Miami, Oklahoma

2K Foundations and Firaxis Games partner with the Shawnee to Preserve Heritage and Build the Future.

2K Foundations, Firaxis Games and the Shawnee Tribe came together to celebrate the grand opening of the George “Fife” Blanchard Yaatakciitonooteeki (Recording Studio) in Miami, Oklahoma on February 3, 2025. Paying homage to George Blanchard, a fluent Shawnee language speaker and visionary leader, the center was built to honor and preserve the rich history and cultural heritage of the Shawnee Tribe. The center is fully equipped to produce audio recordings of the highest quality and support the Tribe’s ongoing preservation efforts.

In 2020, Shawnee Tribe leadership declared a state of emergency for the Shawnee language and created the Decade of Shawnee, an initiative to revitalize and preserve the Shawnee language, culture, and traditions. Today, The Shawnee Language Immersion Program provides global access to an extensive language learning website, curriculum and summer internship program.

Collaboration between Firaxis Games, 2K Foundations and the Shawnee Tribe began in 2021 during the development of Civilization VII, the latest chapter of the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise. This turn-based strategy game lets players lead their own empire as they forge a path through multiple eras of human history, choosing unique civilizations to play as in each Age. The team at Firaxis worked with the Shawnee to ensure their Tribe and visionary leader Tecumseh were authentically represented and integrated throughout the game. Tecumseh, one of the most famous leaders in Shawnee history, is included in the expansive roster of playable leaders in Civilization VII.

Chief Ben Barnes was thrilled to showcase the Shawnee people in Civilization VII in an authentic and meaningful way. He sees our partnership and the opening of the Recording Studio as a way to help the Shawnee language and culture continue to thrive. “With the efforts we’re making here today, I expect Shawnee to be spoken in 2500,” said Chief Barnes.