Indigenize Toys

As an Indigenous creator, I am actively reclaiming and revitalizing Indigenous languages. This crisis affects not just our communities on Turtle Island but Indigenous peoples globally. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that 43% of the world's approximately 6,000 languages are endangered. Each of these languages encapsulates the essence of our people, embodying our history, philosophy, and worldviews.

Our project, “Indigenize Toys,” is a deliberate act of reclamation and resistance. We transform commercially produced toys, originally English-speaking, into vessels for teaching and revitalizing endangered Indigenous languages. By integrating adapted technologies with cultural education, these toys become powerful tools for learning, enabling our communities to lead the resurgence of our ancestral languages and deepen their connection to their heritage and identity.

We focus our efforts on toys—a medium that is universally accessible and scalable—to empower Indigenous children and families worldwide. Our goal is to restore the ties to lost languages and cultures and empower our youth. We are turning playtime into a profound opportunity for language preservation and cultural celebration, aiming to make a lasting impact on future generations.

This work is not merely a project; it is our sovereign right and collective responsibility. We are asserting sovereignty over our cultural and linguistic futures, empowering our youth with the knowledge of their ancestors. Through this work, we are taking significant steps towards decolonizing our spaces and reclaiming what is inherently ours, transforming Western tools into carriers of Indigenous wisdom.

Our solution, "Indigenize Toys," repurposes commercially available toys into educational tools for learning and revitalizing endangered Indigenous languages. By transforming English-speaking toys into multilingual platforms, these toys teach children their ancestral languages through interactive play.

How It Works:

• Repurposing Process: We modify the audio components of widely available electronic toys, either reprogramming them or replacing them to speak phrases in various Indigenous languages instead of standard English
• Content Creation: In collaboration with Indigenous language experts and speakers, we develop culturally relevant and linguistically accurate content such as phrases, songs, and stories integral to each language and culture.
• Technology Integration: We utilize off-the-shelf microprocessors, such as the ESP32 and Arduino, along with various shields, to redesign the toys. These components are chosen for their flexibility and capability to support the necessary audio outputs and interactive features.
• Custom PCB Design: Based on the requirements of each toy's design and internal space, we create custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) to accommodate the new components seamlessly, ensuring the toys remain durable and child-friendly.
• Interactive Learning: Children interact with the toys using buttons and voice commands. The toys respond in the target Indigenous language, engaging children in a learning process that mirrors natural language acquisition.

Educational Impact: The repurposed toys not only serve as a tool for language learning but also act as a cultural bridge. They provide an immersive, hands-on experience that encourages young learners to embrace and internalize their ancestral languages in a joyful, engaging manner.

Technological Details:

• Microprocessors: We use widely available boards such as the ESP32 and Arduino microprocessors for their robust functionality, adaptability and availability in educational technology.
• Programming Software: We use custom software that allows for easy updates and additions of new languages and phrases.

"Indigenize Toys" combines tradition with modern technology, offering a dynamic, scalable approach to preserving Indigenous languages and fostering cultural connections among the young generation.

Beneficiary Community: As a proud member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and a resident of Tsartlip, both Coast Salish communities, my project "Indigenize Toys" is deeply rooted in the traditions and needs of the people it serves. These communities are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping the solution that directly addresses the preservation and revitalization of our shared linguistic heritage.

Engagement and Understanding Needs: My connection to these communities provides unique insights into the specific linguistic challenges and educational needs we face. In partnership with Kw'umut Lelum, an organization committed to the well-being of Indigenous children and families through culturally relevant services, we have initiated a collaborative project to deliver tailored educational toys. These toys are designed not only to teach language but also to strengthen the connection between young learners and their Coast Salish heritage. By integrating feedback from initial deliveries of 20 toys to the community and continuous engagement through workshops, we are fine-tuning our approach to meet the evolving educational landscape of our communities.

Scalability and Community Collaboration: "Indigenize Toys" is designed to be scalable and adaptable, enabling its application across different Coast Salish languages and communities. Leveraging my residence in Tsartlip and my roots in Snuneymuxw, I facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions that extend beyond geographical boundaries, ensuring that the project is adaptable and relevant to a broad spectrum of Indigenous communities. This flexibility is critical in promoting the wider adoption and impact of the solution across various groups.

Solution Impact: The direct engagement with Kw'umut Lelum and the communities ensures that "Indigenize Toys":

1. Strengthens Language Skills: Facilitates immersive language learning tailored to the cultural nuances of each community.
2. Enhances Cultural Identity: Helps children develop a profound sense of identity and belonging through the integration of language and culture in play.
3. Improves Educational Engagement: Offers a culturally aligned educational tool that enhances learning outcomes and supports cognitive development in a familiar linguistic context.
4. Empowers Communities: Fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members, who are directly involved in the development and dissemination of the toys.

Future Goals: In partnership with Kw'umut Lelum, whose mission aligns with fostering a culturally connected and resilient generation, we aim to expand our reach and adapt our toys to support more Indigenous languages and communities across Turtle Island, driven by the needs and aspirations of those communities.

As a Coast Salish man embedded in my community, I am uniquely positioned to lead the "Indigenize Toys" project. My personal and cultural connections to the Snuneymuxw First Nation and residence in Tsartlip not only inform my understanding of our specific needs and challenges but also empower me to tailor solutions that respect and reflect our cultural values and aspirations.

Proximity and Representation: My proximity to the community is both literal and cultural. Living and actively participating in the daily life of the Coast Salish communities allows me to maintain a pulse on the evolving needs and opportunities within these groups. This close connection ensures that the project is not just for the community but by the community, fostering a sense of ownership and alignment with our cultural revival goals.

Community-Guided Design and Implementation: "Indigenize Toys" is developed with ongoing input, feedback, and support from my community. This includes regular consultations and workshops with community members, educators, and language experts from Snuneymuxw and Tsartlip, ensuring that every aspect of the project—from the selection of phrases to the design of the toys—resonates with and responds to the community's needs. My engagement with Kw'umut Lelum, an organization known for its commitment to cultural relevance and child well-being, further guides the project's development, ensuring it aligns with broader community agendas.

Cultural Authenticity and Sensitivity: Being a member of the community I serve, I bring an inherent understanding of the cultural nuances that are crucial for the successful adoption and impact of the project. This cultural sensitivity is key in designing toys that are not only educational but also culturally reverent, promoting a deeper connection to our language and heritage.

Empowerment Through Participation: My approach involves not just delivering a solution but actively engaging the community in the creation process. This participatory model empowers community members by giving them a voice in how their cultural and linguistic heritage is preserved and taught to younger generations. It's about building capacity within the community to take charge of their cultural preservation.

In summary, my role as a Coast Salish individual, combined with my strong community ties and the collaborative nature of "Indigenize Toys," positions me ideally to lead a project that is authentically rooted in and beneficial to the Coast Salish communities. The design and implementation of the solution are deeply guided by the community's input, ensuring that it not only meets their educational needs but also strengthens their cultural continuity.

Prototype Stage Selection:

• Built and Tested: We have developed and delivered 40 interactive toys that are designed to teach and revitalize Indigenous languages among Coast Salish youth. These toys have been distributed and are currently in use, serving as initial working versions of the solution to gauge effectiveness and gather user feedback.

• Beneficiaries Served: So far, our solution has directly benefited 40 young individuals within the Coast Salish community by providing them with educational tools that connect them with their linguistic heritage. This direct engagement is crucial for assessing the impact of the toys and understanding how they can be improved.

• Feedback and Iteration: While the toys have been deployed and are in use, comprehensive workshops and systematic feedback collection processes have not yet been established. This indicates that we are still in the prototype stage, as we are actively refining our solution based on informal feedback and observations rather than structured user testing sessions.

• Future Plans for Iteration: The current focus remains on improving the technology based on the experiences of the initial users. The interest in conducting more in-depth iterations and possibly expanding the technology's features underscores that the solution is still in the prototype phase. We are preparing for more structured pilot tests that will more clearly define the product's effectiveness and inform further development.

As an Indigenous creator deeply rooted in my culture and community, I am applying to MIT Solve to elevate my project, "Indigenize Toys," to its next developmental phase. With each passing day, the urgency to preserve and revitalize our languages grows; time is critical to instill these linguistic treasures into the hearts, minds, and daily lives of our youth, including my seven-year-old son, whom I envision not only benefiting from these toys but also eventually joining me as a speaker and advocate for our language.

I hope to benefit from MIT Solve in a number of ways:

1. Scaling Impact: "Indigenize Toys" is at a crucial point where the support from an ecosystem like Solve could propel it from a passionate side project to a widely impactful initiative. Solve's expertise in nurturing innovations to scale is vital as we race against time to make a substantial impact on language revitalization.

2. Advanced Technologies: The integration of AI and other advanced technologies into our toys can drastically enhance how effectively we engage communities and transfer knowledge. With Solve’s resources and network of tech innovators, we can accelerate the development of interactive and adaptive learning tools, ensuring that our educational toys meet the evolving needs of our communities.

3. Networking and Collaborative Growth: As a sole innovator, broadening my network is crucial. Solve's global community offers unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and learning, essential for both the project's success and my personal development as a leader in this space.

4. Professional and Project Development: My commitment to continuous learning and adaptation is reflected in the strides I've made since my last application. Solve's structured support through mentorship and workshops is critical as I navigate the complexities of transforming a side project into a sustainable, scalable operation.

5. Visibility and Broader Impact: Participation in Solve would significantly raise the profile of "Indigenize Toys," emphasizing the critical role of Indigenous-led solutions in addressing global educational and cultural challenges. This visibility is crucial not only for attracting support but also for inspiring similar initiatives globally.

A Personal and Global Imperative: This project is not just a professional endeavor; it is a personal mission to ensure that my son, and children like him, grow up with a profound connection to their cultural heritage. The clock is ticking on our ability to preserve these languages, and while I am determined to advance this work with or without Solve, the support from Solve would undeniably accelerate our progress and amplify our impact.

As the Founder and Team Lead for "Indigenize Toys," my connections to the community are deeply rooted both personally and professionally:

• Personal Roots and Family Impact: I am Coast Salish from the Snuneymuxw First Nation on my mother's side, and I currently reside in the Coast Salish community of Tsartlip. I continue to be grounded culturally as this work impacts my family, including my seven-year-old son. I am constantly reminded that we are directly affected by the loss of our language, which is a significant part of our heritage and identity.

• Professional Engagement: Professionally, I serve as a Program Manager with the Indigenous Health Team at the Provincial Health Services Authority. My work focuses on improving First Nations health through health informatics and Indigenous governance. This role enhances my ability to understand and address the broader health and wellness needs of my community, including the critical aspect of cultural health that comes from language revitalization.

• Cultural Commitment: Living on the reserve, I am committed to maintaining and enriching our cultural practices. I strive to bridge the gap between Western education systems and our traditional ways of life, ensuring that our community's youth, including my son, can thrive in both worlds.

• Community Activities: Much of my personal time is spent engaging in traditional activities like camping, fishing, and exploring the outdoors with my family. These activities not only strengthen our bond with the land but also with the community, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of our cultural heritage.

• Mission-Driven Leadership: My mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community through various fronts, including the revitalization of our language. "Indigenize Toys" is a project born from this mission, aiming to embed our ancestral language into everyday learning for our children, thereby improving their cultural well-being and identity.

Through "Indigenize Toys," I aim to directly address the urgent need to preserve and revitalize our language, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of our community's living heritage. This project is not only a reflection of my professional and personal life's work but also a crucial step towards sustaining the cultural health and resilience of the Coast Salish people.

Indigenize Toys offers a new approach to engaging Indigenous language speakers by repurposing English-speaking toys to teach any Indigenous language. By harnessing widely available microcontrollers and programming skills, we transform modern toys into engaging language resources. This innovative method not only addresses the pressing issue of language loss among Indigenous communities but also bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern technology. Our solution catalyzes broader positive impacts by empowering Indigenous children to reclaim their heritage and fosters a market shift towards inclusive, culturally relevant educational tools.

1. Activity: Repurposing English-speaking toys with microcontrollers programmed in Indigenous languages.

   Output: Modified toys capable of speaking Indigenous languages.

   Immediate Outcome: Indigenous children have access to engaging language resources that reflect their cultural heritage.

   Longer-Term Outcome: Increased exposure to and familiarity with Indigenous languages leads to improved language retention and fluency among Indigenous children.

2. Activity: Hosting workshops to teach basic soldering skills and programming microcontrollers.

   Output: Empowered community members with the skills to continue creating language resources independently.

   Immediate Outcome: Community members are equipped to contribute to ongoing language revitalization efforts.

   Longer-Term Outcome: Sustainable and scalable language revitalization initiatives emerge within Indigenous communities, fostering cultural pride and identity.

3. Activity: Collaboration with Indigenous communities and experts in language revitalization and technology.

   Output: Informed and culturally relevant approaches to language revitalization.

   Immediate Outcome: Tailored language resources that resonate with Indigenous children and their communities.

   Longer-Term Outcome: Strengthened cultural preservation efforts and increased visibility of Indigenous languages within mainstream society.

In summary, by repurposing toys, providing skills training, and fostering community collaboration, we expect to create immediate outputs such as modified toys and empowered community members. These outputs lead to longer-term outcomes such as improved language retention, sustainable language revitalization efforts, and increased cultural pride and visibility.

Impact Goals:

1. Language Revitalization: Our primary impact goal is to revitalize Indigenous languages among communities across Turtle Island, particularly communties impacted by language loss. We aim to achieve this by providing accessible and engaging language resources through our modified toys.

2. Cultural Empowerment: We seek to empower Indigenous communities to reclaim and celebrate their cultural heritage through language revitalization initiatives. Our goal is to foster a sense of pride and identity among Indigenous children and community members.

Measuring Progress:

1. Community Engagement: Progress towards our cultural empowerment goal is measured through indicators such as community participation in workshops, feedback from community members, and the number of community-led language revitalization initiatives initiated as a result of our project.

2. Toy Distribution and Usage: We monitor the distribution and usage of our modified toys to ensure they reach the intended audience and are effectively utilized for language learning purposes. This includes tracking the number of toys distributed, user feedback, and the frequency of toy usage.

3. Long-Term Impact: Ultimately, we aim to assess the long-term impact of our solution by monitoring indicators such as the preservation and growth of Indigenous language speakers, cultural revitalization within communities, and increased recognition and appreciation of Indigenous languages in mainstream society.

Our solution, Indigenize Toys, harnesses the power of modern microcontroller technology to repurpose English-speaking toys into language learning tools for Indigenous communities. At the core of our technology stack are widely available microcontrollers such as the ESP32 and Arduino.

ESP32: The ESP32 is a versatile microcontroller that provides robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. It offers sufficient processing power and memory to handle complex tasks, such as language synthesis and playback, while remaining energy-efficient.

These microcontrollers offer scalability and sustainability, enabling us to expand our impact and support language revitalization efforts across different regions and languages. Through our innovative use of microcontroller technology, we are bridging the gap between traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern digital tools, paving the way for a brighter future for Indigenous languages and cultures.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Across Canada

5 years

At Indigenize Toys, we aim to embody a decolonial approach to our social enterprise, prioritizing the empowerment of Indigenous communities and the preservation of their languages and cultural heritage. Our business model revolves around reinvesting profits back into the company to maximize social impact rather than personal gain.

We provide modified English-speaking toys repurposed to speak Indigenous languages, offering them as interactive language learning tools for Indigenous children. Additionally, we conduct workshops within Indigenous communities, teaching skills like soldering and programming, empowering community members to actively participate in language revitalization.

By distributing toys and conducting workshops directly within Indigenous communities, we ensure cultural relevance and community engagement. Our products and services not only address the urgent need for language revitalization but also promote cultural pride and identity among Indigenous children.

As a social enterprise, our profits are reinvested to expand our reach, develop new products, and support ongoing community initiatives, aligning with our decolonial approach to prioritize community well-being over personal gain. This ensures the sustainability and scalability of our efforts, contributing to the larger decolonization movement within Indigenous communities.

Our plan for financial sustainability at Indigenize Toys revolves around a combination of revenue streams, including sales of modified toys, workshop fees, and grant funding. By selling our modified toys and offering workshops within Indigenous communities, we generate revenue while also promoting language revitalization. Additionally, we actively seek grant funding from philanthropic organizations and government agencies that support Indigenous language revitalization initiatives.

To date, we have successfully secured grants from organizations such as [provide examples if applicable] and generated revenue through toy sales and workshop fees. These funds have allowed us to cover operational expenses, expand our reach, and develop new products and services. As we continue to grow, we aim to diversify our revenue streams and increase our financial sustainability, ensuring the long-term success of our mission to empower Indigenous communities and preserve their languages and cultural heritage.