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Manitoba School Esports Association | MSEA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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WELCOME LETTER
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HISTORY OF BLOODVEIN RIVER FIRST NATION
CHALLENGE OVERVIEW | RESTRICTIONS
RUBRICS
SUPPORT RESOURCES
MINECRAFT SUPPORT TEAM
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
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CHALLENGE STRUCTURE | VIDEO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that this virtual Esports competition takes place on the traditional lands of Treaty 5 Territory, home to the Ojibwe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis Nation. We honor and respect the rich history, knowledge, and culture of these nations as we work together to create opportunities that celebrate and empower First Nations youth through technology and esports.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 National Minecraft Design Challenge!
We are excited to have you and your students participating in this Canadian National Challenge! While we all come from different backgrounds regarding gaming, sports, and competition, we have one thing in common: as educators we know that what we do needs to be student-centered and provide an educational value for our students. Our provincial Esports associations are run entirely by volunteer educators who work to create the best esport experience possible that is structured in good citizenship, strong coaching, and fair competition. All coaches, participants, spectators and organizers are held to the community guidelines agreement (see last page).
We have put together this package to help you get started in coaching and managing your Minecraft esports team and to give you guidelines for this Minecraft Challenge. .
Dear Minecraft Coaches and Students,
We are pleased to announce the creation of an esports challenge aimed at drawing awareness to the World UNESCO Heritage Site of Pimachiowin Aki and fostering an interest and appreciation among our youth for the rich cultural and historical understanding of the Anishinaabe people in Manitoba. This initiative also seeks to promote stewardship and respect for indigenous land-based traditions in Manitoba.
This project has received the full support and permissions from the following:
The esports challenge features a virtual representation of the community and surrounding area of Bloodvein River First Nation, one of four communities located within Pimachiowin Aki. Through this virtual experience, participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural and natural heritage of this significant site.
We believe that this initiative will not only educate but also inspire our youth to value and preserve the traditions and knowledge of the Anishinaabe. We look forward to your support and participation in making this event a success.
Sincerely,
Knowledge Keeper, Co-Chair of the Pimachiowin Aki Council
William Young
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Bloodvein River First Nation is located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, along the Bloodvein River in Manitoba, Canada. Indigenous peoples have inhabited this area for thousands of years as part of Treaty 5.
Historical Background and Origin:
"Bloodvein" originates from a major battle between the tribe inhabiting the mouth of the river and a neighbouring tribe, where blood flowed into the river. The name was first recorded in the Hudson's Bay Company journal from 1818-1819.
Bloodvein River First Nation upholds its rich cultural heritage and traditions, maintaining a deep connection to the land and its history. Pimachiowin Aki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the boreal forest spanning parts of Manitoba and Ontario. Known as "The Land That Gives Life" in Anishinaabemowin, it has been home to the Anishinaabe people for thousands of years. The Pimachiowin Aki Minecraft Education map accurately represents this area, developed in partnership with Logics Academy.
A History of Dog Sledding in Pimachiowin Aki
Dogsledding has been integral to life for the Indigenous peoples in this region. Historically, dog sleds were essential for transportation, especially during harsh winters. The Anishinaabe used dog sleds to travel across vast, snow-covered landscapes, facilitating hunting, trading, and communication.
More information can be found here: https://pimaki.ca/
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Main Goal:
Set in the snowy biome of the Pimachiowin Aki and with the winter activity of dog sledding in First Nation communities within Manitoba, student teams will design a dogsled race course inspired by "Mario Kart.”
Teams can consist of 2-5 students.
Map Download:
https://www.msea.gg/minecraft-challenge
Design Process:
Dog sled races are a thrilling blend of exhilaration and focus, where the cold bites at your skin and the vast wilderness stretches endlessly before you. Now, imagine combining the high-speed excitement of Mario Kart with the intensity of dog sled racing, all set within a beautifully crafted Indigenous-themed Minecraft map set in the remote area of Manitoba known as the “Pimachiowin Aki”. Picture racing through snowy trails, dodging obstacles, navigating icy turns, and using power-ups inspired by traditional elements—all while racing alongside others in an immersive Minecraft dog sled adventure!
Pre-designed elements:
These items are included/programmed in the downloadable map.
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What students/teams can design (but not limited to):
The Track/Course:
Establish a clear path or course from the start to finish line. Prevent racers from veering off course. Note that video submissions are a max of six (6) minutes in length so tailor your course, from start to finish, to meet the criteria.
Course/Track Title:
No Mario Kart track is complete without a title. Teams will be tasked with creatively naming their racecourse, blending the excitement of Mario Kart with Indigenous innovation! Be sure to showcase your race track name either within your race course design or alternatively, clearly indicated/introduced in your video submission.
Checkpoints:
At clearly marked checkpoints, plan small challenges where racers stop, dismount and collect items along the course in order to complete the race. The total amount of checkpoints should not exceed three (3) but can be combined where racers collect more than one item at each checkpoint. Collection of items is on the honour system, meaning teams should assign a referee to check if players collected their items upon finishing the race.
**Note** that if students destroy the “start button” in the map, it will disable the start race feature. Teams are encouraged to start with a fresh map should this happen, however, judges will take that into consideration if it’s too far into the build to restart. Be warned and plan ahead.
Items collected to “finish” the race should be pulled from the unique assets created by Logics Academy that are found in the Pimachiowin Aki.
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Challenges to Collect Items:
Ensure they are clear and concise, quickly solvable, and related to the theme/design. Remember that it’s a race to the finish line!
Outside the Course:
Use your creativity to plan for additional features that may be needed within your design. Concessions, podiums, stands with spectators, and any other inspired Mario Kart or dog sled race features or from research are advised!
Possible Track Elements: Be creative!
Indigenous Theme:
The entire map is set in an accurate geographic representation of the surrounding area of Manitoba near the community of Bloodvein River First Nation. Your job is to creatively integrate the in-game assets and landscapes, some not normally included in Minecraft Education, to your advantage.
Testing:
Test the dynamics of the dogsled within your Minecraft EDU track design and terrain. Continuously refine and improve your design through iteration. Invite others to play through your course and provide feedback for further enhancements.
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This national competition structure includes Grades 4–9. Schools can submit more than one (1) team but need to fill out a separate registration form for each. Teams must consist of a maximum of five (5) players.
Phase I:
Provincial qualifiers can be held anytime. Minecraft seasons typically range from 4-8 weeks. Phase I of the challenge will run from October 1, 2024 to May 2, 2025, during which time teams must research, design, build, and submit a video of their dog sled race course. Phase I will be completed upon submission of a team’s video and subsequent judging by provinces (who provide their own judges) to narrow down the top four (4) submissions. Videos narrated in either French or English will be accepted.
Phase II:
Top four (4) teams advance with video links submitted to Esport Canada EDU. A team of Minecraft Education experts will evaluate video submission nationally and there will also be an opportunity for communities to vote on the top designs via Esport Canada’s social media.Teams/Finalists for Phase II of the challenge will be notified by May 30, 2025 .
Most importantly, for the purposes of this competition we wish to ensure that submissions are coming from the same basis of fairness and inclusiveness affording equal opportunities when it is time to judge entries. Therefore, mods, skins, and packs of any kind apart of the customized map are not permitted to be used in submissions, and any entries found to contain these modifications will be disqualified.
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Video submissions will include two (2) parts:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Total video content length is 6 minutes maximum.
Videos cannot include copyrighted material, including music, and the content must be original.
We highly encourage provinces to assign two (2) distinct deadlines for teams within this challenge, one for the design of the course and another for the video submission(s).
Provinces must appoint a selection committee, meaning a group of individuals who will collect video submissions and decide on the top four (4) per province. Please inform chair@msea.gg of your selection committee so that provinces can keep in direct contact.
IMPORTANT: Please do not include any students’ faces in the video submissions. We must abide by the privacy policies specific to Esport Canada and to each team’s school and/or school board.
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Video Length: Videos must be a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 6 minutes in length. Shorter or longer videos will not be accepted.
Video Format: Up to the coach/team, however video links must be submitted via a YouTube link. Coach’s are expected to help facilitate this process with students to ensure links remain private.
Video Resolution: Videos must be in high definition (HD) with a resolution of at least 720p.
Video Quality: Videos must be of good quality, with clear audio and visuals. Videos that are blurry or difficult to see or hear will not be accepted.
Submission Deadline: Video submission deadlines will vary by province. Late submissions will not be accepted.
How to Submit: Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and the provided link shared with the commissioner of the respective provincial organization.
ALBERTA
Submissions by email at michael.saretzky@rdcrs.ca
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NOTE: Video submissions must be a maximum of 6 minutes in length. It is important that teams prepare a script of what they want to say, and that they stay focused on presenting their learning.
Team submissions will be judged using the following rubrics:
Track Design
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NOTE: Video submissions must be a maximum of 6 minutes in length. It is important that teams prepare a script of what they want to say, and that they stay focused on presenting their learning.
Team submissions will be judged using the following rubrics:
Simulated Race:
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Import, Export, and Manage Worlds
Global Competencies
(Manitoba Education Resource):
Various Minecraft video tutorials on a variety of topics.
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We want to thank the following amazing educators whose guidance, feedback, and support have been invaluable as we prepared to launch this Provincial Minecraft Design Challenge.
Dan Noble, Lead Consultant
A longtime enthusiast of all things Minecraft, Dan Noble recently made the jump from being a Technician and Minecraft Lead at the WCDSB in Ontario to becoming a full time education consultant, primarily focusing on Minecraft. Using his unique skill sets and understanding of the application, Dan assists educators in harnessing the power of Minecraft Education in the classroom, through in-services, workshops for students, esports, as well as providing practical introductions to redstone & command functionality. Additionally, he is a Minecraft content builder and creator, providing unique, custom curriculum specific lesson or activity worlds.
Dan is also an MIE Expert and Global Minecraft Mentor, volunteering actively in these communities, as well as sharing his Minecraft knowledge on YouTube. He currently resides with his family in Dumfries, Scotland.
@thatminecraftguy12
Karl Hildebrandt, Education Technology Facilitator at MFNERC
Karl is a dedicated Education Technology Facilitator, currently working for the Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre (MFNERC). As the Chair of the Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA), he plays a pivotal role in advancing esports initiatives within the region. With a profound interest in education technology, Karl is a passionate advocate for digital game-based learning and is particularly enthusiastic about leveraging the educational potential of Minecraft. His multifaceted roles underscore his dedication to enhancing educational experiences, blending technology and pedagogy to empower learners in unique and impactful ways.
Daniel Rolo, Ontario School Esports Association
Daniel Rolo is a junior/intermediate teacher with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board specializing in the integration and implementation of STEM technologies and concepts, particularly the integration of interactive 3D technologies such as the Unreal Engine. Daniel is a founding member of the Ontario Scholastic Esports Associations (OSEA), a not-for-profit organization that supports Ontario schools in implementing robust scholastic esports programs by creating high-quality, student-centred learning experiences through esports and gaming, and by providing curriculum, competition, and community for all students to use esports as a platform to grow as individuals.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Logics Academy for their generous support in the development of this esports map. Their outstanding work on the educational pathway, Pimachiowin Aki, is a testament to their commitment to education technology in Canada.
Please visit https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/lessons/pimachiowin-aki-the-land-that-gives-life to learn more!
@danielrolo
@khildebrandtedu
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MSEA Community Guidelines Agreement
The Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA) strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for players to compete and an inclusive space for spectators, coaches, and organizers to connect and enjoy the game. Participation in any MSEA tournaments or events requires adherence to the following set of community guidelines for sportsmanship, conduct and ethics.
All Players, Coaches, Spectators, and Organizers must:
All Coaches will: