration with “Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society”, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary research program led by York University and the largest in the university’s history.
Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Embracing Indigenous Perspectives: Biskaabiiyaang attends the UN World Summit on the Information Society
At the UN World Summit on the Information Society Forum, 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.
Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge in the Digital Age: Biskaabiiyaang’s Indigenous Metaverse Demo Now Available
On the occasion of Anishinaabe Giizhigad (Anishinaabe Day), we have the great pleasure to announce the release of the Biskaabiiyaang demo. From the moment you enter the demo, you'll be greeted by breath-taking natural landscapes, vibrant recreations of Anishinaabe imagery, and be introduced to the storyline.
DOWNLOAD PDF | Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Biskaabiiyaang Joins Global Community for UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032
Biskaabiiyaang: The Indigenous Metaverse today announces its registration and approval as part of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 (IDIL) via their global community platform. Biskaabiiyaang joins 1,400 associated organizations working together to promote and protect Indigenous languages.
DOWNLOAD PDF | Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
Indigenous Metaverse Receives Funding to Create Experiential Education
Biskaabiiyaang today announced an investment of $40,000 from York University’s Academic Innovation Fund to support the design of an Indigenous-led metaverse delivering Anishinaabe language and First Nation cultural competency programs within a virtual world. Using immersive quests, activities, and learning games, Biskaabiiyaang aims to increase the number of Anishinaabemowin second-language speakers over the next decade. It will also become a living archive safeguarding the heritage of Indigenous Peoples.
DOWNLOAD PDF | Read in full on Biskaabiiyaang Blog
media gallery
truth & reconciliation
Biskaabiiyaang shares historically significant events in Indigenous history so we can all reconcile with the past.
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(Image shows two-row wampum rainbow.)
language learning
In Biskaabiiyaang’s post-apocalyptic environment, players search for pieces of the missing language to save the world.
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(Image shows player character.)
health & wellbeing
Players discover Indigenous medicines and wellness through experiential learning and observing native wildlife.
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(Image shows bear in forest scene.)
indigenous storytelling
Legend of the Thunderbirds cut scene in Biskaabiiyaang. Players discover Anishinaabe legend and origin stories.
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(Image shows legend of the thunderbirds.)
The Biskaabiiyaang demo helps you get to grips with traversing terrain, discovering hidden objects, and learning Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language) along the way. Explore post-apocalyptic ruins and learn how Indigenous history and culture plays a part in returning magic and beauty to this virtual world.
anishinaabe resurgence
Indigenous NPC welcomes player in the tutorial area. Players will meet Elders, fellow learners, and NPCs while exploring.
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(Image shows campsite introduction scene.)
cultural history
Canoe at riverside. Players learn how to build a canoe using skills passed down through generations.
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(Image shows birch bark canoe at riverside.)
Download versions are available for Mac and PC. At the download page, there are full download instructions for both operation systems plus an FAQ.
Copyright: Editorial use of the above pictures is free of charge. Please quote the source “Biskaabiiyaang.com”.
Metaverse Trailer
Demo Download
Our demo introduces players to the virtual world of Biskaabiiyaang through an orientation campsite area and trail. While Biskaabiiyaang will be an online, multi-user virtual world, the demo is self-contained on your computer and does not require an internet connection to run.
