This week, Ubisoft Toronto welcomed over 150 students for an inspiring Hack the ROM Showcase, where young creators displayed innovative digital media projects that combined game development with Indigenous history and culture.
Hack the ROM, a partnership between Ubisoft Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), has engaged around 200 students from six Ontario 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 inspired by Indigenous artists and the Indigenous Artistic and Cultural Belongings at the ROM.
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, introduces them to the broad world of game development, and fosters an appreciation for Indigenous culture and history.
Honoring Heritage, Inspiring Future Developers
In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, the showcase began with an opening song by Nimkii Osawamick and an upbeat Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance by Jillian Sutherland, setting the tone for a day of learning and creativity.
Special guest Meagan Byrne, founder of Achimostawinan Games and winner of the 2022 Ubisoft Indie Series, shared her journey as an Indigenous game developer. She discussed how her studio creates games that uplift Indigenous voices and gave students insight into her career journey.
The highlight of the day? Students proudly presented their own game projects, showcasing months of hard work in a lively Q&A session with peers and mentors. From interactive stories to educational explorations, their creativity was on full display.
Navigate a maze of the Seven Sacred Teachings! Meet each teaching’s animal representation and learn how courage, honesty, humility, love, respect, truth, and wisdom helps us honour all living things.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Discover the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabe people through interactive encounters with animals that embody these core values. Collect traditional items like snowshoes and mittens, and explore short, informative texts along the way.
Canoe down a rushing river! Dodge logs with your left and right arrow keys while collecting fish, and learn about the history of the birchbark canoe — a key part of Ojibwe tradition.
Porcupine Quill Birch Bark Stitching
Stitch a virtual flower while learning about Anishinaabe porcupine quillwork. Discover how the Anishinaabe dye porcupine quills with materials like sage and Saskatoon berries, then weave them into birch bark to create stunning designs.
” We had a great experience with Hack the ROM and learned a lot! It was so much fun coding with my group. We learned how to successfully code games, improvise, and finish without giving up.”
— Students, St Joseph’s Catholic Elementary
The showcase closed in high spirits as students joined in a joyful circle dance led by Jillian.
Chi Miigwech! Baamaapii! (Thank you and see you later!)
About Hack the ROM
Hack the ROM builds students’ digital literacy skills through the development of digital media projects inspired by Indigenous history and culture.
Interested in bringing Hack the ROM to your classroom? Learn more about the program here.
