“This is Just the Beginning:” An Interview with Indigenous Resistance filmmaker 'Wáats'asdiyei Joe Yates

In 2022 the Alaska Humanities Forum received the National Endowment for the Humanities A More Perfect Union grant. With that funding we embarked alongside Alaskan Films and a community advisory board to create the film Indigenous Resistance: Now & Then. It is a film that highlights moments of Indigenous resistance across Alaska. The filmmaker, 'Wáats'asdiyei Joe Yates, says the film is "about our people’s recent history. This is our side of the story. From in front of the camera, to behind."

Over a year after its original premiere, AKHF Director of Conversation Programs Taylor Strelevitz talked with 'Wáats'asdíyei, the owner of Alaskan Films and the creator behind this work. 

See the film’s trailer here: trailer
Watch the full film here: full film

You won so many awards, we lost track of all of them...Can you remind us?

Indigenous Resistance: Now & Then has been accepted to over 35 film festivals across the globe. (I stopped adding laurels to the poster at 35.) Some of these include:

• Diversity in Cannes: Best Director & Best Editing

• Four Corners Film Festival: Best Documentary

• Latino & Native American Film Festival: Best Documentary

• Thaw Out Film Festival: Best Director

• Hibulb Cultural Center Film Festival: Best Overall Film

• Albuquerque Film Festival: Runner Up for Best Overall Film

• Red Brick Road Film Festival: Nominee for Best Documentary

• Saskatchewan International Film Festival: Finalist for Best Documentary

Is there one moment or award that you're particularly proud of?

Our people didn't tell stories to win awards. Our people told stories to keep our traditions and knowledge alive. What makes me proud is that there are people who are open minded and willing to learn more about our past and know that we are still here. Being able to show this film to a live audience and having those open discussions are the moments that stick with me.

“What makes me proud is that there are people who are open minded and willing to learn more about our past and know that we are still here. Being able to show this film to a live audience and having those open discussions are the moments that stick with me.”

Do you have a favorite memory from the filming experience?

Getting to know the people on screen has to be my favorite part of the process. I filmed over 18 hours of interviews because I had such a wonderful time just talking with everyone. I met a lot of wonderful people throughout this process and it gives me hope for our future generation knowing that there are a lot of trailblazers out there doing the work day in and day out.

What did you learn about Indigenous resistance in the process?

Before filming the documentary, I had general knowledge of the subjects that we covered. Throughout this process, I studied for months before I pressed the record button to ensure that I was more familiar with each topic. I knew our people had a ton of hurdles to get where we are today and I am grateful for their efforts. Throughout the process of making the film, I know that we aren't stopping now. This is just the beginning.

What impact do you hope the film has?

I hope that this film brings awareness of what has happened to our people and inspires people to not allow that part of our history to repeat itself.

What's next for you?

This film has opened a lot of doors for me and I am forever grateful for the trust that Alaska Humanities Forum had in me to tell this story for them. I am now the Lead Filmmaker for Tlingit & Haida Central Council. I have been all across Alaska, helping other tribes tell their stories, and I now have the opportunity to come back home and help my own people tell our stories. I also have plans to produce my own projects specifically on the Haida culture.

The Forum and Alaskan Films have hosted screenings across the state with hundreds of community members, using the film as a springboard for conversation that builds community through a shared understanding of history. If you’d like more information about hosting a screening, contact Director of Conversation Programs Taylor Strelevitz at tstrelevitz@akhf.org.