When researching about mixed reality and Indigenous culture, I came across this cool video about how a Heiltsuk artist named Shawn Hunt worked with Microsoft Vancouver to create a transformation mask equipped with Microsoft’s HoloLens. Transformation masks were traditionally used during ceremonies and demonstrated the transformation of usually an animal into a spiritual being. Using 3D print technology and the HoloLens, he designed a technological transformation mask where the wearer/viewer is the one who is transforming.
This is well beyond the scope of a classroom but it brings up the potential for educators to blend technology with Indigenous culture. In the video, Shawn Hunt talks about how it is difficult for Indigenous cultures to compete against television and other forms of media so instead, he tries to encompass technology to help tell their stories. I think this mix of tradition with technology is the way to go to help our youth today connect with Indigenous culture and the invaluable lessons/traditions they are trying to pass down.
Background information about transformation masks:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas-apah/north-america-apah/a/transformation-masks
https://www.straight.com/arts/1002996/mixing-virtual-reality-robotics-and-indigenous-art-shawn-hunts-transformation-mask-view
An Indigenous Artist’s Futuristic Vision of Traditional Transformation Masks
