Indigenous stories come to life with technology

Published on 13 November 2020

Storytelling is a vital link to Aboriginal culture - a way to share messages about history, life, lore and spirituality. 

In 2014, Cabrogal woman, Mikaela Jade, first dreamed up the idea of sharing traditional stories in the digital realm. Her company, Indigital, launched with an augmented reality app that explains the stories of Indigenous people around Kakadu.

The next frontier was bringing this technology into schools. With the help of a host of local organisations, the Indigital Schools Program made its first ground-breaking steps in WA.

It all began in early 2019 when WA Police learned about the concept at the Microsoft Innovation Conference in Sydney, and saw the potential to make a difference locally.  They brought the idea to the City of Swan, who developed relationships with Follow the Dream, local Indigenous Elders and Governor Stirling High School to make it a reality.

This year saw the project come to fruition, with Noongar Elder, Kevin Garlett, sharing stories at the Governor Stirling High School. The students took inspiration, creating digital artwork using Paint 3D, Minecraft and Blender applications. As a result of the program, our young people are developing their digital skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal culture.

With a successful run now complete at Governor Stirling High School, the organisations involved intend to create a framework for the program so that it can be replicated as standard high school curriculum throughout WA.

Keep an eye out, as the artwork is planned to go on display early next year.