Creativity, Culture, and Community: A Week with Biskaabiiyaang Youth
Aandaakinogewin: improvise together to do things differently
In March 2026, something special came to life. Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from across the Thunder Bay area gathered for Aandaakinogewin—a youth-led, imagination-fueled camp where creativity, culture, and future-building all met in one space.
It was a place where ideas moved fast, hands stayed busy, and inspiration showed up in all kinds of forms. Together, participants explored and created content for the Biskaabiiyaang Metaverse, shaping what it can become through their own voices, visions, and lived experiences.
The mural takes shape, with help and guidance by local artists
Over the week, youth designed and created their own regalia pieces and wearable art, brought a collaborative mural to life, and stepped into digital creation by learning 3D scanning and experimenting with different software tools. They also connected virtually with global members of the Biskaabiiyaang team—seeing firsthand how their ideas can travel and grow.
Guided by Elders, Knowledge Carriers, Indigenous artists, along with Nokiiwin Tribal Council staff, the spaces were rooted in relationship, creativity, and care side by side exploration, innovation and imagination.
Robin Beauclair teaching Nokiiwin Youth to make a ribbon skirt
Most importantly, this time together was about listening. Through hands-on experiences, conversations, and shared moments, youth showed us what matters to them, what they want to see reflected in Biskaabiiyaang, and the kinds of programs they’re excited to be part of.
They showed up with big, bold ideas, the kind that remind you the future is already in motion.
A Parallel Gathering in Markham
Running alongside the Thunder Bay camp, a parallel Aandaakinogewin program took place at York University’s Markham Campus, connecting youth in Southern Ontario to the same creative and cultural exploration.
The gathering was sponsored by The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation, a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership project, and had support from the Connected Minds research project and the Office of the Vice President for Indigenous Initiatives at York University, and was a wonderful way to connect the Biskaabiiyaang project to the Markham Campus, with partnerships with the York Markham Campus Library and AMPD Creative Technologies students, staff and professors.
Markham Library staff teach the campers how to 3D scan objects
The camp featured workshops in different aspects of game design and traditional knowledge. It was designed to support Southern Ontario urban Indigenous youth to connect into the wider Biskaabiiyaang project, with the potential for youth who are interested to continue working on the project after the camp.
The camp welcomed youth from a range of First Nations backgrounds, from the Markham and Toronto area. Knowledge keepers Jimmy Dick and Marie Gaudet guided the youth though the week as they did workshops in traditional storytelling, making tobacco ties, AI storyboarding, grass dance, traditional ribbon crafts, Sweetgrass teachings, painting, 3D printing and 3D scanning, augmented reality, using Twine for story making, and professional voice acting.
Campers watch the Biskaabiiyaang trailer before playing the demo
They also watched presentations from UniVirutal, Biskaabiiyaang’s technology partner and metaverse co-developer, and saw the game content in processes. They then suggested their own ideas for the virtual world, including sketches and stories that could be integrated into the metaverse.
Bridging the Experiences
While Aandaakinogewin focused on creation, learning, and storytelling across physical and digital spaces, the same spirit of connection carried into a very different kind of gathering later in the week.
Both experiences were shaped by youth voices and shared a common goal: creating spaces that feel engaging, inclusive, and rooted in culture. Where one centred on making and imagining, the other brought people together through music, movement, and collective energy.
Joshua “Classic Roots” DePerry interacts with our next generation at TechnOjibway
On Thursday, March 19, Nokiiwin Tribal Council brought the energy to Thunder Bay with “TechnOjibway” an all-ages dance that transformed Cinema 5 Skate Park into a space full of movement, connection, and sound. This gathering grew directly from youth voices during a Biskaabiiyaang research day, where they shared a clear vision: more spaces that feel safe, fun, and rooted in culture.
Enter Joshua “Classic Roots” DePerry—Indigenous DJ, producer, and performer of Ojibwe/Blackfoot heritage. Originally from Thunder Bay (Long Lake 58 First Nation) and now based in Toronto, he’s known for blending electronic beats with traditional sounds in a way that just hits. His set lit up the space, carrying energy that felt both grounded and electric.
Youth enjoying TechnOjibway at Cinema 5 skatepark
The dance floor filled quickly—youth, families, and community members all moving together. It was one of those moments where everything clicks: music, culture, and community, all in motion at once.
Building What Comes Next
These events reflect what makes the Biskaabiiyaang project unique. It is not just about building digital environments, but about building relationships, listening to Youth, and creating opportunities for expression across many forms.
From hands-on creative workshops to community celebrations, the week demonstrated how ideas can move between spaces both physical and virtual, individual and collective, and continue to grow.
As the project moves forward, these moments offer an important reminder: the future of Biskaabiiyaang is being shaped through the voices, creativity, and experiences of the communities it serves.
Shayne Martell teaches grassdance
About Biskaabiiyaang
Biskaabiiyaang is an Indigenous-led metaverse delivering Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) language and First Nation cultural competency programs. In partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council, York University, and metaverse builders UniVirtual, Biskaabiiyaang safeguards and shares the living heritage of Indigenous Peoples in an immersive digital environment.
Launched alongside the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages, the project supports Anishinaabe resurgence by offering Indigenous knowledge, histories, languages, sciences, and philosophies through experiential education. Learners engage with an Indigenized curriculum, connect with Elders in real-time events, and explore a safe, collaborative space, no matter their geographical location.
Media Contact:
Violet Cronin – Marketing & PR
violet@univirtual.com