Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - January 22, 2025 - The Lethbridge Polytechnic has used virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality to bring to life the Battle of the Belly River, the last battle on the Canadian prairies between Indigenous nations.

The project, initiated by a committee to improve reconciliation, involved the use of VR and augmented reality to immerse people in the story.

Digital Communications and Media and Multimedia instructor Kris Hodgson-Bright joined the effort, leveraging his applied research project to secure funding for the project.

The project was successful in securing $22,000 in grant funding.

Elders were intrigued by the technology's potential to engage young Indigenous youth in understanding their culture, as many elders are passing away.

The VR telling of the story began with an immersive introduction, followed by three tipis: the Battle of the Belly River, exploring artifacts in virtuality, and drone footage of Writing on Stone and Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump.

Hodgson-Bright believes that VR can reach new audiences outside of a specific region while keeping stories authentic.

While the next steps are still being discussed, stakeholders from the Galt Museum and Blackfoot Elders are pleased with the project.