Hello everyone,

This summer, as a returning GLIFWC Public Information Office intern, I developed two new levels of Growing Up Ojibwe: The Game, as well as made a few improvements to earlier levels.  In the two new levels, players go spearfishing with Tommy’s father and harvest wild rice with his mother.  

In the new level focusing on spearfishing, players learn about the history of Ojibwe spearfishing. Tommy’s father, a creel clerk, and a GLIFWC warden teach the player how to spearfish safely and sustainably.

In the next level, Tommy’s mother teaches the player how to harvest wild rice. Players will also learn facts about wild rice, including how it is processed and how climate change is affecting it. 

Another new addition to Growing Up Ojibwe: The Game is the ability to play as Tommy’s younger sister Annie. The Public Information Office team and I felt that it was important to include a playable female character to make the game more inclusive. As a woman seeking a career in the game industry, a male dominated space, representing minorities and women in games is especially important to me. 

This summer, I also improved the background art of the first three levels of Growing Up Ojibwe: The Game to create a more immersive gameplay experience. Improving the background environment art was important to me because I wanted to better capture the feeling of magic and adventure that being outdoors gives me. This feeling and the beauty of nature greatly inspire my work. Hopefully, younger players of Growing Up Ojibwe: The Game will also gain a deeper appreciation for nature and find inspiration in it. 

I hope you enjoy playing the new levels and learn something new!

Miigwech,

Eleanore Falck