Virtual reality takes Northwest Indigenous elders on a journey.

Christmas Dry bonesAn 81-year-old man can see and hear the chanting and drumming of a traditional religious hand game through a virtual reality headset. Once taken off, he finds peace and quiet at the senior center Jimmy Erasmus, in Bahceuk.

Bring me back [là]. It helps me with my memoryHe said.

This virtual reality project, led by the Tłı̨ch Indigenous Government, was started during the pandemic in order to provide these experiences to residents during periods of isolation. A list of 10 places or activities is provided, such as hiking to the local cemetery, walking to Whatı̀ Waterfalls, or visiting an animal skin tanning camp.

Two hearing aids are now available at the senior center and allow residents with reduced mobility or cognitive decline to reconnect with their culture and remember their past experiences, according to a nurse. Sarah Power.

It's a way to help them live again [ces expériences] As best we can, so that they don't have the impression that they are out of place when they come to live in a shelter.

A tool for transferring knowledge

Johnny Simpson He chose to travel on a fishing boat. The lake looks like a lake Mariannenear Bahchouk, where he used to take students to set fishing nets.

Even if the experience is not complete without being able to touch the fish or be on the water, the 66-year-old believes that this tool can make it possible to better share his knowledge with young people, especially if the elderly or students cannot move.

This is also one aspect of this technology that the project manager, Paul Chrismanwould like to explore. For example, a young man can wear a helmet while an elder tells him stories and explains the importance of this place.

Young people may want to visit these places in person after seeing how beautiful they are and hearing these storiessaid the master. Chrisman.

Memory therapy

According to a psychology professor at Victoria University Steve LindsayThis type of project is like memory therapy allowing the user to remember a lived experience and take them back to that time.

It's a kind of mental time traveldescribes.

However, the effects of this treatment are short-lived, especially for people with cognitive decline. But if we can let them have a good time, that's goodAccording to him.

Accommodation Center Coordinator, Julia Niedzo, notes these beneficial effects among residents. According to her, the fact that the headset works in the Tłı̨chƫ language is a big advantage.

I think it takes them back to when they were kidsShe says. We see them smiling and laughing.

With information from Natalie Pressman