Alcatraz Is Not an Island

Biographical Information:

Millie Ketcheshawno - Mvskoke (Executive Producer):
The late Millie Ketcheshawno was a long-time Bay Area Indian community advocate. Her personal involvement with the occupation story brought the occupation experience to the behind-the-scenes production of this film. Millie was very active in Bay Area Indian affairs and organizations until her tragic death last year. After completing the UC Berkeley Film Program she went on to establish herself as a Native filmmaker and screenwriter. She worked with Director Peter Bratt on his groundbreaking feature film Follow Me Home and wrote a screenplay based on her Alcatraz experience.

Jon Plutte (Producer, Co-Writer):
Jon currently is an award-winning multi-media producer, exhibit developer, musician, and designer. His past work for the park includes managing and producing multi-media exhibits and permanent media displays at the Presidio of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands, among others. He has recently completed a documentary on the shipyards of Richmond, CA during WWII, and their effects on the area after the war.

James M. Fortier - Metis-Ojibway (Director, Co-Writer, and Director of Photography):
James is an award-winning independent Director of Photography working in the Bay Area since 1987. In 1996, he was the Director of Photography for Looks Into the Night, an award- winning short drama starring Metis-Cree actress Tantoo Cardinal. James also worked with Cree filmmaker Loretta Todd on her award-winning CBC documentary about the life of Salish actor Chief Dan George. Currently, James is the writer and associate producer for Waasa-inaabidaa: We Look In All Directions, a six-part Ojibwe documentary series for WDSE-8 PBS, Duluth, MN.

Dr. Troy Johnson (Historian and Associate Producer):
Troy Johnson co-chairs the Native American Studies department at CSU, Long Beach where he received a doctorate in history from UCLA after completing his dissertation on the Indian occupation of Alcatraz Island. His book The Occupation of Alcatraz Island (University of Illinois Press, 1997) was based on his research. He is currently working on a revision of the seminal 1960s Native American book, Red Power.

Mike Yearling (Editor and Co-writer):
Mike Yearling is an award-winning creative director, editor and writer living in the San Francisco Bay area. In addition to his documentary work, Mike has worked as a producer, writer and editor for the Discovery Channel show Cyberlife. He also produces films and videos for Fortune 500 clients. He recently co-founded Firerock Films in San Deigo, CA, and is presently developing a feature film script.