‘Waats’asdíyei Joe Yates, the owner of Alaskan Films, is a Haida from Craig, Alaska. He transferred from the University of Alaska Southeast to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. With a background in Anthropology studies, ‘Waats’asdiyei then pursued Film as his major and worked for 16 years with the youth in small communities throughout Alaska before switching careers. He integrates all his backgrounds to enhance his filmmaking, bringing in his culture, effectively managing and working with others, and teaching whenever necessary.

“Wáats’asdíyei became a fellowship scriptwriter for the PBS Kid’s show, Molly of Denali. With guidance from Emmy Award-winning writers, he honed his skills and continued writing for the show for four seasons. He was a head writer for four episodes and contributed to over a dozen others in the past five years. Wáats’asdiyei is passionate about preserving his culture through film and is dedicated to helping other indigenous tribes do the same.”

Waats’asdíyei has produced, directed, and written the latest film, Indigenous Resistance: Now and Then. It has been accepted into over 30 film festivals nationwide, won six awards, and earned several nominations.

‘Wáats’asdíyei is in his second semester as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He has recently accepted the position of Lead Filmmaker for the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.