Joely Proudfit

Joely Proudfit (Luiseño), Ph.D., is (Luiseño/Payomkowishum) Dr. Proudfit holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science with emphasis in public policy and American Indian studies. A three-time tenured full professor, Dr. Proudfit was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. Dr. Proudfit serves as the Department Chair of the American Indian Studies Department. Dr. Proudfit is also the Director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) at CSUSM. Dr. Proudfit is also the founder and Executive Director of the California's American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival. The California's American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival (CAIIFF) is a grassroots community event organized by the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) in collaboration with several tribal and university partners. The CAIIFF developed with the aim to bring high quality, culturally relevant, and inspiring films about American Indian life and culture to California. Her teaching and research in film and media studies highlight the work of American Indian women, representation, stereotypes and she is well published in this area. She is author of the forthcoming book, "Beyond the American Indian Stereotype." Dr. Proudfit and Chris Eyre (Director/Producer) are the co-owners of The Native Networkers (TNN), a consulting company which provides resources to film and television industries, mass media and independent content creators that improve understanding and foster authentic representation of Native American and Indigenous peoples in storylines, exhibition and marketing campaigns. TNN has worked on numerous high profile projects such as the 2017 film by Scott Cooper, Hostiles featuring Christian Bale and Wes Studi as well as television shows such as Chelsea Handler's "Chelsea and Chelsea Does." Joely is committed to elevating the presence of American Indians in film, television and media and blends her academic and professional backgrounds do so. Proudfit professional expertise is extensive: Planning, implementing and evaluating regional and national tribal outreach, marketing, media and public relations programs; Strategic development of tribal government and community relations programs; Expertise in working with tribal governments; state, local, and community-based organizations; faith-based groups; schools; media outlets; and businesses; Public relations and strategic and crisis communications on behalf of tribal governments; writing, developing and delivering speeches, presentations and workshops; and organizing and conducting meetings and events, all for the purpose of gaining cooperation and support as well as initiating action; Developing culturally sensitive American Indian marketing materials and service as an in-house public relations counsel for several American Indian tribes. She is also the recipient of the W.M. Keck's Foundation's award to create the American Indian Digital Media Project wherein she is helping to develop the next generation of American Indian content creators.