Wáats’asdíyei Joe Yates
@waatsasdiyei.bsky.social
Husband. Father. Haida. Emmy Award Winning Writer: Molly of Denali. Lead Filmmaker for Tlingit & Haida. Owner of Alaskan Films.
I get to do what I love to do for a living.
May 29, 2025 at 4:23 AM
I get to do what I love to do for a living.
Growing up in Craig, Alaska, has shaped so much of who I am. I feel deeply grateful to direct this film for the Craig Tribal Association and Tlingit & Haida, allowing me to share our story and heritage with the world.
Watch the full documentary here: youtu.be/V0or_j8aFpE?...
The Craig Tribal Association’s (CTA) tribal council aimed to revive the culture within the Káaws Tláay (Craig, Alaska). This two-day event brought renewed hope, as they had not experienced a traditional totem pole raising in nearly 30 years.
The Craig Tribal Association’s (CTA) tribal council aimed to revive the culture within the Káaws Tláay (Craig, Alaska). This two-day event brought renewed hope, as they had not experienced a traditional totem pole raising in nearly 30 years.
May 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Growing up in Craig, Alaska, has shaped so much of who I am. I feel deeply grateful to direct this film for the Craig Tribal Association and Tlingit & Haida, allowing me to share our story and heritage with the world.
I’m filled with excitement as I take a moment to pause and truly savor the experience! The anticipation of exploring the breathtaking beauty of Juneau, Alaska, is overwhelming—especially since this is my first summer here in 15 years. I can't wait for all the adventures that await!
May 27, 2025 at 5:37 AM
I’m filled with excitement as I take a moment to pause and truly savor the experience! The anticipation of exploring the breathtaking beauty of Juneau, Alaska, is overwhelming—especially since this is my first summer here in 15 years. I can't wait for all the adventures that await!
2025 Children and Family’s Emmy Awards: Team Molly of Denali won its first Emmy for Best Writing.
March 30, 2025 at 2:29 PM
2025 Children and Family’s Emmy Awards: Team Molly of Denali won its first Emmy for Best Writing.
This film gives me chills every time I watch it. Having a film all in Xáad Kíl is one thing, but when my daughter stars in the film, tears roll down my face. We’re currently eight for eight in the film festival route! I’m able to share five publicly.
March 11, 2025 at 12:14 AM
This film gives me chills every time I watch it. Having a film all in Xáad Kíl is one thing, but when my daughter stars in the film, tears roll down my face. We’re currently eight for eight in the film festival route! I’m able to share five publicly.
After all these years, I’m still filled with disbelief and gratitude that I have the privilege of being part of such an incredible writing team. This marks our third Emmy nomination for best writing, and it truly warms my heart to share this moment with such talented and dedicated individuals.
March 8, 2025 at 7:08 AM
After all these years, I’m still filled with disbelief and gratitude that I have the privilege of being part of such an incredible writing team. This marks our third Emmy nomination for best writing, and it truly warms my heart to share this moment with such talented and dedicated individuals.
I had the privilege of taking this photo. This player showed the ultimate sportsmanship. As his team wins to advance to the final round, instead of celebrating with his teammates and family, he supports another team player as his team’s season ends. We need to lift each other up more in this world.
March 8, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I had the privilege of taking this photo. This player showed the ultimate sportsmanship. As his team wins to advance to the final round, instead of celebrating with his teammates and family, he supports another team player as his team’s season ends. We need to lift each other up more in this world.
Collaborating with Ginew - Contemporary Native Americana. Ginewusa.com
February 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Collaborating with Ginew - Contemporary Native Americana. Ginewusa.com
I officially threw my hat into the Northwest chapter Emmy Awards ✊🏼
January 27, 2025 at 10:54 PM
I officially threw my hat into the Northwest chapter Emmy Awards ✊🏼
I miss my Yup’ik family.
January 25, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I miss my Yup’ik family.
Starring: Mtn Denali.
January 21, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Starring: Mtn Denali.
The lovely view of Sitaantaagu (Mendenhall Glacier) in the middle of winter.
January 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM
The lovely view of Sitaantaagu (Mendenhall Glacier) in the middle of winter.
Watch the full documentary at: youtu.be/EUdDPNAPbWk?...
January 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Watch the full documentary at: youtu.be/EUdDPNAPbWk?...
Look out for the episode - Off-Trail Tale!
January 16, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Look out for the episode - Off-Trail Tale!
My last narrative film that I directed, One of Our Own, will be playing in Switzerland soon! More details to come as soon as I can release the information.
January 15, 2025 at 4:43 AM
My last narrative film that I directed, One of Our Own, will be playing in Switzerland soon! More details to come as soon as I can release the information.
The man behind the camera.
January 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The man behind the camera.
6am dip in the ocean
January 14, 2025 at 3:59 AM
6am dip in the ocean
Storytelling at its purist form.
January 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Storytelling at its purist form.
I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the last person, 95, who attended the boarding school in Nome, Alaska.
January 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the last person, 95, who attended the boarding school in Nome, Alaska.
Beautiful morning in Alaska
January 11, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Beautiful morning in Alaska
I just completed another documentary! I can’t wait until it goes out to the public!
January 10, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I just completed another documentary! I can’t wait until it goes out to the public!
My daughter starred in a short film, My Message to You, where she speaks all in Xáad Kíl (Haida language). As of now, her film will be showing in New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Oregon, and Washington.
January 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
My daughter starred in a short film, My Message to You, where she speaks all in Xáad Kíl (Haida language). As of now, her film will be showing in New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Oregon, and Washington.