Xbox: A modern canvas for Indigenous storytelling

Indigenous cultures form a global mosaic united by the common denominator of storytelling; the ancient tradition of preserving knowledge, explaining the unexplainable and passing on culture to future generations. While stories are as diverse as the people who tell them, storytelling is an art that connects the past and present while carrying the essence of heritage and tradition through the ages. An art that has evolved significantly throughout history – from ancient oral traditions to books, records and visual media.

However, nothing has been as revolutionary as interactive storytelling. It puts audiences directly into the narratives, creating immersive and lifelike experiences. As we move through the ever-changing digital landscape, video games have proven to be an effective medium for these narratives, offering a way to share these rich cultures that not only entertains but builds empathy and understanding. The medium breathes new life into ancient stories, ensuring that they continue to resonate and inspire around the world, fostering unity among a global community. It is a modern remedy for the erosion of language and tradition, a digital elixir that ensures the continuation of these traditions today and into the future.

Video games make the tradition of storytelling accessible at the touch of a button. If we include Indigenous creators in their creation from the beginning, video games have the potential to be a medium full of stories that carry the cosmos, the earth, and the human spirit into the hearts and minds of a new generation. In this way, the ancient art of storytelling is not only preserved, but carried on, keeping its flames burning brightly for generations to come.

Gaming and influence with rewards

Rewards members in select countries can use Xbox to earn points and donate to organizations that support indigenous communities. The following organizations are available in the Rewards Hub in the US:

• EASIER: AISES is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to significantly increase the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs and careers.

• Institute for First Nations Development: Our mission is to improve and sustain the way of life and economies of Indigenous communities through advocacy, financial support and knowledge sharing. We envision a world where tribal sovereignty is upheld and Indigenous ingenuity and knowledge are valued and respected.

Xbox players can earn rewards points in a variety of ways, including playing games, completing Game Pass quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items from the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Start making money today and redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points in the Rewards Hub or on the Rewards redemption page.

Discover games curated by indigenous communities at Microsoft​

Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have passed on cultural, environmental and spiritual knowledge through storytelling, art, music and dance. The modern art of video games is no exception. Experience Indigenous stories in an even more immersive way through video games. In August and beyond, discover a variety of game collections featuring Indigenous creators, playable characters and stories inspired by Indigenous cultures around the world.

Available on Microsoft Store for Xbox and Windows. the collection of games of the indigenous community that will exist throughout the year as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and improve content that resonates with communities. Xbox Game Pass members can check out the first-ever Xbox Game Pass Indigenous Community Collection and PC Game Pass Indigenous Community Collection.​

Check out some highlights from the complete Game Pass collection on Xbox And the complete PC Game Pass collection on Windows:​

• Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (Available with Xbox Game Pass on console, PC and cloud) –Experience the world through Senua’s eyes and ears as a Celtic warrior suffering from psychosis. Senua returns on a brutal survival journey through 10th century Iceland, recreated in stunning detail from real locations. Senua’s hair, body paint, elaborate jewelry and clothing are all based on historical findings about Pictish warriors. Hellblade II combines realistic historical accuracy, inspiration from Celtic and Norse mythology, and a complex main character to create a unique story of redemption.​
• Tales of Kenzera: ZAU (available on console) – Discover the story of Zau in this action platformer from Abubakar Salim, set in Kenzera, a fantastical realm inspired by Bantu stories and legends told to Salim by his family. Play through Zau’s journey of grief, based not only on Bantu lore, but also on Salim’s own loss of his father. Salim has incorporated many of his personal experiences into the game, including Zau’s role as a shaman, based on his grandfather who was a nganga (a spiritual healer) in Kenya. ​
• Skábma – Snowfall (available on console) – Skábma – Snowfall is an unprecedented portrayal of indigenous Sami stories and culture, inspired by the beliefs and folk tales of the indigenous Sami people. You play as Áilu, a young Sami whose ordinary day as a reindeer herder turns into an adventure. As you play through Skábma – Snowfall
  Learn the ancient customs of the Noaidis, the Sami healers. Use the powers of the Noaidis drum and the house spirits to fight against a disease spreading across the land in this beautiful 3D adventure game based on legends.

Sienna Gonzales reveals the inspiration behind the Xbox logo redesign

For International Indigenous Peoples Day, Xbox commissioned artist Sienna Gonzales, a Mexican and Chitimacha artist and also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her family, who are members of the Chitimacha tribe, hail from the land we now call Louisiana. When redesigning the Xbox logo, Sienna was inspired by the bright colors, intricate details, and dynamic composition that evoke the punchy, upbeat rhythm of Southern jazz.

Magical plants sway in the humid air, their movements mirroring the heartbeat of the bayou. At the center of this scene is an enchanted cypress tree, a centuries-old tree that serves as a life force for the entire ecosystem. The frame of this artwork pays homage to her tribe’s tradition of weaving baskets from river cane. The tree itself is a key symbol of her tribe’s flag and represents the sacred cypress of the Chitimacha people. Her artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the magic that is possible when we protect the earth and value the interconnectedness of all living things.

Sienna shares her connection to her heritage, saying, “Although time and distance have somewhat eroded our cultural connections, my grandmother, mother and I have maintained our sense of identity through our deep connection to nature. My family is full of gardeners and plant lovers and I feel most grounded when I am outside. Food is also a profound way for me to stay connected to my roots. Growing up, I loved my grandmother’s homemade gumbo – I never had the heart to try another variety.” For Sienna and other Indigenous people, days like IDWIP are important reminders that they still exist and that their cultures are alive and worthy of celebration. Sienna says, “I use this day to honor not only my experiences, but the experiences of those who came before me; the happiness, pain and immense struggles they went through. I celebrate them both joyfully and solemnly, acknowledging the depth of their heritage.”

Sienna says that creating such artwork gives her a new connection to her heritage and a space to celebrate unique aspects of her culture. For other Indigenous peoples, Sienna says, “It’s never too late to learn the language, recipes and customs of your culture. Embracing and preserving these elements not only honors our past, but also enriches our present and future.”

You can find more of Sienna’s work on her website. Sometime in June.

Xbox Ambassador

The Xbox Ambassadors program is honoring International Indigenous Peoples Day by highlighting members of the Xbox Ambassadors community who completed a recent survey about their experiences as gamers. Read the Xbox Ambassadors blog to hear community members share their favorite games, recommend games featuring indigenous peoples and stories, and offer tips for staying safe while gaming online.

“I was involved in a study recently, and in that study, one of the main characters was of indigenous background and had long hair. That was the first time I had seen that, and it was incredible to experience that moment.” – royal muddy

Wallpapers and dynamic backgrounds

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Xbox theme is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console – follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.

• Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My wallpaper > Dynamic wallpapers.

You can choose between the dynamic backgrounds “Games”, “Xbox” or “Abstract”. Use the A button to select the desired background image.