Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Students from the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) can now gain a deeper understanding of the Anishinaabe culture and history through Minecraft: Education Edition’s Manito Ahbee Aki.
Manito Ahbee Aki, which translates to “the place where the Creator sits,” is a game whereby players can explore a fun and interactive world while gaining insight into Indigenous teachings and perspectives.
The game was developed through 14 months by the LRSD Indigenous Council of Grandmothers and Grandfathers (CGG), in partnership with LRSD Scholar in Residence, Knowledge Keepers, education consultants and Microsoft Canada.
“By creating space for Anishinaabe culture within this popular virtual universe, it will give a voice to Indigenous peoples in an innovative way that I hope will capture the attention of the young people across Canada and the world,” said Dan Vandal, Canada’s Minister of Northern Affairs during the game launch on Wednesday.
Author of the article: Nicole Wong • Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Publishing date: Feb 15, 2021 • February 15, 2021 • 3 minute read • Students from the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) can now gain a deeper understanding of the Anishinaabe culture and history through Minecraft: Education Edition s Manito Ahbee Aki. Developed through 14 months by the LRSD Indigenous Council of Grandmothers and Grandfathers (CGG), in partnership with LRSD Scholar in Residence, Knowledge Keepers, education consultants and Microsoft Canada, Manito Ahbee Aki, which translates to “the place where the Creator sits,” is a game whereby players can explore a fun and interactive world while gaining insight into Indigenous teachings and perspectives. Photo by Handout /Winnipeg Sun
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When reflecting back to the Indigenous teachings of our childhood, we all remember the curriculum. But with current knowledge, we know those teachings were not an accurate reflection of what happened during the period of disruption. History was an entirely different story.
But a new collaboration is seeking to change that.
With the launch of Manito Ahbee Aki, a new world in Minecraft: Education Edition, players get to explore and celebrate Anishinaabe culture from Manitoba’s western Whiteshell area. Microsoft Canada partnered with Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) to create an authentic experience that would go beyond any textbook, consulting the LRSD Indigenous Council of Grandmothers and Grandfathers (CGG) along with Frank Deer, LRSD Scholar in Residence, and Knowledge Keepers from the Manitoba Anishinaabe community.
It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since Minecraft was first fully released. In the years since, the influential game has expanded to mobile devices and consoles, cementing itself as a true cultural mainstay.
Today, the game remains popular as ever as sales officially topped $200 million and monthly players climbed to 126 million this past year. Minecraft has also found a new home in the past years, as a teachable tool.
Minecraft: Education Edition is free for students and educators in Canada and features more than 50 lessons in the STEM curriculum teaching problem-solving and collaboration in an environment where many children already feel at home. Now, Minecraft: Education fans have an exciting new world to look forward to.
After more than a year of collaboration with Microsoft Canada, Minecraft: Education Edition, and the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) announce the release of
Manito Ahbee Aki, the first Minecraft teaching resource of its kind in the world, that honours, celebrates and explores the Manitoba Anishinaabe community.
Players in
Manito Ahbee Aki, which translates to âthe place where the Creator sitsâ in English, are transported to
Manito Ahbee, a site located in Manitoba’s western Whiteshell area, before European contact in North America.
âIn the true spirit and intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, this project gives students in our schools and around the world an opportunity to learn and develop a deeper understanding about an Indigenous nation in Canada,â said Christian Michalik.