James M. Fortier is Métis, of Ojibway and French Canadian descent, born in Ontario Canada. Most recently he produced, directed, and was the director of photography for "Bad Sugar," a 30-minute episode of the national PBS series "Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Killing Us." "Bad Sugar" examines the historical, social, and environmental structures that have contributed to the tragic rise of Type II Diabetes among two Arizona tribes. In January 2009, "Unnatural Causes" received a prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.
Fortier also completed "Playing Pastime," a short documentary work-in-progress that delves into the little known world of all Indian fast-pitch softball while exploring the origins of baseball and softball, and the roots of negative Indian stereotypes and mascots in sports.
For more biographical information and Fortier's credits, see Turtle Island Productions.
Visit YouTube to see an interview of James Fortier conducted by the literary magazine Ninth Letter.
Fortier will be on campus from February 9 to March 8.