Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Perspectives in Video Games
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm pleased to have Dr. Jane Smith with us, an expert in Indigenous perspectives in video games. She's here to discuss an exciting new course she's leading. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Perspectives in Video Games? GUEST: Absolutely! This course is designed for creators and scholars who want to understand and integrate Indigenous narratives and perspectives into video games. It's a unique program that explores the intersection of storytelling, game design, and cultural representation. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How did you become involved in this field, and what insights can you share from your personal experiences? GUEST: I've always been interested in both video games and Indigenous cultures. I saw a gap in the industry where Indigenous voices were often overlooked or misrepresented. So, I decided to combine my passions and work towards creating a more inclusive gaming landscape. HOST: Indigenous representation in video games is certainly a hot topic these days. Could you share some current industry trends relevant to the course? GUEST: Absolutely. There's a growing movement towards authentic representation and collaboration with Indigenous communities in the gaming industry. This includes not only storylines and characters but also game mechanics and art styles that reflect Indigenous cultures. HOST: That's great to hear. However, I imagine there must be challenges in this field, both in terms of learning and teaching this subject. Could you elaborate on some of these challenges? GUEST: One of the main challenges is ensuring that we're approaching this subject with the necessary cultural sensitivity and respect. It's essential to involve Indigenous communities in the development process and to provide opportunities for students to engage directly with Indigenous knowledge holders. HOST: As we look to the future, what are your thoughts on the potential impact of this course on the gaming industry? GUEST: I believe this course will empower creators and scholars to make a real difference in the gaming industry. By integrating Indigenous perspectives and narratives, we can create meaningful experiences that honor Indigenous voices and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive gaming landscape. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights on this exciting new course. We're looking forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to the gaming industry. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm excited to see the transformative effects this course will have on game development and the recognition of Indigenous perspectives in the gaming world.
