Ubisoft Toronto recently hosted an exciting Hack the ROM showcase, where over 150 students displayed their innovative digital media projects inspired by Indigenous belongings at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
In partnership with ROM, this program connects Ontario students with Indigenous knowledge, engaging nearly 350 students from nine schools this year. With guidance from Ubisoft Toronto mentors, Indigenous Museum Educators (IMEs) and Makerspace Technicians, students build digital literacy skills by creating games and digital media projects.
Closing the achievement gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students is essential to Canada’s reconciliation efforts. Programs such as Hack the ROM empower students, enhances their digital literacy, and fosters an appreciation for Indigenous culture and history.
Educating and inspiring the next generation of game devs
In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, the showcase kicked off with a traditional Women’s Fancy Shawl dance.
Students then proudly showcased the projects they’ve worked on all semester and participated in a spirited Q&A with their peers. Here are some highlights:
Help collect items for your village but watch out for the eagle! Use the arrow keys to move and pick up mittens, snowshoes, moccasins and more. Learn about the history and significance of each item as you progress.
Make traditional frybread in this fun and interactive game! Created by the Navajo in 1864, it’s a food that represents resilience and family. Learn more about its history as you mix, knead and fry your way to a delicious dish!
Play as a bear, fox or porcupine! Avoid the dangerous deadfall traps and arrows while collecting items to win the game!
“It was lots of fun and was really rewarding when the game finally started to work. We learnt that trying your best is important and it’s ok to make mistakes when coding.”
– Student, Duke of Connaught Public School
The showcase concluded with a powerful and beautiful Hoop Dance performance by Nimkii Osawamick.
Chi Miigwech! Baamaapii! (Thank you and see you later!)
About Hack the ROM
In addition to learning about Indigenous cultures and practices through such demonstrations and visits to the Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First People art & culture, Hack the ROM also provides students a glimpse into the broad world of game development — through art, storytelling, level design, and/or programming — and aims to inspire a new generation of game developers.
Interested in bringing Hack the ROM to your classroom? Learn more about the program here.
