Two-day workshop on drums, sampling instruments, building beats, and sound design brought together Indigenous Elders and Youth in a collaborative learning environment. Participants explored traditional drumming techniques alongside modern sampling methods, creating unique beat patterns that honoured cultural sounds while experimenting with contemporary approaches. The workshop, instructed by accomplished musician Marek Tyler, provided hands-on experience with audio equipment, teaching participants how to capture and layer sounds to create musical compositions that bridge traditional Indigenous percussion with digital sound design elements.

An interactive expo showcasing Indigenous XR art as a part of Signals Creative Tech Expo. Visitors experienced a curated collection of innovative indigenous storytelling through a variety of XR mediums.

Participants engaged in an educational workshop on Indigenous drum making, learning traditional techniques and cultural significance while crafting their own drums under the guidance of experienced Indigenous artisans.

Indigenous animators participated in an intensive Unreal Engine 5.4 training program offered by IM4 Lab and Screen Industry Training Hub, developing advanced animation skills while receiving guidance from industry professionals in a collaborative environment focused on Indigenous storytelling.

Indigenous youth and elders learned the basics of DJing, including track selection, beatmatching, and mixing techniques. Participants developed fundamental skills to create seamless transitions between songs while exploring how to craft cohesive and engaging mixes. The workshop was instructed by DJ Kookum, a renowned Indigenous DJ known for blending traditional and contemporary influences.

Indigenous participants engaged in the IM4 Creative Technology Masterclasses, exploring diverse digital creation tools across multiple workshop days. Sessions covered Unreal Engine fundamentals, virtual reality storytelling, LEGO world-building, Fortnite design, kitbashing techniques, and cultural leadership connections. The comprehensive program brought together youth and knowledge keepers to develop practical skills in emerging technologies while centering Indigenous perspectives and storytelling approaches. The masterclasses were facilitated by experienced Indigenous digital creators committed to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators.

Indigenous artists and technologists showcased innovative digital creations at the IM4 Lab Open House at Signals festival. Visitors experienced virtual reality environments, AI-generated artwork, interactive AR installations, and virtual films produced by IM4 Lab filmmakers. The event featured speakers Casey Koyczan and Amelia Winger Bearskin, creating a vibrant space where Indigenous creative technologies flourished. The gathering celebrated the intersection of Indigenous storytelling and cutting-edge digital media while highlighting student works from this unique Indigenous-led technology lab.

IM4 Media Lab held the Screening and Networking Celebration of the IM4 Virtual Production Storytelling Micro-Credential Cohort with a final dinner. The seeds of new technologies, AI, VR, XR, VP continue growing exponentially and we are not staying behind. Participants were part of the weaving of next gen technology and timeless Indigenous traditions, as we nurtured spaces for Indigenous narratives to take the spotlight. The IM4 Media Lab and the Media Matriarchs are leading visionaries who are bringing Indigenous ways, stories and offerings to our techverse. As we celebrated our cohort of the IM4 Virtual Production Storytelling Micro-Credential and their films, the event featured presentations, AR exhibitions and discussions that showcased the potential of Virtual Production and Digital Media, and how years of work are finally sprouting at a critical time in shaping our collective digital futures.

IM4 Media Lab Virtual Production Launch celebrated the weaving of next-generation technologies with timeless Indigenous traditions. The event explored how Indigenous perspectives help shape the ecoverse and how Indigenous ways and stories engage with Virtual Production. Industry experts shared their expertise transitioning from traditional filmmaking into Virtual Production, demonstrating how years of work are finally sprouting at a critical time in shaping collective digital futures. The IM4 Media Lab and Media Matriarchs showcased their visionary leadership in bringing Indigenous ways, stories and offerings to the techverse, welcoming an all-Indigenous cohort of filmmakers and artists while highlighting opportunities for filmmakers and digital media artists in this emergent technological ecosystem.

Virtual Production live info-session showcased training program and award opportunities for Indigenous storytellers. Participants gained insights into Virtual Production capabilities, industry networking possibilities, on-set shadowing experiences, and VFX pipeline internships. The session covered Media Lab overview, aspects of Virtual Production technology, and highlighted program features including industry connections, on-set opportunities, and VFX pipeline placements. Program specialists Shenaz Baksh, Marissa Squakin, and team coordinators led the session, sharing their commitment to empowering Indigenous storytellers through technology.