Camosun Innovates is partnering with Indigenous artist Carey Newman and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to develop a multi-user virtual reality environment for the Virtual Reality Witness Blanket, according to a release issued by the project leaders. The applied research collaboration aims to expand access to immersive Indigenous storytelling, encourage shared reflection, and build technological foundations for future virtual reality experiences.
Expanding Virtual Reality Access for Indigenous Storytelling
The new project builds directly upon Carey Newman’s original Witness Blanket, a large-scale art installation incorporating hundreds of items connected to the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system. According to Newman, a Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist and University of Victoria professor, the digital platform allows users to interact directly with these artifacts. The experience also integrates cultural and linguistic sounds collected from Indigenous community members before being embedded in the virtual space.
Richard Gale, director of Camosun Innovates, stated that the partnership will push new boundaries in extended reality technology. The initiative is designed to broaden the reach of the artwork for remote and Indigenous communities, educational institutions, partner organizations, and invited curators across Canada and internationally.
Multi-User Interfaces and Narrative Designer Tools
The upgraded platform introduces two primary technological enhancements: a multi-user interface and a narrative designer tool. The multi-user component enables groups of participants to explore and interact within the virtual environment simultaneously. According to project details, the experience can be navigated independently or led by facilitators, educators, and community organizers to foster collaborative learning and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the narrative designer tool empowers curators, educators, Elders, residential school survivors, and community witnesses to build customized journeys. Users will have the ability to select specific artifacts, establish guided pathways, record personal audio narratives, and develop thematic experiences aimed at deepening public understanding of truth-telling and reconciliation.
Building on Long-Term Collaboration
This initiative expands upon an ongoing relationship between Camosun Innovates, Carey Newman, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Gale noted that the project elevates their previous collaborative work, continuing a shared commitment to supporting education surrounding the residential school era.
Did you know?
The original Witness Blanket incorporates hundreds of items connected to the residential school system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Virtual Reality Witness Blanket?
It is an immersive digital adaptation of Carey Newman’s physical art installation, featuring historical objects, sounds of culture and language, and stories connected to Canada’s residential school system.
Who is involved in the new project?
The applied research initiative brings together Camosun Innovates, Indigenous artist Carey Newman, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
How does the multi-user feature work?
The multi-user component allows multiple participants to enter the virtual environment at the same time, supporting collaborative exploration either independently or through guided sessions led by facilitators and educators.
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