At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, multimedia artist Jackson 2bears, also known as Tékeniyáhsen Ohkwá:ri from the Kanien’kehà:ka community, has created a groundbreaking immersive experience titled “Ne:Kahwistará:ken Kanónhsa’kówa í:se Onkwehonwe.” This project aims to bring the Haudenosaunee creation story to life through innovative technology, combining traditional storytelling with modern digital techniques. Supported by MIT’s Co-Creation Studio at the Open Documentary Lab, 2bears emphasizes the importance of keeping Indigenous teachings alive and relevant in contemporary contexts.
The creation story narrates the journey of the Sky Woman, who falls from the sky and lands on the back of a turtle, eventually leading to the formation of the Earth. Inspired by this tale, 2bears collaborated with Thru the RedDoor, an Indigenous-owned media company, to create a virtual reality representation of a traditional Haudenosaunee longhouse. This structure is not merely a dwelling; it serves as a vital cultural and spiritual center for the community, where stories are shared and traditions are maintained. 2bears highlights that the longhouse embodies the essence of the Haudenosaunee people, representing their creative practices and communal spirit.
The immersive experience integrates storytelling with physical space, allowing participants to engage with the narrative in a communal setting. Unlike conventional individualistic approaches, 2bears and his team aimed to create a shared experience that reflects the collaborative nature of the longhouse itself. This approach aligns with the Haudenosaunee worldview, where stories are seen as both temporal and dimensional, fostering a deeper connection among participants. The project incorporates elements such as drumming, dancing, and knowledge-sharing, transforming the longhouse into a vibrant space for cultural expression.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in 2bears' work. Documentarian Kat Cizek, co-founder of the Co-Creation Studio, describes this process as a dance, where multiple voices come together without a predetermined agenda. This method challenges the conventional notion of a singular author and encourages collective creativity. 2bears' practice exemplifies how collaboration can enrich artistic endeavors, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
During his time at MIT, 2bears not only focused on the technical aspects of his project but also engaged with broader philosophical questions surrounding technology, Indigenous knowledge, and artificial intelligence. He participated in the Co-Creation Studio Indigenous Immersive Incubator, where he collaborated with other Indigenous artists and leaders. This gathering provided an opportunity to share ideas and explore the intersection of culture and technology, enhancing the depth of his work.
The project gained additional significance when the longhouse in 2bears' community unexpectedly burned down during its development. The team pivoted creatively, utilizing 3D scans of the structure to inform their virtual representation. The immersive installation features impressive visuals, with 8-foot tall images projected onto a 34-foot diameter screen, accompanied by a 14-channel surround sound system. This scale creates a powerful atmosphere, allowing participants to experience the story of Sky Woman in a transformative way.
The premiere of the immersive experience at the 2RO MEDIA Festival received enthusiastic feedback from the Six Nations community. Participants expressed how the project resonated with them, providing a unique and sacred representation of their cultural heritage. Looking ahead, 2bears envisions making the installation even more interactive, allowing participants to engage with the narrative in diverse ways, fostering ongoing connections to their traditions.
Through this innovative project, Jackson 2bears not only revitalizes Indigenous storytelling but also demonstrates the potential of immersive technology to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding. His work serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community in preserving and sharing Indigenous narratives for future generations.
