In an exciting new initiative, Minecraft Education supports land-based learning in Bloodvein First Nation, focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage site Pimachiowin Aki. A session on this project will be featured at MFNERC’s Circle of Knowledge and Practices conference in October 2024.
Spearheaded by Bloodvein’s Miskooseepi School in partnership with Logics Academy, the development of this custom Minecraft map offers a unique blend of digital innovation and traditional teachings. This collaboration has produced a dynamic educational tool that immerses students in their land’s rich cultural and environmental heritage. The Minecraft game involves a three-dimensional world where players use blocks of different materials to build a wide range of items and structures.
Phase one of the project introduces students to core land-based activities, including moose hunting, trapping, tracking, and ice fishing—all while navigating through the wilderness on a dog sled. The Minecraft world reflects both the knowledge of local Elders and the landscapes of Bloodvein, allowing students to explore their community and surroundings virtually.
More than a game, this map is a vehicle for deepening connections to the land and fostering a sense of stewardship and identity. The activities are designed to teach valuable survival skills and impart the knowledge passed down through generations, all within a safe, interactive environment that engages students in a modern way.
Central to the development of this map is the invaluable input from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in Bloodvein First Nation. Their deep knowledge of traditions, cultural practices, and historical information forms the foundation of the content presented in the game. These Elders guided the project to ensure cultural teachings are accurate and respectful, offering students an authentic learning experience. Their wisdom has helped to preserve traditional ways of knowing and brought them into a new, digital format, which can be shared with students across Canada who have few opportunities to visit remote sites in Manitoba.
This project is just beginning. Future phases of the map are already in development, with plans to include representations of different seasons, wildlife, and plant life, and expanded lessons on topics such as treaty education and truth and reconciliation. The map will evolve into a comprehensive tool for teaching Indigenous history, culture, and environmental stewardship, ensuring students can access various educational experiences.
A version of the map that features teacher and student guides will soon be downloadable. These guides will offer curriculum connections for every province, making it a versatile resource for educators nationwide. Additionally, a “creative mode” version of the map will be available for download, allowing teachers to use the unique assets and environments specifically developed for this project—assets not available in the standard edition of Minecraft Education. This version empowers teachers to extend learning beyond the preset lessons and apply the tools in various classroom contexts, fostering creativity and exploration.
The partnership with Logics Academy has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Their technical expertise helped craft the digital environment, but Bloodvein First Nation’s knowledge and passion drove the project. As new elements are added, the map will continue to be shaped by the community, ensuring that it reflects their experiences and values.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to William Young (steward of Pimachiowin Aki and Knowledge Keeper), the Elders of Bloodvein First Nation, Irene Rupp (principal of Miskooseepi School), Jimmy Moar (finance and technology), and Jarrel Cook (technology) for their support and contributions. Thanks to their dedication, this map will be available for free to all educational institutions across Canada, ensuring that students everywhere can benefit from this innovative and culturally rich learning resource.
“Minecraft Meets Pimachiowin Aki” is more than just an educational tool—it’s a celebration of Indigenous knowledge and a step forward in combining traditional and modern forms of education. By capturing the essence of land-based learning within a digital world, this project offers students the best of both worlds: an immersive, interactive experience that teaches valuable lessons and skills while honouring the rich cultural heritage of Pimachiowin Aki and Bloodvein First Nation. This collaboration between Miskooseepi School and Logics Academy sets a powerful example of how technology can enhance education while staying true to the roots and values of First Nations.
As the map grows, it promises to become an essential resource for teaching Indigenous history, environmental stewardship, and the principles of truth and reconciliation—making it a vital tool for the next generation of learners.
