The gaming and entertainment arena, while still bearing room for improvement, has begun to highlight the artistic vision and expression of Indigenous communities across the globe. As players and viewers embrace new lenses across a world they often felt they knew well, Indigenous creators have been taking the globe by storm.
With over 476 million Indigenous people across 90 countries, you will find that 5,000 different cultures are represented (United Nations Development Programme, 2021). According to The World Bank (2021), despite making up 6% of the worldâs population, Indigenous Peoples protect 80% of the planetâs biodiversity. Even so, there has been minimal acknowledgement of the collective community, their efforts, and their critical role as Earthâs stewards.
Leaving room for a myriad of stories to be shared and experiences to be explored, games, movies, and TV shows are the perfect platforms to reach the masses. It not only exposes non-Indigenous People to a myriad of cultures, but, more importantly, offers communities a chance to see themselves and better understand their cultures and the daily lives of the other Indigenous groups.
While the United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November, weâve partnered with Microsoftâs Indigenous employee group to curate collections of games, movies, and TV shows that reflect global Indigenous stories, culture, and artistry. This is part of ongoing work at Microsoft to create more inclusive experiences and elevate content that resonates with communities while increasing awareness of their unique perspectives and experiences. Want to find even more community picks? Simply do a search on âIndigenousâ in the Microsoft Store on Windows app.
Games
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
The creators of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition made it a top priority to authentically represent the cultures and Indigenous Peoples that are depicted in the series. The most significant evolution from the original game is the representation of First Nations and Native American civilizations. By working directly with tribal consultants, they were able to respectfully and accurately capture the uniqueness of their people, history, and varied cultures.
Carto
Reflective of long-standing Indigenous mapping practices and inspired by several tribal cultures, Carto must map the world around her on a quest to be reunited with her Granny while traversing new lands.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
Play as Raji, a young girl in search of her brother, during a war between gods and demons. This unique game set in ancient India is inspired by Hindu and Balinese mythology.
Tell Me Why
Set in rural Alaska, this game features Indigenous characters. The development team worked closely with local tribes and the Huna Heritage Foundation to represent Tlingit culture. This game includes strong LGBTQIA+ themes and prominent intersectional representation.
Want more? Scroll through our full games collection that spans Indigenous game creators, playable characters, and titles inspired by Indigenous cultures.
Movies & TV
Cleverman
Creator Ryan Griffen wanted to create an Australian Aboriginal superhero for his son and succeeded! This supernatural thriller draws heavily from the mythology of Indigenous Australians known as Dreamtime.
The Legend of Korra
Itâs not often that we see a strong, complex, and bisexual Indigenous woman at the helm of a major animated TV series. Korra is an avatar, master of the four elements hailing from the Southern Water Tribe that is based on Indigenous Arctic cultures. The show touches on deep themes of spirituality and mental health such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Moana
Starring a Native Hawaiian lead and a supporting Samoan actor, this family friendly film celebrates Oceanic cultures. In addition to finding inspiration in Polynesian mythology, the film also features strong women and a powerful soundtrack that includes Samoan, Tuvaluan, and Tokelauan languages in song lyrics.
Smoke Signals
This was the first feature length film that was written by, directed by, produced by, and that starred Native American leads. The story follows two friends, Victor and Thomas, from the Coeur DâAlene Reservation as they travel to Phoenix, Arizona to collect ashes of Victorâs father. The film explores identity and complicated family relationships.
Whale Rider
A memorable depiction of MÄori culture and history, Whale Rider follows the struggles of a young girl named Paikea to fulfil her destiny in the shadow of her late twin brother. Pai is named after an ancient ancestor who rode on top of a whale.
Interested in exploring more? Check out our complete collection of Movies and TV featuring Indigenous creators, leads, educational views, and family entertainment. Here’s an all-up view of the our Indigenous Peoples and cultures movies and TV collection.