Session 109 summary
At Dakota State University, the sole game design school in South Dakota, Carl found himself amidst a unique educational landscape. Situated approximately 1600 kilometres from the nearest counterparts in Wisconsin or California, the school’s inception marked a stroke of fortune for Carl and his peers. Enriching his experience further, Carl encountered fellow Indigenous students during his time at the university, including individuals from the Lakota, Dakota, and Navajo tribes. Despite this diverse representation, a poignant reality persisted: none among them were fluent speakers of their native languages. Reflecting on this linguistic void, Carl delves into the historical underpinnings of language erosion within Indigenous communities, a consequence of longstanding United States policies post-conquest. Recalling familial anecdotes, Carl traces his lineage to his great-grandmother, the last fluent speaker in his family, who passed away in 1984. Delving deeper, Carl evokes his ancestral ties to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where his third great-grandmother, born in 1850, bore witness to historic events that resonate through generations. In narrating these tales, Carl illuminates the enduring legacy of Indigenous resilience and the intricate tapestry of cultural heritage that continues to shape his identity and advocacy efforts.
Carl recounts a pivotal chapter in Indigenous history, marked by both triumph and adversity. He reflects on the legacy of his people, the Lakotas of the two kettles of Oóhe Núŋpa, Itazipcho, tracing their lineage to the Shenandoah Indian Reservation. In narrating the journey of his community, Carl evokes their historic resilience in the face of adversity. He recalls their distinction as the first military force to secure an unconditional surrender from the United States, a testament to their formidable spirit. However, this victory was overshadowed by a subsequent struggle for survival, as the decimation of their primary food source, the buffalo, forced them into dependency on rations provided by the occupying forces. Against this backdrop, Carl sheds light on the complex interplay of sovereignty and assimilation that has shaped the trajectory of his people. From the acquisition of United States citizenship in 1924 to the retention of tribal governance since 1934, the journey of the Lakotas reflects a delicate balance between integration and preservation of cultural identity. Within the Shenandoah Indian Reservation, Carl’s community comprises diverse factions, including the Nobos Band, recognized for their non-militant stance, and the Miniconjou, associated with the legendary figure Crazy Horse. Interconnected yet distinct, these groups uphold a rich tapestry of heritage, intertwining with neighbouring communities like the Standing Rock Reservation, home to revered leaders such as Sitting Bull. Through Carl’s narrative, the resilience and interconnectedness of Indigenous communities come to the fore, highlighting a legacy of strength, adaptability, and cultural preservation amidst a complex historical backdrop. Carl reflects on the vast expanse of ancestral lands reclaimed by the Lakota people, spanning approximately a fifth of the United States. He narrates the sombre history of territorial encroachment, recounting the gradual usurpation of their territories by the United States, leaving behind fragmented remnants.
In 2016, Carl embarked on a journey beyond the confines of the reservation, venturing into occupied territories on the eastern side of South Dakota to pursue higher education. Amidst surroundings devoid of tribal presence, Carl found himself among fellow students hailing from diverse reservations. It was during this time at university that Carl immersed himself in the realm of video game creation. His debut project, Tipi Kaga, holds a special significance, as it endeavours to bridge cultural gaps and preserve Lakota heritage. Carl showcases the game, demonstrating its instructional narrative on the traditional art of constructing a tipi, presented in the Lakota language. While the game serves as a valuable educational tool, imparting knowledge on tipi assembly to those who may lack first-hand experience, Carl acknowledges its limitations in achieving broader conversational or instructional objectives. Nonetheless, he takes pride in showcasing its potential and innovative concept.
Another notable project in Carl’s repertoire is When Rivers Were Trails, where he contributed by crafting stories centred on the people of his reservation and the Hunkpapa Lakota of the Standing Rock Reservation. Among these narratives, Carl had the privilege of depicting the story of Sitting Bull, a revered figure in Lakota history. The game’s storyline unfolds against the backdrop of 1890, a tumultuous period marked by significant land seizures and governmental intrusion into Lakota territories. Sitting Bull’s resistance against such encroachments ultimately led to his tragic demise on December 15, 1890, sparking the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre. Carl vividly recounts the aftermath of Sitting Bull’s death, narrating the harrowing events that unfolded just days later. A group of Lakotas sought refuge on another reservation, only to face a brutal onslaught by the army, resulting in the massacre of 300 men, women, and children. Despite the seemingly small numerical figures, the impact of these atrocities reverberated deeply within the Lakota community, comprised of just 20,000 individuals at the time. In April, the events of the game unfold, depicting the struggles faced by numerous tribes across the United States during this period. Many tribes experienced severe land losses in the 1880s, with Carl’s tribe among the last to have their lands opened to non-Indian settlement in 1910. Carl’s significant contribution to the game was in facilitating translation and story-writing in Lakota, despite not being fluent in the language himself. Although he underwent 13 years of Lakota education in tribal school, the scarcity of fluent speakers and inadequately trained teachers posed challenges to language preservation efforts. The difficulty of learning Lakota as a second language in schools, coupled with the lack of support systems at home, further compounds the issue. Reflecting on the educational landscape, Carl notes the prevalence of non-Indian instructors in schools, where only a handful of Lakota-speaking teachers are available. Moreover, some non-Indian educators may not fully appreciate the cultural and linguistic heritage, highlighting the complexities of language revitalization in such environments. Despite these challenges, Carl finds it intriguing to witness efforts within his tribe to revive the language after a century of suppression. Notably, the right to practice traditional religious and cultural ceremonies was only granted in 1978, following the legalization by the United States Congress. Hence, there was a prolonged period during which many aspects of indigenous culture were suppressed, leading to a scarcity of individuals willing to transmit their heritage to the next generation due to fear of reprisal. Carl himself is the descendant of seven generations of mixed ancestry, resulting from the union of colonizers with native women, a practice often referred to as “white Indian” or “American Indian.”
The unique political status of Americans and American Indians in the United States is significant, according to Carl. He observes that individuals who can pass as Americans enjoy considerable privileges and opportunities. This situation occasionally strikes him as peculiar, especially considering that individuals who are more biologically affiliated with tribal communities, such as the brown-skinned members of his own tribe, often encounter significantly fewer opportunities compared to himself. In 1944, Carl’s grandfather left the reservation to serve in Germany and never returned. Instead, he pursued a career in the federal government, working as an Indian agent on various reservations. It was Carl’s father who eventually returned to their reservation to become a teacher.
In terms of game design, Carl’s objective is to revitalize the language and culture of his people through his games. He aims to provide children with a compelling reason to take interest in their language and heritage by employing innovative teaching methods. Recognizing that children often gravitate towards technology, Carl seeks to leverage this affinity to infuse excitement into their language and culture. He believes that by integrating elements of their culture into video games, children can engage with their heritage in a way that feels familiar and accessible, thereby encouraging them to connect with their elders and immerse themselves in their cultural practices.
Regarding the game concept, it features a canoe mini-game, a hunting mini-game, and a fishing game embedded within a more narrative-driven storyline. This design allows for increased interactivity alongside the overarching narrative.
There was a spiritual movement spanning several tribes that advocated praying for the return of the buffalo and the expulsion of the white settlers. This movement alarmed the government, eventually leading to a tragic incident where soldiers opened fire, resulting in casualties among women and children. The firing was not an intentional order but rather an act of fear by one soldier. The soldiers’ primary directive was to transport the disarmed individuals to the agency for detainment.
About the Speaker
Carl Peterson
He is the founder of Northern Plains Games, a pioneer in Video Game Design focusing on the Lakota language and culture. With three years in the industry, Carl’s notable projects include ‘When Rivers Were Trails’ and ‘Tipi Kaga’, both celebrated for their impact on indigenous communities. Born into the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Carl, also known as Pizpiza (Prairie Dog), blends Lakota heritage with European ancestry. A graduate of Dakota State University, he initiated the Native American Student Association and spearheads Northern Plains Games, dedicated to preserving Lakota traditions through gaming. At Northern Plains Games, Carl’s vision comes to life with games like ‘Tipi Builder’, exploring the art of constructing Lakota homes. Through his work, Carl pioneers cultural authenticity in gaming, ensuring indigenous narratives thrive in the digital realm.
