Escape Room Facilitation

The Cause

USAY's virtual escape rooms, "Della's Story" and "James' Story," are innovative educational experiences that aim to deepen understanding of Indigenous history, particularly the legacy of Residential Schools.

In "Della's Story," participants become junior scientists from the future, piecing together memories to unlock a final room and explore the narrative of a Sixties Scoop Survivor. "James' Story" transforms them into news producers racing against time to comprehend the history and impacts of Residential Schools.

The primary goal of these escape rooms is to create a safe and immersive space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals can enhance their awareness and knowledge. By engaging with these experiences, participants gain insights into the historical trauma experienced by Indigenous communities, fostering empathy and understanding.

An essential aspect of this initiative is the "pay it forward" concept. As participants expand their awareness and empathy, they commit to sharing their newfound knowledge with others in their communities. This approach amplifies the impact of the experience, creating a ripple effect of enlightenment and advocacy for truth and reconciliation.

In essence, these virtual escape rooms go beyond education; they inspire action. They encourage participants not only to learn but also to actively contribute to healing and understanding. By harnessing the power of immersive storytelling and human connection, USAY's initiative fosters a collective force for positive change, contributing to a brighter future built on truth, empathy, and reconciliation.

Who Will it Benefit?

This project offers a significant opportunity for education and awareness, with four time slots available per day, five days a week, from January to June. The potential reach is substantial, considering that each session can accommodate a minimum of three participants, but often hosts entire classrooms or workplaces with nearly 30 people engaging at once.

Let's break down the potential impact:
• Participant Reach: Assuming conservative estimates of three participants per session, over the course of six months, we could engage with approximately 720 individuals (4 time slots * 5 days/week * 24 weeks * 3 participants). However, considering that many sessions host groups of up to 30, the actual number of participants could be substantially higher, potentially reaching thousands.

• Educational Impact: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous history, particularly the legacy of Residential Schools. They'll be immersed in immersive escape room experiences that encourage empathy and awareness. For Indigenous participants, this can facilitate healing and cultural reconnection. For non-Indigenous participants, it promotes education, empathy, and allyship.

• Awareness: The ripple effect is considerable. Each participant is a potential ambassador for Indigenous history and reconciliation. As these individuals return to their classrooms, workplaces, and communities, they'll carry their newfound knowledge and perspectives with them. This can lead to a broader cultural shift, promoting respect, inclusion, and support for Indigenous peoples.

• Anticipated Outcomes: The project aims to foster empathy, understanding, and meaningful allyship among participants. It encourages them to take action, share their knowledge, and contribute to reconciliation efforts. Additionally, by accommodating large groups, this project has the potential to reach educational institutions and workplaces, further amplifying its impact.

Overall, the anticipated outcomes include a more informed and empathetic society, an increased sense of cultural connection for Indigenous participants, and a commitment to taking meaningful action in support of reconciliation. The numbers and impact are substantial, making this initiative a powerful tool for positive change.