Learn about skins

The Skins Workshops teach Indigenous youth how to adapt stories from their community into experimental digital media, such as video games.

Bringing Aboriginal Storytelling to Experimental Digital Media

One of our goals is to encourage our youth to envision themselves in the future while drawing from their heritage. We believe this helps to promote and preserve our stories, languages and cultures while also exposing our youth to the digital tools of today and tomorrow. 

Covering video games, machinima, 7th generation design and artificial intelligence, our workshops are designed by an Indigenous-led team to empower Indigenous youth by showing them that they can be producers, not just consumers, of these exciting mediums. 

Since 2006, AbTeC has been sharing our unique curriculum, expertise and experience with Indigenous youth on reserves, urban centres and other international communities.  

 

Our curricula are free to use. If you would like to support in delivering them to your community or funding our endeavours, please read through these pages and reach out to us. 

Explore our workshops

Explore our 4 types of workshops:

Click to learn more
+

Video game

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. 

Software: Bitsy, Unity, Twine 

Duration: varies between softwares 

Click to learn more
+

Machinima

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. 

Software: Second Life 

Duration: 1-7 sessions of 2-6 hours each

Click to learn more
+

7th Gen

We noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters 7 generations after us.  

Software: Pencil & Paper, Procreate, Blender 

Duration: 2-8 sessions of 2 hours each 

Artificial Intelligence

The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture. 

Softwares: Midjourney=

Duration: 1 session of 1.5 hours 

Click to learn more
+

Video game

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. 

Software: Bitsy, Unity, Twine 

Duration: varies between softwares 

Click to learn more
+

7th Gen

We noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters 7 generations after us.  

Software: Pencil & Paper, Procreate, Blender 

Duration: 2-8 sessions of 2 hours each 

Artificial Intelligence

The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture. 

Softwares: Midjourney=

Duration: 1 session of 1.5 hours 

Click to learn more
+

Machinima

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. 

Software: Second Life 

Duration: 1-7 sessions of 2-6 hours each

Explore our workshops

Explore our 4 types of workshops:

Click to learn more
+

Video game

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. 

Software: Bitsy, Unity, Twine 

Duration: varies between softwares 

Click to learn more
+

7th Gen

We noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters 7 generations after us.  

Software: Pencil & Paper, Procreate, Blender 

Duration: 2-8 sessions of 2 hours each 

Artificial Intelligence

The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture. 

Softwares: Midjourney=

Duration: 1 session of 1.5 hours 

Click to learn more
+

Machinima

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. 

Software: Second Life 

Duration: 1-7 sessions of 2-6 hours each

Click on any cards to read more information.

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. With that foundation in place, youth learn important industry related skills such as game design, art direction, 3D modelling and computer programming. The lessons are taught by Indigenous artists and a core team of senior students from Concordia University. 

From mythic characters to traditional game mechanics to decolonized values, the Skins games reflect Indigenous teachings while offering youth basic technical skills. The instructors may also refer to various university programs related to the disciplines being taught in the workshop. 

.

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Bitsy

1-4 session(s) of up to 2 hours each 
Bitsy
Tech :
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Interactive Storytelling with Twine

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 
Twine

Tech : 
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Unity

4-10 session(s) of 2-3 hours each 
Unity

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils

Indigenous Video Game Production

To be Discussed with Organizers – minimum two weeks, up to four weeks.

See detailed tech requirements

Materials: 
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils 
Black lining pens (felt tip) 
Board Games

Close the table

We love science fiction. However, we noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. We want to change that and believe that we can thrive by encouraging people to envision ourselves in seven generations. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters with pencil and paper. Take it a step further and learn how to use digitial illustration tools like Procreate or bring your character to life in 3D using Blender. Discussion is encouraged.   

 

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

7th Gen Character Design (Analog)

1-2 session(s) of up to 2 hours each
N/A

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design+ (Procreate)

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 

Teach:
iPad with compatible Apple Pencil
Materials:
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Sketchbook
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design++ (Blender)

4-7 session(s) of 2 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

Extra:
3D Printed Figurines via Shapeways

7th Gen Tech Design (Blender)

3-5 session(s) of 2 hours each

See  detailed tech requirements
Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

Close the table

The questions surrounding AI can feel scary at first. The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture.   

Workshop name

Duration

Softwares

Requirements

Introduction to AI

1 session of 2 hours

N/A

Projector and screen

Introduction to AI + Using AI Tools Ethically

1 session of 2-3 hours

Midjourney (for Instructors)
ChatGPT

Tech:  
Computer with browser & Wi-Fi connection

Close the table

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. They will select a story, make a storyboard, create characters, build sets, record sound, film scenes, and then edit them into a short movie.  

The ideal duration of this workshop is five days. Shorter introductions to the avatar experience is also available, where participants can visit ongoing exhibitions at AbTeC Gallery, our virtual gallery on Second Life.   

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Introduction to Second Life

1-2 session(s) of 2 hours each

Introduction to Machinima

2-4 sessions of 2-3 hours each

Machinima Production

5-10 sessions of 2-3 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip) 

Close the table

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. With that foundation in place, youth learn important industry related skills such as game design, art direction, 3D modelling and computer programming. The lessons are taught by Indigenous artists and a core team of senior students from Concordia University. 

From mythic characters to traditional game mechanics to decolonized values, the Skins games reflect Indigenous teachings while offering youth basic technical skills. The instructors may also refer to various university programs related to the disciplines being taught in the workshop. 

.

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Bitsy

1-4 session(s) of up to 2 hours each 
Bitsy
Tech :
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Interactive Storytelling with Twine

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 
Twine

Tech : 
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Unity

4-10 session(s) of 2-3 hours each 
Unity

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils

Indigenous Video Game Production

To be Discussed with Organizers – minimum two weeks, up to four weeks.

See detailed tech requirements

Materials: 
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils 
Black lining pens (felt tip) 
Board Games

We love science fiction. However, we noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. We want to change that and believe that we can thrive by encouraging people to envision ourselves in seven generations. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters with pencil and paper. Take it a step further and learn how to use digitial illustration tools like Procreate or bring your character to life in 3D using Blender. Discussion is encouraged.   

 

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

7th Gen Character Design (Analog)

1-2 session(s) of up to 2 hours each
N/A

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design+ (Procreate)

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 

Teach:
iPad with compatible Apple Pencil
Materials:
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Sketchbook
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design++ (Blender)

4-7 session(s) of 2 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

Extra:
3D Printed Figurines via Shapeways

7th Gen Tech Design (Blender)

3-5 session(s) of 2 hours each

See  detailed tech requirements
Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

The questions surrounding AI can feel scary at first. The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture.   

Workshop name

Duration

Softwares

Requirements

Introduction to AI

1 session of 2 hours

N/A

Projector and screen

Introduction to AI + Using AI Tools Ethically

1 session of 2-3 hours

Midjourney (for Instructors)
ChatGPT

Tech:  
Computer with browser & Wi-Fi connection

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. They will select a story, make a storyboard, create characters, build sets, record sound, film scenes, and then edit them into a short movie.  

The ideal duration of this workshop is five days. Shorter introductions to the avatar experience is also available, where participants can visit ongoing exhibitions at AbTeC Gallery, our virtual gallery on Second Life.   

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Introduction to Second Life

1-2 session(s) of 2 hours each

Introduction to Machinima

2-4 sessions of 2-3 hours each

Machinima Production

5-10 sessions of 2-3 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)