Exploring AI Through Culture
Deadly Coders Launches National Digital Skilling Program for First Nations Students
Deadly Coders, is expanding its mission to empower First Nations students through AI and digital literacy. Building on our ongoing work, this national initiative will continue to engage First Nations students through 2025.
Launching during NAIDOC Week on 7 July 2025, this program reflects Deadly Coders’ core mission to deliver culturally grounded, hands-on learning opportunities for First Nations students, now enriched through the creative power of Minecraft Education. Designed for Years 2–6, the initiative brings together storytelling, gameplay, and real-world learning to make AI education meaningful, engaging, and accessible.
Program Overview: Technology Rooted in Culture
Each 90-minute incursion is led by a trained Deadly Coders facilitator and introduces basic AI concepts in ways that reflect students’ community, language, and cultural context. Students engage with Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations content, participating in interactive simulations such as:
- Sustainable farming
- Ocean and wildlife conservation
- Environmental mapping and land care
Throughout the experience, students are encouraged to reflect on how AI can support or challenge First Nations communities.
“This program connects emerging technology with traditional knowledge. We want students to see themselves not just as tech users, but as future tech leaders and creators.” says Grant Maher, CEO Deadly Coders.
Learning Objectives: What Students Will Take Away
By the end of the session, students will be able to:
- Describe what AI is and identify where it appears in everyday life
- Understand how machine intelligence differs from human thinking
- Recognise common AI applications such as facial recognition or smart assistants
- Use Minecraft Education to explore AI decision-making in sustainability or conservation scenarios
- Reflect on how AI could help (or harm) Indigenous culture, language, and land
Flexible, Culturally Adaptable Session Options
Recognising the diversity of First Nations communities, the program offers three flexible incursion formats:
Option 1: Sustainable Farming + Ocean Observation
Links AI with agriculture and marine life conservation.
Cultural lens: Caring for Country through food systems and ocean health.
Option 2: Mapping Terrain + Wildlife Conservation
Focuses on land mapping and biodiversity protection.
Cultural lens: Stewardship of land and animals as cultural responsibilities.
Option 3: Mapping Terrain + Sustainable Farming
Integrates environmental data and sustainable agriculture.
Cultural lens: Connection to land, food sovereignty, and traditional practices.
Minecraft Education: A Platform for Digital Storytelling
Minecraft Education empowers students through game-based learning aligned to curriculum standards. It builds foundational STEM skills like creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, essential for the AI-driven future.
Combined with Deadly Coders’ mission to teach real-world tech skills to Indigenous youth, this program shows how technology and culture can come together to create meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger, Smarter Future Together
The 2025 rollout is about more than teaching code or AI, it’s about using the power of play to empower students with digital skills that close the digital divide while celebrating and protecting Indigenous knowledge systems.
As schools begin booking incursions and communities engage, Deadly Coders invites educators, partners, and supporters to join in creating tech pathways that honour culture and build confidence in a new generation of First Nations innovators.
For more information or to register your school for this exciting program, contact Andrew Brodie andrew@deadlycoders.org.au
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Deadly Coders is a trusted partner to like-minded businesses, developing sustainable Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) implementation programs. If you’re an organisation looking to support First Nations talent in STEM and technology, reach out to Deadly Coders.
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