“Indigenous Resistance: Now & Then” is a powerful telling of stories of resistance from Indigenous perspectives, sharing recent history and the impacts of colonialism on culture – and the ways in which our communities continue to stand up against it. Sealaska shareholders can preview it here until August 8. This award-winning short documentary by Haida director ‘Wáats’asdiyei Joe Yates stands in direct contrast to the way many narratives of Alaska Native history, culture and legacy are shaped – from the outside.  

“From what I’ve experienced, our whole truth hasn’t been told yet,” said ‘Wáats’asdiyei. “We have plenty more to us than either just this historic side, or just our art side… Our people are complex.”

In addition to writing, directing and producing this and other award-winning films under his production company Alaskan Films, ‘Wáats’asdiyei works as a writer for PBS Kids hit Molly of Denali and as an associate field and story work producer for National Geographic’s Life Below Zero: First Alaskans. For him, filmmaking quickly grew into a career path aligned very closely with his culture and values, as he endeavors to portray Alaska Native people as they are, in their own words. All his work, including this most recent project, centers the voices and viewpoints of Indigenous people. 

“One way or another, I’m there fighting to ensure that our stories are told from our people,” he said. “That’s what my whole passion is, my whole mission is.” 

Currently making its rounds on the film festival circuit, where it has already begun receiving nominations and awards, the film highlights the resilience and strength of Indigenous resistance in recent history and today, as told through the voices of Alaska Native leaders, storytellers and changemakers. While the award-winning documentary won’t be available to the public until early 2024, Sealaska shareholders were able to join a special virtual screening of the documentary on August 1 through the generosity of filmmaker ‘Wáats’asdiyei.