Xbox Celebrates Indigenous Peoples of the World
My Karuk heritage was something I tried to hide for most of my adult life. I would hear a hurtful stereotype but not have the courage to speak up because previous instances were met with, “but you’re white,” as if my Indigenous heritage should be splayed along my skin to count. The summer of 2019, I was able to spend my birthday on the Klamath River with my tribe. Talks with tribe members revealed that many of them couldn’t imagine working in tech or thought the industry was not for them. These conversations ignited a passion for Indigenous representation in my work as a leader of the gaming industry and an individual with Indigenous heritage. Today, as Xbox celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, I am writing from the ancestral homeland of the Congaree and the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East) Peoples and I commit to telling the importance of representation of Indigenous Peoples in their honor.
My tribe, the Karuk, are the “Upriver People.” We have been the stewards of our Northern California territories since time immemorial. To this day our Department of Natural Resources advocates for our lands while promoting Indigenous land management. On my bookshelf in my home office is a Sheepsquatch traditional dentalium shell necklace. I also have on my office bookshelf a copy of “Fire Race: A Karuk Coyote Tale of How Fire Came to the People” by Johnathan London. These connections to my heritage are displayed proudly in every conversation that I engage in. atI have had great discussions with my colleagues about Indigenous representation through Xbox. Xbox’s Indigenous employee group has me as its co-lead.
For those who don’t work in the tech industry, there is often a misconception that you have to know how to code to get into gaming. Video games can be more than code. They are an artistic medium that uses visual arts, music and storytelling. Traditions of indigenous peoples passed knowledge and wisdom down through oral narration, passing songs and stories from generation to generation. Video games allow us to preserve these stories and those in the industry can tell them.
Playing is something I can clearly remember. Never Be Alone, which is a puzzle platformer developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat Alaskan Native people. The rich narrative tells the story of a young Iñupiat girl and an arctic fox who are surviving the Arctic tundra, which has been ravaged by an everlasting blizzard. As I progressed through the story, I was able to unlock fascinating cultural highlights which are actual interviews from Iñupiat members who share about their beliefs and culture. It was fascinating to hear about the origins of the northern lights and the role that caribou leather plays in keeping the cold away. On Wednesday I completed the game and was able to board a plane for Alaska that Saturday morning. As I boarded the plane from Anchorage, Fairbanks, to Fairbanks, I was captivated by an old woman with her child. She was dressed in traditional clothes, and she had a fur-lined hood. I was thrilled to find their seats next to mine. When I explained why I was going to Alaska, she smiled and nodded. Her smile was kind and she listened to me ramble about the videogame, an Indigenous art masterpiece. I explained that I was visiting Alaska in order to see what it had been like to play through the game. When I’d finished, the elderly woman revealed that she was an Iñupiat elder and one of the tribal members who contributed to the game’s creation. In that moment I truly felt not alone – seen, understood by, and connected for just a moment with another Indigenous person thousands of miles from my own home.
I know what it’s like to feel alone. For fear of misunderstanding or being made fun of, many Indigenous people conceal who they are. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me why I don’t wear a feather headdress, or worse, how many people are surprised to learn that Indigenous peoples are alive and well, not just a relic from history. In every aspect of human life, Indigenous peoples are not represented. Xbox offers the unique opportunity for communities to be heard through video gaming. Every person deserves to be included at the table. This industry is my passion and video games are my favorite narrative, artistic medium.
Join Xbox as we celebrate the rich histories of Indigenous peoples all over the world for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples as well as throughout the year:
Gift
Microsoft Rewards – Gaming and Impact
Throughout the month of August, we’re adding organizations that support Indigenous communities to Microsoft Rewards on console. Microsoft Rewards members from the USA and Canada can redeem points and make donations to support disabled gaming communities.
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society: AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
- Erst Nations Development Institute: Our mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We create and invest in innovative models and institutions that support asset control, economic development and the growth of American Indian communities.
- Encourage others to do the same.: Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. Indspire is a partnership between Indigenous, public and private sector stakeholders. It educates, connects, and invests to help Indigenous people reach their maximum potential.
Xbox users can get Microsoft Rewards points by playing and purchasing Xbox games. Redeem points to get real rewards Register today and donate through Xbox.
Discover
Visual Storytelling through Indigenous Artists Xbox
Repealment is essential. We say this throughout the year for all underrepresented communities, but it’s particularly important for the Indigenous community. The art of each tribe’s artwork is different. basketry). We worked with Indigenous artists across the world to redesign the Xbox logo in a way that was authentic to them and their tribes. This page will continue to be updated by Xbox throughout the month with new art. Each piece has its own story. Read on for more information about the amazing artists featured and their art.
Artist Chief Lady Bird
Chief Lady Bird The connection between video gaming and Anishinaabe oral traditions, storytelling and using narratives to explore the world, inspired me when I created this logo. In this drawing in particular, I was imagining a video game in woodland style, and was curious about which cultural icons or creatures would be cast as a “boss” in an RPG. This snake was my choice over one of our sacred spirits. It has been widely used cross-culturally as a symbol across many cultures. I feel it can be easily understood through Anishinaabe lenses. – Instagram: @chiefladybird
Carl Avery, Artist
Carl AveryThis is the Xbox logo that I designed. It was inspired by traditional clothing worn during World War II. Jump Dance Yuroks. The dance promotes healing, positive energy, as well as healthy crops and rivers. This headdress is made of woodpecker heads, rabbit fur and deer hide. The Yurok Tribe used this headdress to decorate the Klamath River mouth, where it joins the Pacific Ocean. This headdress feather depicts an American Bald Eagle wearing abalone in the Sturgeon Back style. It is made with dentalium shells. This necklace was traditionally used to trade or exchange currency. It is made out of willow sticks. The basket was woven for medicine storage during the dance. The jump dance lasts ten days in total and is performed every two years by a chosen family, which is mostly determined based on the location of the dance site and a family’s land. The background image shows a basket, also made with willow sticks. This can be seen along the riverbanks. These designs also have a local significance. In the middle of the design is the Swallow Tail, then the Snake nose and the friendship design border. Many of the colors used in this design were dyed with roots, berries and other natural dyes. Red, being the rarest, was highly sought after and was held for the tribes’ most important members. This artwork is loosely based on my family’s regalia in the dance grounds known as “Kawtep” in Johnsons, CA. – SiteCarl Avery Studios
Artist: Bethany Fackrell
Bethany Fackrell As the Snoqualmie Tribe’s representative, I was honored to re-design the Xbox logo. This allowed me to share what made us unique in an artistic medium. Using the traditional “make-ups” of a story board, I chose to tell the story of our peoples’ creation.
Snoqualmies used Story Boards as a traditional style of art, which is different from the Salish Tribes’ totem poles. Story Boards were used to tell important or spiritual stories by using symbolic references and purposeful representation in the maker’s story. This is traditional art made from cedar. It is basic and contains only four pigments: red, black, white and sometimes red.
They meet when two sisters are digging for roots in ferns. One sister becomes pregnant. One day the sisters decide to go digging fern roots in Sky World. They dig enough deep to see Earth. To return with their baby, the sisters decided to create a cedar rope that would be long enough for them to reach home. They celebrated their return home with Dog Salmon, who stole the child during this time. Blue Jay, who (much later) found the child returned him to his home. It was found that he was possessed of powers, and too powerful to remain on Earth. So, he returned to the Sky World and became the moon; also known as “Transformer” (creator).
The Sky World is located at the top of this logo. Each sister has two big stars to represent their relationship with the stars. Cedar rope symbolizes how the sisters went back to Earth. You will see the main aspects of my creation story throughout the logo. I used crescent moons inside the pregnant sister and in Dog Salmon to represent the child’s journey in becoming the moon. A large, bright red moon is at the bottom of our logo. It represents the end of the transition from child to young adult. Blue Jay, Dog Salmon, and Blue Jay were added to this section for their symbolic significance in how the child transforms into the moon. The five circles and the waterfall represent the tribe we belong to and our five clans.
Artist: Rubii Red
Rubii Red: My interpretation of community, connection and journey is the work. Because I’m a First Nations woman and they have shaped me, a lot of my work is based on these themes. I’m on a journey, learning about who I am by connecting to the community and learning more about my culture from my Elders. – Site: Rubii Red Art
Artist: Haimona Maruera, Dillon King
Haimona Mauera (cultural adviser) and Dillon King: As a proud descendant of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, this design derives from the Māori atua (god) named Māui. Māui was the infamous atua known by several names such as Māui-Pōtiki (the last born), Māui-Tinihanga (the mischief), Māui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga (the topknot o Taranga), and Māui-te-whare-kino (the house of trouble). The world was enriched by the intellect and inquisitive attributes of this infamous atua. This Xbox logo represents the key art functions of Te Ao Māori, which we practice as guardians of our culture and identity. Raranga (weaving), which can be used to create food baskets as well as cloaks and bassets. The bottom section represents Ko`whaiwhai (pattern) which is commonly seen in our wharenui (meeting houses) and represents the many generations of Māori. Whakairo (traditional carving) is found in the right section. This carving can also be used on weapons and in wharenui. Finally, the top section represents Tā Moko (skin markings) which allows myself as an Indigenous Māori to display genealogy and history through the etching, piercing, and pigmenting of skin.
Bethesda Celebrates Sámi National Day
Anna Erlandsson is the Community Manager for Bethesda Nordics.
The Sámi people are one of the Nordics indigenous groups that lives in both Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Throughout the history, the Sámi people, as many Indigenous groups, have been subjects for discrimination and injustice. With that in mind and with the rich history and impact the Sámi people have on the Nordics, I feel that it is important to celebrate the Sámi National Day, just as we do with the other national days of the Nordics.
To better highlight the day, I decided to work with Swedish artist Petra Brandström to have her make an artwork that captured the proudness and freedom of the Sámi people combined with Bethesda elements.
“It was great fun. Skyrim, Dragons and beautiful Skyrim are all my favorites. landscapes we have in the Nordics and I am very proud to have been part of highlighting the Sámi national holiday.”
In addition to this and to give Nordics with a Sámi heritage a voice and space on this special day, I worked with Norwegian and Sámi ESO streamer Vikingtrash who made a stream where she talked about the Sámi culture and played ESO.
“It felt so special and important to celebrate the day of all Sámi people, while also educating about the history and traditions we have. I, myself, have been trying to represent my Sámi heritage more and I’m so happy to share it with everyone. I think it’s great that we can have indigenous culture in the spotlight and show everyone the beautiful culture that the Sámi people have.”
For the Nordics and for our community, it is important to highlight the Sámi National Day since the Sámi people are part of the Nordic history, their heritage and culture have had a huge impact on the countries here and they are a living culture and part of the future here. We must keep it alive.
Xbox Ambassadors: Stories on Indigenous Representation in Gaming
On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the following days, we will be spotlighting stories about representation in gaming from Indigenous gamers in the Xbox Ambassadors community. You can read their stories here.
Play
Microsoft offers games curated by indigenous communities
We partnered with Indigenous communities of Microsoft last November to showcase games that were inspired by Indigenous creators and culture. This collection is available year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities while increasing awareness of their unique perspectives and artistry.
These are just a few highlights taken from the entire book. Xbox and Windows game collections that include Indigenous creators, playable character and titles inspired from Indigenous culture are available:
Please Tell Me WhyAvailable on Xbox Game Pass or Rated M – Set in rural Alaska, this game features Indigenous characters. To represent Tlingit culture, the development team collaborated closely with Huna Tlingit community leaders as well as Huna Heritage Foundation. It features strong LGBTQIA+ themes. Michael is an Indigenous quer character.
Raji: An Ancient Epic – Play as Raji, a young girl in search of her brother, during a war between gods and demons. Inspired by Balinese and Hindu mythology, this action-adventure adventure game is set in ancient India.
Never Be Alone – Alaska Native storytellers helped to develop this game around traditional Iñupiat lore. Never Alone features an Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and her Arctic fox companion. Players experience the narrative through a series of atmospheric puzzles, symbolizing the intergenerational transference of wisdom through collecting “cultural insights” across the harsh arctic environment. You can read more about the creation of the game.
Button City – This colorful narrative game was created by Shandiin Yazzie Woodward, an artist who identifies as Diné. Button City is about the power and importance of building community. Subliminal games is Indigenous-owned and dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices in gaming.
You can view the collection on Microsoft Store on Xbox, in Argentina and Brazil. Visitors can find Indigenous community picks at any time by searching within the Stores for “Indigenous” and related terms. All content is subject to change depending on the country.
Tune In
Xbox Plays will feature Indigenous Streamers
In celebration of International Day of The World’s Indigenous People, Xbox Plays will be spotlighting streamers and creators from the Indigenous community during the week of August 8th. Follow us on our Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss any of the action!
- Tuesday, August 9 at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) – Chief Sweet
- Wednesday, August 10 at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) – BloodieKnux
- Thursday, August 11 at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) – Gunade
- Thursday, August 11 at 3:30 p.m. (PDT) – Cuzb0T
- Friday, August 12 at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) – Hiosik
Xbox Honors International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with New GamerpicProfile Themes and Avatar Items
In partnership with the Indigenous artists we worked with to bring you custom Xbox spheres, we’re introducing new gamerpics, profile themes, and avatar items throughout the month of August! You can access the gamerpics and profile themes on both console and PC. You can get your avatar accessories here.
Learn more about all that Xbox is doing to engage our communities at the Xbox Community Hub.
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