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.
key contacts
Language Curricula Lead
Maya Chacaby
Chief Visionary, Biskaabiiyaang
Professor of Linguistics, York University
press releases
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.
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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.)
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.)
Copyright: Editorial use of the above pictures is free of charge. Please quote the source “Biskaabiiyaang.com”.
