Madeline Gupta

With support from both CNAY and Yale College, Madeline worked to develop a virtual reality video game where users could immerse themselves in the Chippewa homelands using immersive film, stories about the land and peoples and collaboration with other Anishinaabe artists. After finishing the code and launching the game, she also worked to advertise her work and ensure access to local Indigenous students and families.

Madeline ultimately distributed the game to more than 100 students, educators and other leaders (including both Tribal citizens and allies), during which she discussed the importance of civic action. Upon refection of the creation and distribution process, Madeline is proud to have inspired Native youth to get involved with technology themselves, helping to closing the digital divide. She also helped motivate non-Native users to see Indigenous people as active participants in the growing technical field and acted as a role model for Native youth who learned about what could become their own personal projects or careers.