There is a decidedly imperialistic thrust to the Civilization video games. That’s why Shawnee tribal leaders were wary at first when game developers approached them about including famed Shawnee chief Tecumseh in the next version of Civilization. But after four years, the collaboration has introduced Shawnee language and culture and a new direction for the Civilization franchise. We’ll hear about this intersection of Native representation and video games and explore some new uses for video games.

GUESTS

Chief Ben Barnes (Shawnee), chief of the Shawnee Tribe, board member of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma

Dillon Dean (Shawnee), actor and voices Tecumseh in Civilization 7

Anangookwe Hermes-Roach (Bad River Band of Ojibwe), co-director and game developer for Reclaim!

Dr. Lee Francis IV aka Dr. IndigiNerd (Laguna Pueblo), CEO of A Tribe Called Geek

Break 1 Music: Shawnee Stomp Dance (song) Little Axe Singers (artist) Traditional Voices: Historic Recordings of Traditional Native American Music (album)

Break 2 Music: Creator (song) Chuck Copenace (artist) Oshki Manitou (album)