We Are All Related: (Re)Storying With Augmented Reality to Build Indigenous-Settler Relations

Abstract

Engaging settlers in inviting yet unsettling ways to understand settler colonialism and introduce Indigenous epistemologies may help build and sustain Indigenous-settler relationships. Augmented reality (AR) offers an opportunity to co-create and share Indigenous digital stories connected to territory to create sites of (re)storying that challenge colonial narratives that treaties involved land surrender. This thesis describes and reflects on my experiences participating in a series of projects involving Treaty 6 marker sculptures and digital media, including developing and prototyping learn-by-design resources for students and teachers to respectfully co-create AR stories with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and storytellers. Building on that work, I share my experience co-creating and sharing a trail of AR stories situated at Treaty 6 marker sculptures located in or near amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (also known as Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach grounded in relationships and ongoing consent. Co-creating the story trail and selecting an AR storytelling platform was guided by the 4Rs of respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility, OCAP®, data sovereignty, and a commitment to respect and adhere to Indigenous approaches to traditional cultural expression and protocol. Visitors to the Treaty 6 marker sculptures can experience AR stories from a respected Knowledge Keeper on what it means to be in relationship on Treaty 6 territory. Hearing these stories may prompt reflection on past, current, and future relationships and initiate further learning to build relationships and understanding.