YorkU invests in virtual Indigenous education initiative Biskaabiiyaang

York University’s Academic Innovation Fund has invested in and is actively supporting the development of Biskaabiiyaang, a virtual Indigenous-led metaverse designed to deliver Anishinaabe language and First Nation cultural competency programs. Biskaabiiyaang uses quests, activities, and learning games to increase the number of Anishinaabemowin second-language speakers and safeguard the heritage of Indigenous peoples. YorkU’s support will help design the world and develop its Indigenous curriculum. “Biskaabiiyaang is an exceptional example of the innovative work our faculty are undertaking to provide students with a high-quality learning experience,” said YorkU AVP of teaching and learning Will Gage. “This project particularly enriches pedagogy by exploring Indigenous stories through immersive, gamified learning that both preserves and sparks interest in Anishinaabemowin.”