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Independent Games Summit: The Intricate Web of Relationships: Indigenous-Centered Design

Mary (waabishkiimiigwan) Hermes  (Director, Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia)

Anangookwe Hermes-Roach  (Lead Designer and Backend Dev, Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia)

Renee Nejo  (Art Director, GIM)

Joshua Herron  (Character Art and Animation Director, Grassroots Indigenous Multimedia)

Steve Zimmerman  (VP, Eline Media)

Jennifer Estaris  (Game Director, ustwo games)

Pass Type: All Access Pass, Summits Pass, Indie Games Summit Pass - Get your pass now!

Track: Independent Games

Format: Panel

Vault Recording: TBD

Audience Level: All

How have we as game makers dedicated to social justice and indigenous-centered design navigated this process? Producers, writers and creatives from three different games: Reclaim!, Never Alone, and Monument Valley 3, will discuss our different approaches to relationship building, oral traditions/storytelling and indigenous languages and sustainability. While aware of stereotypes and erasures in popular culture, we tell of our own missteps and innovations and why the journey is worth it.

Takeaway

1.”Indigenous” holds keys to sustainability

Humans are not the top of the heap.


2. Oral traditions/storytelling has cultural specific and infinite meanings. No “one” right answer. Consider what you may not know.


3. Your relationship to Indigeneity

The process depends on your relationship to indignity, takes effort and time.

Intended Audience

Pre-requisite: Willingness to learn and unlearn things about indigenous peoples. All are welcome.



Connecting the Global Game Development Community