Jon Corbett: Decolonizing The Computer Space

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Indigenous computational media artist, computer programmer & professor at Simon Fraser University, Jon Corbett, shares his journey in creating a programming language that reflects the values of his Cree culture. He begins by defining programming using unique comparisons to relatable life experiences (00:53). He then describes how programming is fundamentally colonial (05:16). Jon explains how the Western relationship between time and money has forced computerware to ignore his cultural values (09:45), before describing digital beadwork and the art piece he created with Indigenous values in mind (15:00). Finally, Jon echoes the importance of decolonizing computer spaces while sharing the steps in his journey of creating his culture-reflective coding language called Cree# (24:16), before wrapping up by offering some wisdom to aspiring digital artists and programmers (37:12).

Jon's Website: joncorbett.ca

Watch Four Generations here: YouTube