Bio

‘Waats’asdiyei Joe Yates is the owner of Alaskan Films, LLC, and a proud Haida from Craig, Alaska. His recent films, My Message to You and Indigenous Resistance: Now and Then, which he produced, directed, and wrote, have each been accepted into over 50 film festivals, earning nine awards and multiple nominations.

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‘Waats’asdiyei is also a two-time Emmy-nominated writer for the PBS Kids series Molly of Denali. He also serves as an Associate Field Producer and Story Producer for Life Below Zero: First Alaskans on National Geographic.

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Deeply rooted in his culture, ‘Waats’asdiyei uses film as a powerful tool to preserve and uplift Indigenous stories. He recognizes the urgency of keeping cultures alive and is committed to helping Indigenous communities share their voices with the world.