William - Virtual Reality

WILLIAM is a virtual reality (VR) series that sheds light on a part of Canadian history that was long silenced and deliberately ignored. For one revealing moment, you will be this child; you will be transported back in time and witness the realities many Indigenous children faced in residential schools. According to the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015), the residential school system was the primary vehicle for a policy of assimilation that sought to destroy their cultures, identities and histories. The six episodes of WILLIAM allow the user to live this dark chapter of Canadian history in the first person.

Step Into History Through Virtual Reality

The link below takes you on a powerful virtual reality journey into a bygone era when First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend residential schools.

Through the immersive WILLIAM 360° VR Experience, learners witness the story from the perspective of a young Indigenous child, gaining a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The experience is based on historical research and the testimonies of residential school Survivors, making it a meaningful educational resource for promoting truth, empathy, and reconciliation.

This resource is recommended for students aged 13 and older due to the sensitive nature of its content. Teachers are encouraged to prepare students before viewing and provide opportunities for reflection and discussion afterward.

Explore the experience here:

https://william360vr.com/index-en