What is the name of your organization?
Peyak Innovation
What is the name of your solution?
Achakos AR: Indigenous Futures
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Indigenous storytelling that bridges traditional designs and histories with cutting edge tech such as Augmented Reality (AR)
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Toronto, ON, Canada
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Canada
What type of organization is your solution team?
Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
At Peyak Innovation, we are committed to tackling two deeply interconnected challenges affecting Indigenous communities in Canada, and across all of Turtle Island.
1. Underrepresentation in STEM Fields
Despite constituting approximately 5% of Canada’s population, Indigenous peoples account for only about 2% of those employed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations. This disparity is particularly concerning given the youthful demographic of Indigenous communities; the average age is 33.6 years, compared to 41.8 years for non-Indigenous populations. This youthful energy represents a significant opportunity to foster greater Indigenous participation in STEM fields, ensuring that future innovations are inclusive and representative. 
2. Urbanization and Cultural Disconnection
The 2021 Canadian Census revealed that 56% of Indigenous peoples now reside in urban areas, a figure that has been steadily increasing. While urban centers offer enhanced access to employment, healthcare, and education, this migration often leads to a disconnection from traditional cultures, languages, and community ties. Alarmingly, only 13.1% of Indigenous individuals reported the ability to conduct a conversation in an Indigenous language, with declines more pronounced in urban settings.
By addressing these dual challenges, Peyak Innovation aims to empower Indigenous youth through culturally grounded STEM education, fostering a generation that is both technologically proficient and deeply connected to their heritage.
What is your solution?
Our solution focuses on creating physical products - such as vinyl stickers, shirts, and hats - and public art installations that are activated through Augmented Reality (AR). These items serve as bridges for Indigenous language, storytelling, and oral traditions, bringing them into interactive, modern contexts.
By leveraging readily available technology, we aim to develop, and empower others to create, Indigenous-centered AR experiences. These experiences incorporate 3D audio and visual overlays on images, allowing users to engage with spatial technology in ways that are both captivating and educational. This approach not only makes learning about Indigenous culture enjoyable but also integrates it seamlessly into contemporary mediums.
Currently, we have a working prototype: the “Achakos” AR shirt. When scanned via a QR code (accessible on the product), it initiates an AR experience on the user’s smartphone, featuring both audio and visual elements, including the voice of my nokum (grandmother).
This prototype represents our proof of concept. We are in the process of enhancing it to include a more comprehensive AR interaction that narrates the Nêhiyawak (Cree) star creation story of “Achakos.” This enriched experience will be accessible through various mediums, including decals and apparel.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our mission is to enrich the lives of Indigenous communities, both urban and on-reserve, by ensuring that our stories, languages, and traditions are represented within cutting-edge technological landscapes. By creating immersive experiences that blend cultural heritage with modern innovation, we aim to inspire and equip Indigenous individuals to become active creators in these emerging spaces.
Representation holds profound significance. When Indigenous narratives are authentically integrated into technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and spatial computing, it not only preserves cultural knowledge but also opens pathways for our people to engage with and contribute to the tech sector. This dual impact fosters cultural preservation while encouraging Indigenous participation in technology-driven careers. 
The field of spatial computing is experiencing rapid growth, with substantial investments from leading tech companies. By embracing this technology early and infusing it with Indigenous perspectives, we position our communities at the forefront of the next wave of technological advancement. This proactive approach empowers our youth to innovate within the tech space, ensuring that Indigenous voices and visions shape the future of technology.
