THE FILMMAKERS

Deidra Peaches
Paper Rocket Productions

Yá’át’ééh! My name is Deidra Peaches, I am the Director of Protect. I am a self-taught, full-time Diné filmmaker. Born in Flagstaff, Arizona, I am Todích’íí’nii (Bitter Water) born for Lók’aa’ dine’é (Reed People). I am a gifted storyteller. My Nalí (Paternal-Grandfather) would say, “The gift you have is not only for you, but it is also to be shared with everyone.” Throughout my years of creating digital content, I’ve noticed the effect video has on the human psyche and the importance of Native-made content. 

Storytelling is a tool humanity has utilized to ensure the preservation of identity and culture. For Indigenous People, our identity is rooted in our long-standing connections with the environment. Our culture and stories are the foundation, to educate, share spiritual knowledge and reaffirm our connection to one another and the universe. I envision a future where Native peoples’ epistemologies are accepted and respected. I hope my films have a lasting impression for Native and Non-Native audiences, with the intent to combat toxic stereotypes and misconceptions while reflecting and celebrating the vastness of Native culture. 

Julie Maldonado
Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN)

Hello! My name is Julie Maldonado, I am the Executive Producer of PROTECT.  I serve as the Associate Director of the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), a non-profit link-tank between communities, scholars, and practitioners for policy-relevant and evidence-based research toward post-carbon livelihoods and communities. In this capacity I organized the 2016 Protect Our Public Lands Tour: For a Just and Renewable Energy Future, from which the PROTECT film was born. My background is as a public anthropologist, working with communities on climate change actions. My work includes a focus on storytelling, which is one of our oldest and most basic forms of communication. It is how we remember, learn, teach,  and experience the world.  Stories are often deeply personal, lived realities. The PROTECT film conveys stories that are essential to know during this critical time for our shared home. It tells a story to guide enacting a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.