Naqmayam Communications - Native American Public Relations (PR), Marketing, Advertising, Issue Advocacy

James M. Fortier (Métis-Ojibway)

Creative Director

James is Métis (pronounced “May-Tee”), of French Canadian and Ojibway descent, born in Ontario Canada, raised in suburban Chicago. James is an accomplished documentary filmmaker and website producer. For the past 23 years, James has written, produced, directed and shot numerous productions for Fortune 500 Companies, and broadcast and cable television, including the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). His documentary work has focused primarily on Native American and First Nations communities and issues.

He has won numerous awards including three Emmy Awards and, most recently, the DuPont Columbia Award for his contribution as episode producer and director for Bad Sugar, part of the national PBS health series "Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?"

James’ first documentary, "Alcatraz Is Not An Island," screened at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2001 and aired nationally on PBS and APTN in Canada. Other documentary works include: the six-hour PBS Ojibway series "Waasa Inaabidaa: We Look in All Directions," "Voices for the Land," "Indian Country Diaries: Spiral of Fire," "Playing Pastime: American Indians, Softball and Survival," and two documentaries for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, "Pulling Together" and "Gathering Together."

James was the Artist in Residence at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in 2009, where he conducted a four-week video production lab for the American Indian Studies Department course, "American Indian Stereotypes in Film," and presented several of his documentaries for students and faculty.

James is currently developing several documentary projects.

Testimonials

"We were extremely impressed with NaqCom's knowledge, professionalism and creativity. Their tailored, comprehensive training workshop enlightened us on how to better communicate with and serve an important customer base." — Union Bank of California

"Joely's informed background, expert strategies and courteous, hard-working staff have not only brought our communication skills up to date but also opened doors to opportunities and partnerships across the board -- all while maintaining a close, trustworthy relationship and producing impressive results. I highly recommend NaqCom's services to tribes and companies seeking to build solid relationships and diversify their outreach." -- Pauma Tribal Chairman Christobal C. Devers, Sr.

"NaqCom goes above and beyond to help us engage in the best outreach opportunities and continue to improve the quality of life for Native communities. We always feel that our organization is top of mind, and that NaqCom truly understands our cause." — Joseph A. Myers, Executive Director, National Indian Justice Center

Our Clients

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Marketing Solutions

When it comes to marketing solutions, “cost-effective” and “quality” seem mutually exclusive to many small to mid-sized companies. At Naqcom, we create effective, attention-getting marketing programs that generate positive results, delivered on time and on budget.

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Media Advocacy

If you are looking to advance a social, public, or corporate initiative, the strategic use of the mass media as a key resource to position your message is critical. Do you want it to rise above the mass media clutter? We thought so.

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Social Media

Regardless of what type of business you are engaged in, chances are, Social Media is affecting the way you operate. Organizations should care about Social Media because it has already affected every field or industry imaginable. Are you connected?

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Outreach Programs

We have served the needs of Native Americans and First Nations in a variety of ways. With deep knowledge of problems faced by Native organizations, we are uniquely qualified to navigate the cultural dynamic that successful outreach requires.