Jon Corbett

Jon Corbett's biography

ᒍᐤᐣ ᒥᑫᐪ ᕒᐅᐯᕒᐟ ᑯᕒᐯᐟ ᓂᐟᓯᑯᓴᐣ. My name is Jon Michael Robert Corbett. I was born in Edmonton, AB, Canada, but was raised and currently live in Kelowna, BC. I am a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. My father is Métis (Cree/Saulteaux & English), and my mother was of Ukranian descent.

I began learning about computer programming in 1981 (at the age of 10), learning multiple forms of BASIC on Commodore and Apple computers. I also developed a love for drawing around the same age, and experimented with digital programming of graphics through my teen years.

After high school, I entered MacEwan University’s Diploma of Fine Art program and worked simultaneously at United Parcel Service. I eventually received my BFA at the University of Alberta, and at UBC Okanagan, I completed my MFA and Ph.D., while developing my career as an application developer, focussing on centralized and de-centralized large-scale data repository and logistics web portals for UPS.

Though I have a well-established career in logistics and technology, it was through my MFA that I began to view my technology skills as an artistic practice. My Ph.D. continued this exploration, resulting in my creation of the “acimow/Cree#” programming language for nehiyaw (Plains Cree), a specialized application for nehiyawewin learning, a nehiyaw keyboard, and the development of an Indigenous Computing Framework that proposes Storywork as a scaffold for programming computers using Indigenous languages.

Before joining SFU, I was also a sessional faculty member at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, teaching topics in Digital Media, Virtual Worlds, and Visual Communication.

Education

Current & Upcoming Courses