During my very adult daily check of both the BBC and CBC news apps, I was delighted when I came across this story, all about how a BC school district (Coquitlam) had teamed up with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation to create an "immersive indigenous experience" in Minecraft.
Now, if you don't know what Minecraft is then allow me to enlighten you. This explanation from the Minecraft website offers a little insight,
"Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. Blocks can be used to reshape the world or build fantastical creations. Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on your playstyle. Experience epic adventures solo or with friends, there’s no wrong way to play.
Unless you’re digging straight down."
Minecraft is a survival game with a unique pixeled style. You gather resources to build whatever you want to survive the night. The game came out in 2009 and since then has sold over 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of all time! (VintageIsTheNewOld 2023).
Ok got it. Super popular game. How does that help people learn?
Minecraft Education has over 600 pre-made lessons on everything from math to coding, history to language, and more! And now there is an opportunity to learn indigenous knowledge and perspectives within the game. Check out the trailer below.
Cool eh? Education through playing games, sign me up!
As a newcomer to Canada, I had no idea about the First Nations and their history, and it was through local events, as well as online courses, that I learned more. If more things like this can help people of all ages learn about the rich and vast First Nation's history then I'm behind it 100%.
Check out the trailer, click the links to learn more, and let me know if you'd play and learn in the comments below.
References
Ball, D. & Katz, M. (2023) These B.C. teens are being immersed in local Indigenous culture — by playing Minecraft. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/indigenous-minecraft-game-kwikwetlem-1.7038506
Minecraft (N.D.) About Minecraft. [Website] https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/about-minecraft
Minecraft Education (N.D.) A Pacific Northwest Coast Experience. https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/lessons/a-pacific-northwest-coast-experience
VintageIsTheNewOld (2023) Is Minecraft still popular 2023. https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/game-pedia/is-minecraft-still-popular-2023
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