Video storytelling for Indigenous community engagement

Journeyman is a Canadian video production company with experience in video storytelling for Indigenous and First Nations communities, and the organizations that serve them. We help tell stories of strength, change, and future-building.

Contact Mathew to talk about your project

The right story can make all the difference.

Often it's not the story you think.

Let's collaborate on your project

powerful storytelling tool

What truly sets Journeyman apart is their ability to not only capture the essence of our story, but to infuse it with a deep respect for our heritage. Thanks to Journeyman, we have a powerful storytelling tool that will be passed down for generations to come.

As a Mi'kmaq First Nation located in Nova Scotia, Membertou has always valued the power of storytelling as a way to preserve our history and culture. Nearly a decade ago, we partnered with Journeyman to create a video that would serve as an enduring tool for cultural education and awareness. The video they produced has since become a cornerstone for our Mi'kmaq Medicine Walk, community bus tours, and educational presentations, allowing us to share the powerful story of the King’s Road Reserve Relocation.
What truly sets Journeyman apart is their ability to not only capture the essence of our story, but to infuse it with a deep respect for our heritage. The team at Journeyman took great care in ensuring that the narrative of our people, their forced relocation over a century ago, and our resilience as a community, was told in a way that honours our traditions.
The final result was a video that isn’t just a product — it’s a legacy. One that we proudly share at conferences and on educational platforms to educate the world about our history. Thanks to Journeyman, we have a powerful storytelling tool that will be passed down for generations to come.
We are grateful for their dedication and thoughtful approach, and we would highly recommend their services to anyone looking to bring their story to life in a meaningful way.

—Communications Team

Membertou First Nation
more than we could have asked for

The quality of work of the final product is more than we could have asked for and will be an asset as we work to promote future developments with outside partners. We would like to thank all of the staff at Journeyman Film... and we look forward to future collaborations.

Pictou Landing First Nation had the pleasure to work with Journeyman Film Company on development of a community promotional video. The quality of work of the final product is more than we could have asked for and will be an asset as we work to promote future developments with outside partners. We would like to thank all of the staff at Journeyman Film... and we look forward to future collaborations.

—Chief and Council

First Nation leadership, Pictou Landing First Nation
we are moved by its power

There was an element of risk on our part if you had missed the mark. But you did not. You hit it. Hit it so directly, that even we, who work with this subject all the time, are moved by its power and its ability to create discussion.

Embarking on a project like this – creating a video teaching tool – was a new venture for us, and
we wanted to do this right. Our working group started with a rigorous selection process, viewing
and scoring many different kinds of films. In doing so, we learned that any message we wanted to
impart would be lost to bad production values and horrible background music – a waste of
money, no matter how much (or little) was spent. It certainly would not have yielded anything our
group could have felt good putting our names on.

Your work stood out among the rest, and we took the bold step of upping our initial investment of
$12K to nearly $45K, which was no small consideration for us. What we tasked you to do – take
Population Health, and make it real and relevant to our colleagues in healthcare – was not easy.
Even though we felt confident in your abilities, it would also be fair to say there was an element
of risk on our part if you had missed the mark.

But you did not. You hit it. Hit it so directly, that even we, who work with this subject all the
time, are moved by its power and its ability to create discussion. The film takes the subject from
an academic discussion and transforms it into a springboard to action, which, we hope, will lead
to some new thinking about how we address health and healthcare in this province. Even before
we launch we have identified at least a dozen uses for it in our organization alone.

We would like to thank you for work with the participants, for whom trust is hard won; in many
ways you could go where we could not. We would also like to thank you and your team for the
expertise in your craft, so evident in this project, and your willingness to listen and to learn about
Population Health. On behalf of the Population Health Working Group, we are very pleased to
provide you with this letter of recommendation. The work that Journeyman Film Company did on
“Redefine. Rebuild. Reconnect: Changing our picture of health” was exceptional, and we would
be pleased to work with you again.

—Population Health Working Group

Nova Scotia Health
innovative and brilliant

If you have a serious goal and a need for a strong narrative, there is no better company to partner with. I can't wait for our next project. Mathew and his team take care of everything and instill the confidence that the final project will exceed expectations. Every. Single. Time.

There are many agencies who can put words and images together to make an impressive visual product. I can't think of any one other who spends so much time doing a strategic deep dive into your project to find the narrative that accomplishes your objective. Mathew and his team take care of everything and instill the confidence that the final project will exceed expectations. Every. Single. Time. I always want to work with Journeyman when I have a story to tell.
Did you ever start a project knowing that you just wanted it to be exceptional, stand out, interrupter, a story so profound that would cut straight through the noise of our multi-segmented reality? Did you dream of having that compelling narrative and a stunning visual that came about with minimal effort and work on your part? Look no further...that's the Journeyman experience. With Journeyman, we had a lengthy and detailed discovery meeting and then placed our full trust in Mathew and his team to get it done. They returned with a product that helps make the world a little bit better one story at a time.
The thing I seek Journeyman out for is to help me find the compelling story to tell. Then, I let go and trust them to work their process and return with the story in the can. I can relax and know that our subjects and locations are in the hands of consummate professionals who will champion them as much as the final product. They are creative with making the project work within the parameters set. They are innovative and brilliant. And, just so enjoyable through every step of the process...even when you hit a bump or two.
I truly believe that if you have a serious goal and a need for a strong narrative, there is no better company to partner with. I can't wait for our next project.

—Wendy Walters

Director of Medical Affairs, Nova Scotia Health
well crafted, well told

Journeyman Film Company has been my go-to video storyteller on work in both community development and clean energy. Professional, creative, thorough — they won’t let you do the hackneyed and over-done. They respectfully push you to tell the most impactful story you can.

It may be a cliché, but it’s true — people are hardwired to understand our world through emotions and stories, not just facts. Rational, scientific data often loses against a compelling, emotional story that speaks to people’s core values.

But that story needs to be well crafted, well told, and get into the hearts, minds, and if need be, wallets, of your core audiences.

Journeyman Film Company has been my go-to video storyteller on work in both community development and clean energy. Professional, creative, thorough — they won’t let you do the hackneyed and over-done. They respectfully push you to tell the most impactful story you can. And I believe asking the right questions is as important as the answers, so I appreciate Journeyman’s process and approach.

—Sean Kelly

Lead Consultant, SKC (Sean Kelly Communications)
significant positive social media

Beyond technical skills, Journeyman is able to serve as true thought partner, helping identify powerful storytelling opportunities and drawing out human elements for more engaging and relatable content.

In our experience, from the start of a project, Journeyman is quick and responsive, always ensuring open and timely communication. Beyond technical skills, Journeyman is able to serve as true thought partner, helping identify powerful storytelling opportunities and drawing out human elements for more engaging and relatable content.

With regards to a recent project, Journeyman has demonstrated sensitivity and respect for Indigenous culture and history, ensuring that all content was handled with care and authenticity. They have been equally committed to preserving our brand’s visual identity and message alignment.
Journeyman’s ability to repurpose footage into additional content is invaluable, extending the life and impact of a project. Final products have garnered significant positive social media engagement, a testament to the quality of their work.

—Nancy Contrada

Corporate and Internal Communications Advisor, Corporate Relations, Shell Canada Ltd.
seamless process

The Journeyman team was a breath of fresh air to work with, and ensured a straightforward, seamless process from start to finish. Mathew's openness to working on the script details more diligently up front helped ensure a smooth process to completing the final products.

Professional, creative, knowledgeable, on time and on budget. The Journeyman team was a breath of fresh air to work with, and ensured a straightforward, seamless process from start to finish. Mathew's openness to working on the script details more diligently up front helped ensure a smooth process to completing the final products. We were extremely satisfied with our videos and look forward to working with Mathew and company again.

—Sarah Morris

Senior Communications Advisor, Property Valuation Services Corporation
depicting the complexity

Mathew and his team were able to bring out the personal stories of those involved in the work and the passion and care for responsible environmental management that is required for such large scale resource development projects.

Mathew and Journeyman delivered nine exceptional short films depicting the complexity of and diligence required to successfully navigate the environmental regulatory approval process in Canada. Working on Canada's largest ever resource development project, in the short films Mathew and his team were able to bring out the personal stories of those involved in the work and the passion and care for responsible environmental management that is required for such large scale resource development projects. It was a pleasure working with the entire Journeyman team.

—James Baldwin

Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Lead (former), LNG Canada

Working with Indigenous Communities

We’ve worked across Canada with Indigenous communities, from the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia to the Cree of Northern Ontario to coastal nations in British Columbia.

Our focus is simple: real people, real context, and real complexity, whether it’s documenting cultural history, supporting consultation around resource development, or amplifying community voices.

Building trust takes time on the ground. That’s why our process starts with being there face-to-face, listening, and learning before the cameras roll.

Who we work with

Indigenous leadership (councils, cultural coordinators, educators)
Health and wellness organizations
Natural resource companies
Economic and cultural development teams
NGOs and public agencies

What do you get when you hire Journeyman?

solid track record

Feel trust in your video partner's experience and approach

no more guesswork

Have confidence in the process from kickoff to final edit

the right story

Get curious and focused on the story that works for you

strategic AND cinematic

Videos that look good AND get the job done

authentic human storytelling

Turn talking points into content your audience wants to watch

comfortable on camera

Make everyday people shine in your videos

Hire us to deliver your project

or Look at some case studies

Hi, I'm Mathew Welsh

Founder, Producer, Director

Many people's experience with Indigenous engagement often involves curiosity, humility and listening. Mine begins on a softball diamond in Yellowknife.

I lucked into a job up there one summer. It was during my University of Alberta days where I studied the north, aboriginal title, and culture change brought by resource development. One evening after a softball game, a Dene teammate named Flo came right out of left field and told me: “Guys like you are a dime a dozen, coming up from the south, wanting to help us. You just need to get out of the way and let us do it ourselves.” That was a bit of a slap and a wake up call.

Many Indigenous voices

Years later, I directed a documentary about Ted Nolan, the Ojibway NHL player and coach who often said: “Hard work beats talent, unless talent works hard.” I loved that idea. It was about hockey, sure. And also about being underestimated, working with what you have. None of us is off the hook, no matter what we’re dealt. Ted shared straight up wisdom.

And during my Journeyman video work on Indigenous engagement for LNG Canada, I personally clicked with Ellis Ross, former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation. He spoke bluntly: he didn’t want romaticized stories about the old days in long houses. He wanted LNG development so his grand-kids could afford mortgages and post-secondary education — like most Canadians.

I’ve met so many Indigenous folks through my studies and travels and work. There’s no monolithic version of Indigenous experience in Canada. Many voices and many perspectives. I try to contribute to the conversation by listening and by broadening the narrative for all Canadians where I can.

Let’s put video storytelling to work for you.

Book me for a virtual coffee

or Read about our First Nations experience

Free download for communication teams

24 tips to make people comfortable on camera

We’ve interviewed over a thousand people on camera since 2008 — and learned a lot.

We share those insights in one handy guide. These tips will help you deliver more authentic and powerful video content.

Get your free download now

Thinking strategically

How can you get more from your video project?

Stretch your content further

When you invest in research, concept development, logistics, and filming, it’s smart to make the most of that effort. We help you get more value from your project by thinking ahead to re-cuts and versions formatted for social media.

Let's get strategic

Journeyman by the numbers

17 +

years in business

1000 +

videos delivered

200 +

clients

1000 +

real people on camera

Countless hearts and minds won.

Let's get your project started

FAQs

Questions about video production

Most projects run between 6-12 weeks from concept to delivery. They can also run longer, of course, depending on many factors.

We’re based in Halifax, but we’ve filmed projects across Canada — from the BC coast to the North. We’re comfortable working with remote teams and travelling where the story takes us.

Yes. We often collaborate with comms teams or subject-matter experts to shape messaging that works — for your audience and your internal stakeholders. If you have a draft, we’ll shape it. If you're starting from scratch, we’ll build it together.

We know approvals can involve multiple levels. That’s why we build in check-ins, review rounds, and clarity at each step — so the right people can sign off without last-minute surprises.

Absolutely. Anytime you invest time in commercial video production, it’s smart to tailor your message for different placements — like vertical video for Instagram Stories or slightly different messaging for different audience segments. We often build campaigns with this flexibility in mind.

We don’t do cookie-cutter content. Today's currency in the digital world is about authenticity and trust. We work with teams who believe in what they do — and want to help others believe in it, too. That means asking good questions, finding the real heart of the story, and delivering a promo video that feels real, fresh, and human.

Every project is a bit different, but we often provide:

Strategy + story planning

Scriptwriting or interview-based narrative

1–2 days of filming, or more as needed (interviews + footage gathering + scene creation)

Music, motion graphics, voiceover (as required)

Captioned, platform-optimized final files

We also offer versions cut to different lengths (e.g. 15s, 30s, 60s, 2 min) to give you flexibility across digital video channels.

There is no definitive answer here. Most videos we create range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. It depends on a lot of factors. It's important to be strategic.

Relevance is the key.

Some say a video shouldn't be longer than 2 minutes. But they won't watch more than 4 seconds if it's not relevant. The fact is, people watch content that is relevant to them. They won't watch a 1 minute video just because it's 1 minute. But they'll watch 10 minutes (or 90 minutes) if it's relevant.

Generally, it makes sense to make a video "no longer than it needs to be." But there is no magic number that will make an audience watch.

There are different cost drivers for animation vs. live action video. The longer the animation video, the more it costs, so most explainer animation videos tend to be in the 1 - 3 minute range. But live action videos have a wide range of cost drivers, and length isn't really the main one.

📺 Yes—we’ve delivered 30- and 60-second commercial video production for many clients

❌👟 We don't usually sell sneakers or consumer products

🧠 We do help solve million-dollar problems by selling ideas, attitudes, and perspectives

🌲 Energy & Natural Resources

🧬 Healthcare & Life Sciences

💡 Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Green Tech

❤️ Non-profits

🧑‍🌾 First Nations & Indigenous

🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government

🛡️ Defence & Armed Forces

📈 Economic Development

📍 Regional Promotion

🎓 Education

🌊 Ocean Economy

📣 Recruitment

🎨 Yes! Have a look at our animation page.

🎥 Full service video production
🎯 Clarify goals and strategy
📼 Existing video asset review
💡 Creative brainstorm
🔍 Background research
📝 Script writing
😊 Help you feel confident on camera
📹 Stock footage sourcing
🎬 Camera and sound crews on location
✨ Animation & motion graphics
🎶 Careful music selection
✂️ Professional editing
📲 Multi-platform and version delivery

💰 Many factors affect video production costs.

💵 Most of our live action video projects fall between $20K–$50K CAD. We've produced projects for less, and for a lot more. We help you maximize your investment with multiple versions from each project. For example, a 5-minute pillar video can have multiple companion shorter cuts for social media.

🎨 Animation projects usually fall between $14K-$26K CAD.

🚫 If you're looking for "cheap and cheerful" or "quick and dirty" video, we're likely not the right fit.

🧠 We focus on strategic, story-driven work that takes time to do well. Our clients are often complex organizations who value getting the message right.

Video experience with Indigenous communities

Stories that shaped our work

We envision a world where video storytelling breaks down barriers, fosters understanding, and rebuilds trust.

A legacy tool for Membertou

In Nova Scotia, our work with Membertou First Nation helped bring new life to a difficult chapter in Mi’kmaq history: the relocation from King’s Road Reserve. The resulting film is more than a cultural artifact. It’s now central to the community’s Mi’kmaq Medicine Walk, school presentations, and public tours. It's an educational tool that’s passed from generation to generation.

A window into partnership at Pictou Landing

When Pictou Landing First Nation needed a video to support economic development, they wanted something that would show potential partners who they are, what they value, how they lead, and what kind of future they’re building.

Energy stories in the north

In Moose Factory, we helped share a story about Indigenous-led energy conservation. The video was created to inspire other northern communities to take similar steps toward energy security—combining practical strategy with cultural context. It’s one of several projects we’ve done in other Northern Ontario Cree communities like Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, and Kashechewan.

Consultation and complexity on the West Coast

During our multi-year collaboration with LNG Canada, we spent time in Kitamaat Village and other coastal communities documenting the consultation process with the Haisla Nation and their neighbours. What emerged was a layered story of discussion, opportunity, and tension.

In one interview, former Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross spoke about his hope that future generations would have access to post-secondary education, home ownership, and opportunity, moving beyond a romanticized version of past in long houses and struggle. We spoke about the community wrestling with a brand new industry in LNG. We spoke about the traditional Oolichan fishery, a rich part of Haisla history: they used to harvest the fish and render the fat and export this to neighbouring nations. Mathew suggested: “It sounds like your community has always been exporters of energy?" Ellis thought about it and smiled. “You know, you’re right.”

That kind of connection stays with us. It’s why we do this work.

Telling a full story: John Williams for Shell Canada

For Shell Canada, we created a video featuring Ojibway artist John Williams. The video told the story of John as a father, a community member, and a person who paints because he has something to say. It widened the frame, bigger than "native artist."

Our client appreciated how we helped shape a story that was more human than corporate. The final video respected both Indigenous cultural context and Shell’s brand identity — while also sparking positive engagement on social media. As they put it, “Journeyman is a true thought partner, drawing out human elements for more engaging, relatable content.”

What we aim for

We help communities shape stories that resonate internally and outward. We think of these projects as conversation starters, legacy tools, and bridges to understanding.

Please contact us to discuss your project!

The right story can make all the difference.

powerful storytelling tool

more than we could have asked for

we are moved by its power

innovative and brilliant

well crafted, well told

significant positive social media

seamless process

depicting the complexity

Working with Indigenous Communities

Who we work with

Featured video sample work

Stories of the past and future

Energy security is our future

IESO Independent Electricity System Operator of Ontario

Healing the land and waters

Pictou Landing First Nation

The art of the warrior spirit

Shell Canada Ltd.

Efficiency challenges up north

Hydro One

New opportunities from the land

Pictou Landing First Nation

John Williams' Mural - 60 second trailer

Shell Canada Ltd.

Journey down King's Road

Membertou First Nation

Grandma played Moonlight Sonata

Shell Canada Ltd.

What do you get when you hire Journeyman?

solid track record

no more guesswork

the right story

strategic AND cinematic

authentic human storytelling

comfortable on camera

Hi, I'm Mathew Welsh

Founder, Producer, Director

Many Indigenous voices

Let’s put video storytelling to work for you.

Free download for communication teams

24 tips to make people comfortable on camera

We’ve interviewed over a thousand people on camera since 2008 — and learned a lot.

Thinking strategically

How can you get more from your video project?

Stretch your content further

Journeyman by the numbers

FAQs

Questions about video production

How long does promo video production take?

Do we travel, or work nationally?

Do we help with messaging and scriptwriting?

How do we manage internal approvals and feedback loops?

Can we make versions for social platforms or different audiences?

What makes Journeyman promo videos different?

What’s included in a typical promo video package?

How long should a video be?

Do we produce broadcast ads?

What subject areas are we experienced in?

Do we produce animation videos?

What video production services do we offer?

How much will it cost?

Video experience with Indigenous communities

Stories that shaped our work

A legacy tool for Membertou

A window into partnership at Pictou Landing

Energy stories in the north

Consultation and complexity on the West Coast

Telling a full story: John Williams for Shell Canada

What we aim for