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Exploring Indigenous Music Games for Kids: A Review of CBC's Four Directions

  • 15 hours ago
  • 1 min read

Music has a unique way of connecting people, and when combined with games, it becomes an impactful and interactive tool for learning and fun.



Four Directions is just one of many online games hosted by CBC Kids that focus on learning and storytelling. The available games let children explore Indigenous cultures, Canadian History, and scientific principles, with games that build skills in strategy, puzzle-solving, creative thinking, and more. Each game emphasizes rhythm, listening skills, and creativity, making them accessible and enjoyable for kids of various ages.


What is the game, Four Directions?


CBC Kids offers an Indigenous music game called Four Directions, designed to combine lessons about Indigenous cultures through interactive beat games. These games provide an engaging way for kids to explore rhythm and music while enjoying playful coordination challenges.


Four Directions Tutorial


The Four Directions games use simple mechanics centred around rhythm and timing. Players tap or click to match beats, create patterns, or follow musical cues.


The Four Directions games use simple mechanics centred around rhythm and timing.

There's even a multiplayer level!


Dance game UI with colorful arrows and scores. Two dancers in traditional attire on a purple night landscape with mountains and teepees.

Why Indigenous Music Games Matter


Indigenous games, such as those in Four Directions, play an important role in cultural education. They provide a platform for Indigenous voices and traditions to be shared with a wider audience, especially young learners. By engaging with these games, children gain a better understanding of Indigenous heritage and the importance of music in storytelling and community life.


CBC Kids’ Four Directions


CBC Kids’ Four Directions games offer a unique and enjoyable way for children to connect with Indigenous music and culture. The games combine fun gameplay with educational content, helping kids develop musical skills while learning about Indigenous traditions.


Two animated figures in traditional outfits hold fans on a colorful background. Text: "FOUR DIRECTIONS." Arrows and game logos present.

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Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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