By Miiskogihmiiwan P.C
One of the world’s most popular horror video games is making history with the introduction of its first canonically Indigenous character.
Dead by Daylight recently introduced Shane “Giiwewigaabaw” Wiigwaas, an Anishinaabe Survivor featured in Chapter 40.5: The Life Road. Shane is a defense attorney from the fictional Glass River First Nation whose story is rooted in justice, protecting his community, and standing up for First Nations people.
His character is voiced by Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné), whose work in Indigenous storytelling helped bring authenticity to the role. The game’s developers, Behaviour Interactive, also collaborated with Indigenous cultural consultants and artists throughout the design process.
Among those contributors is Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy, an Anishinaabe and Onyota’a artist from Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. Kennedy created the Woodland and Oneida-style artwork featured in Shane’s design and promotional materials.
“It’s really powerful to have an Indigenous character in a videogame because that doesn’t happen very often,” Kennedy told CBC News. “I wanted to make sure I did it right and I did it justice.”
For many Indigenous gamers, meaningful representation goes beyond simply appearing on screen. Authentic collaboration helps move away from outdated stereotypes and instead highlights Indigenous people as complex, modern individuals with stories rooted in their cultures and communities.
As Indigenous voices continue to shape film, television, music, and gaming, Shane Wiigwaas represents another step toward greater visibility in mainstream entertainment. His arrival in Dead by Daylight offers Indigenous players the chance to see themselves reflected in one of the world’s largest gaming franchises.
Sources:
PowWows.com – Shane Wiigwaas is the First Indigenous Character in Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight Official Website – Shane Wiigwaas Character & Lore
CBC News – Dead By Daylight unveils first First Nations playable character with help from Indigenous artist
