Be thoughtful about avatars

In the Metaverse, you need an avatar — a digital representation of yourself — to get around. When creating avatars to select from, do the options allow First Nations people to adopt an avatar that represents them?

Also worth considering is that people may take on false avatars, and this may cause harm to others. “You can be a fairy, you can be a rock, you can change genders, you can have no gender. But it also means that you could come in as a Dharug person if you’re not a Dharug person, which makes those places unsafe for us,” Mikaela says.

Ensure diversity on the development team

People bring to the virtual world the experiences they’ve had in the physical one. When creating technology, a diversity of views often results in a better experience for end users.

Mikaela recalls how she was once presenting as a holograph on stage with two holographic men. During the presentation, she discovered that one of the men had his digital head in her digital crotch. “Even in the holographic environment, I don’t want people in my personal space, unless I invite them in,” she says.

A horrific moment for Mikaela, it's one she believes could have been avoided if a woman had been on the technology team, as women are more likely to think about spatial boundaries.

Consider the rights of First Nations people

The Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People was ratified by First Nations people from around the world in 2008. Mikaela says it's a document that anyone creating new products and services for the Metaverse needs to consider. Its articles address every concern that a creator might be confronted with. Mikaela refers to it as “the floor, not the ceiling, of what our expectations are.”

In addition to this, in Aotearoa we have the Treaty of Waitangi, which guides the way when it comes to partnering with Māori.

Engage with indigenous communities

Mikaela’s advice to businesses wanting to engage with First Nation’s people is simple — just do it. Find the people in your networks who can help you start those conversations. “If you have goodwill, and you come to our communities with open minds and open hearts about how we might work together, our communities are going to be open to you with the same welcome that you show us.”