The original Board games were created by Monica Carpendale and Blake Parker in 1992. Monica is a registered Canadian art therapist, teacher and artist. She is the founder and academic dean of the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute in Nelson B.C. Blake was a poet and graphic artist and had an MA in anthropology with a specialty in medical symbolism.
Blue Heron Productions was engaged in the research and development of games and activities that facilitated the growth of communication skills in educational and therapeutic settings. Monica and Blake were particularly concerned with developing materials which are culturally safe and sensitive to issues of disability, sexism, race and class. The games may be used with individuals and groups and provide opportunities to develop self-esteem, social and problem-solving skills in the context of education, rehabilitation and/or therapy.