{"id":252892,"date":"2024-08-09T16:31:52","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T16:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/09\/xbox-a-modern-canvas-for-indigenous-storytelling\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:12:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:12:39","slug":"xbox-a-modern-canvas-for-indigenous-storytelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/09\/xbox-a-modern-canvas-for-indigenous-storytelling\/","title":{"rendered":"Xbox: A Modern Canvas for Indigenous Storytelling"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-xbox-summary\">\n<h3>Summary<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Explore games curated by Indigenous communities.<\/li>\n<li>Learn more about Sienna Gonzales\u2019 inspiration behind the Xbox logo redesign for International Day of the World\u2019s Indigenous Peoples.<\/li>\n<li>Discover how Xbox is bringing Indigenous storytelling into the digital age, transforming traditional narratives through gaming.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Indigenous cultures form a global mosaic, unified by the common thread of\u202fstorytelling; the ancient tradition of preserving knowledge, explaining the unexplainable, and transmitting culture to future generations. While the stories are as diverse as the people who tell them, storytelling is an art that binds the past and present while carrying the essence of heritage and tradition through the ages, one that has evolved significantly throughout history\u2014from ancient oral traditions to books, recordings, and visual mediums.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, nothing has been as revolutionary as interactive storytelling. It immerses the audience directly into narratives, creating immersive and lifelike experiences. As we navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, video games have risen as a potent vessel for these narratives, offering a way to share these rich cultures that not only entertain but also build empathy and understanding.\u202fThe medium breathes new life into ancient tales, ensuring they continue to echo and inspire across the world and foster unity across a global community. It\u2019s a modern-day remedy to the erosion of language and tradition, a digital elixir that ensures the continuation of these traditions today and beyond.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Video games make the tradition of storytelling accessible at the touch of a button. When we include Indigenous creators from the start of their creation, video games have the potential to be a medium rich with tales that chart the cosmos, the earth, and the human spirit, into the hearts and minds of a new generation. In this way, the ancient art of storytelling is not only preserved but also perpetuated, ensuring its flames flicker brightly for generations to come.\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gaming\u202fand Impact with Rewards<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Rewards members in select countries can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Indigenous communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be available on the Rewards hub in the United States:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aises.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>AISES<\/strong><\/a>: 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstnations.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>First Nations Development Institute<\/strong><\/a>: Our mission is to uplift and sustain the lifeways and economies of Native communities through advocacy, financial support, and knowledge sharing. We envision a world in which Tribal Sovereignty is upheld, and Native ingenuity and knowledge are honored and respected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Xbox players can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-US\/Rewards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Start earning today<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>and redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on the <a href=\"https:\/\/rewards.bing.com\/redeem\/donate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Rewards redeem page<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Explore Games Curated by Indigenous Communities at Microsoft<\/strong>\u200b<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP-FY24-For-Xbox-Wire-EN-1920x1080-1-c568781f77e654a5f400.jpg\" alt=\"A stylized Xbox logo in support of International Day of the World\u2019s Indigenous Peoples featuring box art for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU and Sk\u00e1bma - Snowfall on a background including the Xbox sphere with a green basket weave texture with a night sky, a cypress tree, mushrooms, twinkling lights, and basket weave border. \" class=\"wp-image-203505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP-FY24-For-Xbox-Wire-EN-1920x1080-1-c568781f77e654a5f400.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP-FY24-For-Xbox-Wire-EN-1920x1080-1-c568781f77e654a5f400-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP-FY24-For-Xbox-Wire-EN-1920x1080-1-c568781f77e654a5f400-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP-FY24-For-Xbox-Wire-EN-1920x1080-1-c568781f77e654a5f400-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have passed down cultural, environmental, and spiritual knowledge with storytelling, art, music, and dance. The modern art of video games is no exception. Experience Indigenous stories in an even more immersive way with video games. \u200bDuring August and beyond, explore a variety of game collections spanning Indigenous creators, playable characters, and stories inspired by Indigenous cultures around the world. <\/p>\n<p>Available through the Microsoft Store on Xbox and Windows, check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-US\/games\/browse\/indigenous-and-pacific-islander-communities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>out the Indigenous community games collection<\/strong> <\/a>that will exist year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass members, check out the first ever Xbox Game Pass Indigenous community collection and PC Game Pass Indigenous community collection.\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Check out a few highlights from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox-game-pass\/games#indigenousconsole\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>the full Game Pass collection on Xbox<\/strong> <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox-game-pass\/games#indigenouspc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>the full PC Game Pass collection on Windows<\/strong><\/a>:\u200b\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Senua\u2019s Saga: Hellblade II (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) \u2013<\/strong>Experience the world through Senua\u2019s eyes and ears, as a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis. Senua returns in a brutal journey of survival across 10th century Iceland, recreated from real locations in stunning detail. Senua\u2019s hair, body paint, ornate jewelry and clothing are all designed based on historical findings from Pict warriors. <em>Hellblade II <\/em>blends realistic historical accuracy, inspiration from Celtic and Norse mythology, and a complex main character to create a unique story of redemption.\u200b\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tales of Kenzera: ZAU (Available on Console) \u2013<\/strong>\u202fCreated by Abubakar Salim, discover the story of Zau in this action-platformer set in Kenzera, a fantastical realm inspired by Bantu tales and legends that Salim was told by his family. Play through Zau\u2019s journey of grief, based not only on lore from Bantu, but on Salim\u2019s own loss of his father. Salim put a lot of his personal experiences into the game, including the role of Zau as a shaman being based on his grandfather, who was a Nganga (a spiritual healer) in Kenya. \u200b\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sk\u00e1bma \u2013 Snowfall (Available on Console) \u2013<\/strong>\u202f<em>Sk\u00e1bma \u2013 Snowfall<\/em> is a never-before-seen representation of indigenous S\u00e1mi stories and culture inspired by the beliefs and folktales of indigenous S\u00e1mi people. You play as \u00c1ilu, a young S\u00e1mi whose ordinary reindeer herding day turns into an adventure. As you play through <em>Sk\u00e1bma \u2013 Snowfall<\/em>, learn the old ways of the Noaidis, the S\u00e1mi Healers. Harness the powers of the Noaidi Drum and the Familiar Spirits to fight against a disorder spreading across the land in this beautiful 3D adventure game based on legends.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sienna Gonzales\u2019 Shares the Inspiration Behind the Xbox logo Redesign<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-small_vert\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/sienna-headshot-for-XBOX-1-385d5823449bddc09f03-300x400.jpg\" alt=\"Profile image of artist Sienna Gonzales wearing a red shirt.\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-203506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/sienna-headshot-for-XBOX-1-385d5823449bddc09f03-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/sienna-headshot-for-XBOX-1-385d5823449bddc09f03-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/sienna-headshot-for-XBOX-1-385d5823449bddc09f03-1024x1366.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>For International Day of the World\u2019s Indigenous Peoples, Xbox commissioned artist Sienna Gonzales, who is a Mexican and Chitimachan artist and also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her family, part of the Chitimacha Tribe, are from the land we now call Louisiana. In redesigning the Xbox logo, Sienna was inspired by the vibrant colors, intricate details, and dynamic composition that evoke the punchy, upbeat rhythm of Southern jazz. <\/p>\n<p>Magical plants sway in the humid air, their movements echoing the heartbeat of the bayou. At the center of this scene stands an enchanted cypress, a centuries-old tree that serves as a life force for the entire ecosystem. The frame of this artwork pays homage to her tribe\u2019s tradition of rivercane basket weaving. The tree itself is a key symbol of her tribe\u2019s flag, representing the Sacred Cypress Tree of the Chitimacha. Her artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the magic that is possible when we protect the earth and treasure the interconnectedness of all living things.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sienna shares her connection to her heritage, saying, \u201cAlthough time and distance have somewhat eroded our cultural connections, my grandmother, mother, and I have preserved our sense of identity through our deep bond with nature. My family is full of gardeners and plant lovers, and I feel most grounded when I\u2019m outdoors. Food is also a profound way for me to stay connected to my roots. Growing up, I cherished my grandmother\u2019s homemade gumbo \u2013 I\u2019ve never had the heart to try any other kind.\u201d For Sienna and other Indigenous peoples, days like IDWIP are essential reminders that they still exist and that their cultures are vibrant and worthy of celebration. Sienna says, \u201cI use this day to honor not only my experiences but also the experiences of those who came before me; the happiness, the pain, and the immense struggles they faced. I celebrate them both joyfully and somberly, recognizing the depth of their legacy.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sienna shares that creating artwork like this reconnects her to her heritage and gives her a space to celebrate unique aspects of her culture.<s>\u00a0<\/s> To other Indigenous people, Sienna says, \u201cIt\u2019s never too late to learn your culture\u2019s language, recipes, and practices. Embracing and preserving these elements not only honors our past but also enriches our present and future.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Check out more of Sienna\u2019s work at her website, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.somewhereinjune.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Somewhere in June.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Xbox Ambassadors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/XA-Logo-with-Blurred-Rainbow-1920x1080-1-5bedb92863848691d474.jpg\" alt=\"White Xbox controller icon with white laurels surrounding it layers\u202fover a blurred rainbow background.\" class=\"wp-image-201964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/XA-Logo-with-Blurred-Rainbow-1920x1080-1-5bedb92863848691d474.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/XA-Logo-with-Blurred-Rainbow-1920x1080-1-5bedb92863848691d474-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/XA-Logo-with-Blurred-Rainbow-1920x1080-1-5bedb92863848691d474-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/XA-Logo-with-Blurred-Rainbow-1920x1080-1-5bedb92863848691d474-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The Xbox Ambassadors Program is recognizing International Day of the World\u2019s Indigenous Peoples by spotlighting members of the Xbox Ambassadors community who responded to a recent survey about their experience as gamers. <a href=\"https:\/\/ambassadors.microsoft.com\/xbox\/blog\/xbox-ambassadors-IDWIP-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the Xbox Ambassadors blog<\/a> to hear community members sharing favorite gaming experiences, recommending games featuring Indigenous Peoples and stories, and offering tips on how to stay safe when gaming online.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"163\" height=\"163\" src=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Untitled-2-d470328ae993d0a18293.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-203509\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cRecently I was involved in a study, and in that study one of the main characters was of indigenous background and had long hair. It was the first time I\u2019ve seen that and it was amazing to experience that moment.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 <strong>KingSludgy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wallpapers and Dynamic Backgrounds<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video autoplay=\"\" controls=\"\" loop=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/xxboxnews.blob.core.windows.net\/prod\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/IDWIP_24_Hero_CROP.mp4\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>The International Day of the World\u2019s Indigenous Peoples Xbox design is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console \u2013 follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Select Profile &amp; system &gt; Settings &gt; General &gt; Personalization &gt; My background &gt; Dynamic backgrounds.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/news.xbox.com\/en-us\/2024\/08\/09\/xbox-international-day-worlds-indigenous-peoples-2024\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Summary Explore games curated by Indigenous communities. Learn more about Sienna Gonzales\u2019 inspiration behind the Xbox logo redesign for International Day of the World\u2019s<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":252893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[160],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252892"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252892"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252892\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}