Civilization VI depiction upsets Poundmaker Cree Nation
Headman Milton Tootoosis says 2K never consulted First Nation for expansion, which "perpetuates this myth that First Nations had similar values" to colonial culture
2K Games is coming under criticism from Saskatchewan's Poundmaker Cree Nation after the publisher opted to depict Chief Poundmaker as leader of the Cree Nation in the upcoming Civilization VI: Rise & Fall expansion, but did so without the First Nation's input.
Speaking with the CBC, Poundmaker Cree Nation Headman Milton Tootoosis was pleased that the game highlighted Poundmaker's diplomatic efforts, but suggested the game's core premise was incompatible with a respectful depiction.
"It perpetuates this myth that First Nations had similar values that the colonial culture has, and that is one of conquering other peoples and accessing their land," he said. "That is totally not in concert with our traditional ways and world view... It's a little dangerous for a company to perpetuate that ideology that is at odds with what we know."
Tootoosis said it would have been preferable if 2K had made a formal outreach to elders before deciding on including the chief in the game. 2K had not responded to a request for comment as of this writing.
