Our Background
[p]We are a proud Métis woman from Alberta and a Status First Nation man. Together, we bring generations of lived experience as Registered Trappers, land users, and cultural knowledge holders. As consultants for theHunter: Call of the Wild, we’ve worked closely with the team to ensure the game authentically represents Indigenous cultures—specifically the Métis and Cree Peoples of Alberta.[/p][p]Throughout our careers, we've worked tirelessly to educate individuals, groups, institutions, and even other Nations about the deep Indigenous connection to the land.[/p][p][/p][p]For us this work is about ensuring Indigenous choices are heard, respected, and included in the spaces where decisions and narratives about us are being shaped. It’s about shifting power, centering Indigenous knowledge, and creating environments where our communities are not just consulted, but are leading the way.[/p][p][/p]
Métis, Cree, and First Nation Culture
[p]In Canada, the term Cree refers to one of the largest and most widespread Indigenous Nations in the country. Cree people have a distinct language (called Nehiyawewin), culture, and traditional territories that span from Alberta to Quebec. The Cree Nation is made up of many different communities, each with their own governance structures and local practices, but all rooted in a shared worldview that emphasizes respect for the land, spirituality, family, and community.[/p][p][/p][p]When someone is described as a Status First Nation, it means they are legally recognized under the Indian Act, a federal law in Canada that governs many aspects of Indigenous life. This status is recorded in a government registry, and it affirms the person’s identity as a member of a federally recognized First Nation. It also means they have specific rights and responsibilities tied to their Nation and to the treaties signed between First Nations and the Crown (the government of Canada).[/p][p][/p][p]While “Status” recognition offers certain legal protections, it does not define the strength or legitimacy of someone’s identity or connection to their culture. Many Indigenous people—both Status and non-Status—live deeply rooted lives in their traditions, languages, and lands.[/p][p][/p][p]Métis culture is a rich and distinct blend of First Nations and European ancestry, with our own language, governance, and worldview. We have a deep connection to the land, strong family networks, and a long-standing history of resilience, trade, and cultural expression—through music, storytelling, beadwork, and traditional land use.[/p][p][/p][p]Alberta is unique in Canada as the only province with legislated Métis Settlements—communities with a recognized land base and local governance. [/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/27000850/4f824be873c20791028621d4381b371973758c6c.png"][/img][/p][p]That uniqueness brought about some meaningful and, at times, complex conversations with theHunter team. We explored what it would look like to create a hypothetical land base in the game—one that is Indigenous-managed and culturally grounded. This idea opened the door to discussions around the realities Métis and First Nations people in Alberta face, particularly the challenges and opportunities of working together across different Nations, histories, and priorities. The result is a storyline that feels realistic. It reflects the strength, pride, and sometimes the tension that can come with inter-Nation collaboration.[/p][p][/p]Hunting in Alberta
[p]For us, hunting and trapping aren’t hobbies or recreational activities—they are part of a deeply rooted way of life, passed down through generations of Indigenous knowledge, experience, and respect for the land. As Registered Trappers in Eastern Alberta, we live closely with the land and pay attention to everything it tells us—watching the signs, listening to the animals, and understanding the shifts in the environment.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/27000850/d535203ee3b5e8e2d2b9778895f4e8c53968db6d.png"][/img][/p][p]Each season begins with prayer and ceremony. Before we set a trap or take a harvest, we offer thanks to the Creator and the spirits of the land. We acknowledge the animals we may take and show respect for the lives they give. These ceremonies help ground us in humility, gratitude, and spiritual responsibility. We don’t take lightly the fact that we are entering into a relationship with the land and its creatures.[/p][p][/p][p]We watch for trends on the land—the health of the animals, the balance of ecosystems, and signs of disease or overpopulation. If we see a species thriving beyond its natural balance or struggling with illness, we adjust where and what we trap to help support overall environmental health. Trapping is not just about harvesting—it’s about monitoring and maintaining the land in a way that supports all life.[/p][p][/p][p]We also harvest traditional medicines, plants, and roots—like rat root, wild mint, sweetgrass, and willow bark—which help us care for our own health and continue the practices our ancestors relied on. These are part of our seasonal routines, and they carry deep cultural significance.[/p][p][/p][p]One of our oldest guiding tools is the lunar calendar, or moon cycles. Each moon—like the "Falling Leaves Moon" or the "Hard Frost Moon"—carries teachings about when to trap, when to gather, and when to rest. The moon teaches us rhythm and timing, and it helps us live in harmony with the natural world. We trap with the moon, not the clock.[/p][p][/p]Translating our Indigenous Heritage into the Game
[p]As Indigenous consultants for Askiy Ridge, our role has been deeply immersive and integral to the development of the preserve. From the very beginning, Warren and I were brought in not just as advisors, but as cultural stewards—ensuring every detail reflects the true spirit, traditions, and knowledge systems of the Indigenous peoples of Alberta, specifically the Métis and Cree communities.[/p][p][/p][p]From the portrayal of the wildlife and landscapes of Alberta, to music, traditional hunting methods, the main hunting lodge and cabins, characters, and storylines, we’ve infused the game with real traditions, perspectives, and practices passed down through generations. We’ve helped shape the characters, their voices, and even the naming conventions of the game’s regions—making sure they are grounded in place, history, and meaning.[/p][p][/p]The Main Lodge
[p]Our input has helped shape both the interior and exterior design of the main hunting lodge and cabins—ensuring they reflect the practical and cultural elements of Indigenous life in Alberta. We spent a lot of time working with the team to ensure that every detail reflected the lived experience of Indigenous land users—particularly Métis and Cree families with deep roots in the fur trade era.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/27000850/24d4975e0c26ecfc11d5237fdd45a656f829d815.png"][/img][/p][p]One important feature we shared was the traditional tongue and groove method used in cabin building. This is a wood joinery technique where one board has a groove cut into it and another has a corresponding “tongue” that fits snugly inside. It creates a strong, weather-resistant seal without the need for nails or screws, which was essential for building warm and sturdy cabins in remote areas using limited tools. This method is still used today in many traditional trapper cabins across Alberta.[/p][p][/p][p]We also guided the team in adding meaningful interior touches—like handmade furniture, woven rugs, trade blankets, and leatherwork—items commonly found in Indigenous homes. These were not just decorative, but functional and often created by hand using local materials. The presence of beadwork, antler-handled tools, and traditional artwork helped give each cabin a sense of story and identity.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/27000850/863368dd303988dcfc85d1e957b95ea473846052.png"][/img][/p][p]These cabins represent more than shelter; they reflect self-sufficiency, resilience, and pride in our way of life. The team didn’t just design a space—they captured the spirit of home for many Indigenous people who’ve lived and worked on the land for generations.[/p][p][/p]Character Design
[p]We also worked with the design team to ensure the characters are authentic in their appearance, including their clothing, gear, and mannerisms. Warren and I were deeply involved in shaping the characters to ensure they reflect real Indigenous people—not stereotypes or generic representations. From their clothing and physical appearance to their personalities, backstories, and ways of speaking, we worked closely with the team to build characters that are rooted in authentic Métis and Cree worldviews.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://lh7-qw.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdBny4n1qBa2-fGFyvADiw3F9z82at0IciNVnWBjJ5qdJ05Cn4p02KyocUUga8P31Qy1diVA0XaRwFvsSYXRq35s66SApJRWVn3hdlG-gVhqrlDN3WuEckvORjvJhg-3ZJ6voAf?key=yTNnCCc-2Rw_0GjKdvFXDVw"][/img]Janine-< Armstrong, main character of Askiy Ridge’s story.[/p][p][/p][p]We discussed traditional and practical clothing styles—things like moccasins, sashes, fur-lined jackets, and other pieces influenced by both the fur trade and land-based living. These aren’t just costumes—they reflect identity, utility, and cultural pride. We also paid close attention to the characters’ tools, gear, and accessories, ensuring they reflect the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of Indigenous trappers and hunters.[/p][p][/p][p]But beyond appearance, we helped shape the character arcs and personalities. We emphasized the importance of humility, respect for the land, kinship ties, and traditional knowledge. For example, we guided the team on how an Elder character might speak or carry themselves—with patience, wisdom, and humor—and how a younger character might be in a learning role, full of questions, trying to reconnect with the land or their culture.[/p][p][/p][p]We also made sure that characters weren’t just placed in the story—but that their roles had cultural depth and meaning. Each character represents something larger than themselves—whether it’s the role of knowledge keeper, hunter, helper, or protector of tradition. Even their emotional expressions and dialogue were shaped to align with the way Indigenous people speak—grounded, relational, and often layered with teaching.[/p][p][/p][p]Our goal was simple: to make the characters feel real to Indigenous players and respectfully educational to non-Indigenous audiences.[/p][p][/p]
