The Library Escape Room Inspired by Indigenous Stories

By Alexandra Noad, Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative reporter, June 18, 2024.

Herald Photo by Alexandra Noad Stephanie Landry and her children Ernest and Violet work together to find clues in the library’s “Tales of Napi” escape room.

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

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

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

“A sense of knowing the history of Indigenous culture and being able to understand the different clues that we’ve presented, but also in the background we have background Indigenous music that’s going to be playing. It’s going to give them a feel for our culture,” Fox said.

Violet and Ernest Landry as well as Stéphanie Landry, their mother, experienced the escape game on Friday and they really enjoyed their experience.

“I like directional lock because giving directions is quite fun,” Violet said.

Earnest and Stephanie both loved the dog story.

“The dog story had a video element, where you could sort of read a little bit. “I learned why bats have squashed faces and I think the video really appealed to the kids,” Stephanie said.

Both children were eager to learn more about indigenous culture.

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

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

“My favorite part is always finding the clue because I find it interesting. The Escape Room is a bit like a puzzle and you just have to figure out what the pieces are. I also really like making my own accessories because it’s very cost effective and it’s also fun. So for this one, there was a story where the dogs had to hang up their tails to go to a party. I made cute little dog tails,” Kundrik said.

Kundrik also says this is the first indigenous-themed escape room and is for all ages.

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

Space is limited June 21-23, but the library is hosting several activities at its main branch, including story time at 10 a.m., followed by Native Tacos at 12 p.m., and entertainment from 1 to 4 p.m.

Fox hopes everyone will join in the celebrations.

“It’s just a total experience shared with the library, Lethbridge and the entire community.” I would invite everyone to come to the library if they have any questions to learn about indigenous culture, about escape rooms, about all the knowledge that is in the library for books, we have it all here, check out our website for our events page. We have so many great shows coming out,” Fox said.

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