REGINA — For Bee Bird, storytelling is not just an art form. It is identity, healing and a path forward.
The Indigenous filmmaker and media artist from Montreal Lake Cree Nation is building more than a production company. He is creating a platform for voices that have too often been left out of the frame. Through Bee Productions Incorporated, an Indigenous-owned company based in Regina, Bird is capturing and sharing authentic stories from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across the Prairies.
Now, that work is gaining national attention.
Bird is a quarter-finalist in the Entrepreneur of Impact competition, a high-profile contest that offers a feature in Entrepreneur Magazine, mentorship from business leader and Shark Tank star Daymond John, and a $25,000 prize to grow his business. Voting for the next round closes May 14.
For Bird, the opportunity goes far beyond recognition.
“This competition is about creating visibility for Indigenous voices and supporting community-driven storytelling,” he said. “It is about building something meaningful for future generations.”
A story rooted in truth
Bird’s path into filmmaking began with a clear and powerful realization that many Indigenous stories were missing or told through an outside lens.
“Growing up, I saw how powerful stories are in shaping identity and challenging stereotypes,” he said. “I realized early on that many Indigenous stories were either missing or told through an outside perspective. That inspired me to step into filmmaking so I could share stories that reflect our voices, experiences and truth.”
That commitment to authenticity is now the foundation of Bee Productions. The company focuses on telling real, community-driven stories while also supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists and small businesses.
Across Saskatchewan, Indigenous filmmaking continues to grow, with creators reclaiming narrative control and building space in an industry where their voices have often been underrepresented. Bird is part of that shift, bringing a strong focus on community, culture and purpose.
Building opportunity for others
Bee Productions is not just about content. It is about creating pathways.
The company offers the New Buffalo Scholarship, supporting emerging Indigenous storytellers in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. It also provides mentorship for young creatives looking to enter film and media.
“I want to create opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn filmmaking, storytelling and media production,” Bird said. “I want them to see that there is space for them in this industry and that their stories matter.”
His work has already been recognized. In 2024, Bird was named Regina’s Indigenous Artist in Residence. In 2025, he received the Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Legacy Award from Sklar Wilton and Associates.
Despite those achievements, he remains focused on purpose.
“Storytelling is a powerful tool for representation, healing and change,” he said. “Every project is an opportunity to amplify Indigenous voices.”
The impact of being seen
For Bird, success is measured by connection.
“Through journalism, filmmaking and community storytelling, I have had people tell me they felt seen and represented in ways they didn’t before,” he said. “Those moments remind me that storytelling can be a form of healing and empowerment.”
That belief is driving his push in the Entrepreneur of Impact competition.
If successful, Bird says the funding would go directly toward expanding Bee Productions. Plans include investing in professional film equipment, editing technology and increasing production capacity.
“The support would allow me to create more Indigenous-led stories, collaborate with community voices and mentor emerging creatives,” he said.
Driven by community
Bird credits much of his journey to the support of his community, including leadership from Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
“Their encouragement and belief in me helped me continue moving forward,” he said. “I do not know where I would be without them.”
That support is now central to his message as voting continues.
“Every day matters because voting changes quickly,” Bird said. “It takes consistency and community support. Seeing that encouragement has made this experience even more meaningful.”
Bird’s work reflects a broader shift across Canada as Indigenous filmmakers continue to reshape storytelling and representation.
His vision for Bee Productions is rooted in that momentum. It is about creating space, building opportunity and ensuring stories are told by those who live them.
“My inspiration comes from my community, my family and Indigenous storytellers who continue to share truth through art,” he said. “Their resilience motivates me to build something that uplifts our people.”
As the competition moves forward, Bird is asking for support that reaches beyond a single vote.
“Voting for me means supporting an Indigenous entrepreneur, filmmaker and storyteller who is building something meaningful,” he said. “It is a chance to invest in a vision that puts representation, culture and community at the forefront.”
