Embracing Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Doing with Manito Ahbee Aki inside Minecraft: Education Edition

On June 8th, 9th, and 10th, over 1,800 classes participated in 3 co-taught lessons centered around embracing Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Doing.

Each lesson celebrated the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Together, we explored and learned more about the diverse communities within Canada and the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.

We were joined by an Elder from a different community each lesson to welcome everyone and start the learning. Each lesson focused on embracing Indigenous ways of knowing and doing while exploring the Manito Ahbee Aki world inside Minecraft: Education Edition.

Lesson 1 focused on understanding the significance and importance of the 4 sacred medicines – tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar.  We also learned about clan systems from an Anishinaabe perspective.  Finally, students demonstrated their learning in Minecraft by building a sustainable garden.

Lesson 2 showcased Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Through a Guess Who game, we learned about Indigenous role models. Inside Minecraft: Education Edition, we completed our learning by creating a build that honoured one of the many role models we learned about.

To close out the celebrations, during Lesson 3 we learned about the Haudenosaunee People and dove into the amazing world of Manito Ahbee Aki.  We took all of our learning from the previous 2 lessons to explore and learn from the NPC Elders inside the world.

Miigwetch to all those who shared their knowledge and experience with us, and to all of those who learned alongside us!