Library’s escape room inspired by Indigenous stories

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 18, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad Stephanie Landry and her children Ernest and Violet work together to find clues at the 'Tales of Napi' escape room at the library.

The Lethbridge Public Library is hosting an escape room inspired by Indigenous stories.

Tales of Napi escape room is inspired by the book “Napi and the Dogs” by Tim Fox.

Natasha Fox, Indigenous facilitator for the Lethbridge Public Library, enjoyed sharing her culture through the escape room experience.

“A sense of knowledge on the history of Indigenous culture, and to be able to take in the different clues that we have laid out, but also in the background we have some background Indigenous music that’s going to be playing. It’s going to give them an idea of our culture,” said Fox.

Violet and Ernest Landry along with Stephanie Landry, their mother, experienced the escape room on Friday and they really enjoyed their experience.

“I like the directional lock because putting in the directions is quite fun,” said Violet.

Earnest and Stephanie both loved the story of the dogs.

“The dog story had a video element to it, where you could kind of read a little bit. I learned about why bats have a squished in face and I think the video really appealed to the kids, said Stephanie.

Both children were eager to learn more about Indigenous culture.

“Because of the residential schools, their cultures tried to get taken away from them and I feel that it’s very important that we remember who they were and who they can still be,” said Violet.

Emily Kundrik, customer assistant at the Crossings Branch, made some of the props for the escape room.

“My favourite part is always making the clue because I find it interesting to me. Escape room is sort of like a puzzle and you just have to discover what the pieces are. I also really like making my own props because it’s very cost effective and it’s also fun. So for this one there was a story where dogs have to hang up their tails to go to a party. I made cute little dog tails,” said Kundrik.

Kundrik also says this is the first Indigenous themed escape room and is intended for all ages.

“If you are new to escape rooms, I know they can sometimes seem a bit intimidating, but just know that they’re really fun to do. And if you need any clues or any extra help, the facilitator will always be there to help you out,” said Kundrik.

Spots are limited for June 21-23, but the library is hosting several activities at their main branch including a story-time at 10 a.m., followed Indigenous tacos at 12 p.m. and entertainment from 1-4 p.m.

Fox hopes everyone will join in the celebrations.

“It’s just the whole experience altogether sharing with the library, Lethbridge and the whole community all together. I would invite everyone to come out to the library if they have any questions when it comes to learning more about Indigenous culture, learning about escape rooms, learning about all the knowledge that’s in the library for books, we have everything here, check out our website for our events page. We have so many great programs coming out,” said Fox.

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