Exploring the use of virtual reality technology to generate social innovation in rural Indigenous communities. The project will involve collaborative initiatives between college students, the community, and high school students and teachers to develop the VR prototype to support innovation in cultural tourism and disseminate knowledge on the use of VR technology for economic and social benefits of Indigenous communities.
Project Dates: June, 2023 – May, 2026
Funding Amount: $360,000
Project Summary
This project is an exploration into the suitability of using virtual reality (VR) technology to support initiatives of importance to the Huu-ay-aht First Nation (HFN), a remote and rural Indigenous community situated primarily within the Anacla and Bamfield regions on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The study will:
- identify the potential benefits and/or drawbacks of using VR technology in areas such as education and tourism for communities like HFN,
- evaluate the community's level of interest in that technology,
- conceptualize and develop a culturally appropriate and sustainable VR experience or training program that would be of lasting value to the community, and
- build capacity for supporting emergent technology training along the way.
The project is a collaborative initiative between community members, college students, teachers, and school-age students in the Anacla and Bamfield regions.
Research Team
Tony Trudel
Lead researcher
Emma Courtney
Researcher
Partners
Articles
Exploring Virtual Reality to Support Cultural Revitalization and Community Well-Being
Community-led research initiative brings emerging technologies to Huu-ay-aht First Nations youth, Elders, and leaders.
A collaborative research project is exploring how virtual reality (VR) technology can support the cultural, educational, and community priorities of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN), a self-governing Nation located on the west coast of what is now known as Vancouver Island.
Led by researchers from North Island College in partnership with the Huu-ay-aht Education Department and School District 70, the initiative is grounded in a community-based approach that centers Indigenous leadership and direction. The research aims to assess the viability and potential of immersive VR tools in enhancing language revitalization, cultural education, intergenerational learning, wellness and tourism.
“Virtual reality has the potential to reconnect Huu-ay-aht citizens—particularly those living away from home—with the land, language, and teachings that shape their identity,” an HFN citizen and employee explained in an interview.
Over the past several months, the research team has engaged with Huu-ay-aht citizens across generations. Youth at Bamfield Community School, Elders in the nananiiqsu (grandparent) group, members of the ḥaw̓iiḥ Council (comprised of Hereditary Leadership), and staff at the Anacla Government Office have participated in hands-on VR demonstrations and interviews. Through these activities, the team is gathering input on community needs, values, and concerns to inform culturally relevant, accessible, and engaging VR experiences.
From suggesting Huu-ay-aht names for VR headsets to discussing how language, ḥahuułi (traditional territory), and place-based teachings (such as plant harvesting and ceremonial or culturally important locations) might be shared in virtual space, the project is guided by themes of connection, creativity, and care. Youth, in particular, have expressed excitement about using VR for immersive cultural experiences, while Elders and leaders have emphasized the importance of accuracy, protocols, and language.
“The Huu-ay-aht dialect and cultural teachings need to be at the heart of any VR experience we develop,” one Elder shared during a community engagement session.
The project is funded through a Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant and includes opportunities for capacity building and student involvement. NIC student researchers have been trained to assist with interviews, video recording, and data analysis, while also learning firsthand about community-led research practices.
In fall 2025, the research team will be reconnecting with Huu-ay-aht leaders and citizens to share preliminary findings and explore what comes next. Guided by community direction and strategic goals, the project team will decide if and how VR can move from exploration to implementation — possibly through further development of custom content, and VR development training for youth.
To learn more about, visit the story map here.
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