Documenting powwows through film, photos helps Saulteaux man reconnect with culture

A Saulteaux man has started a family business based on film, photography and documenting the powwow experiences of First Nations people in Saskatchewan.

Jeromy Desjarlais, from Muskowekwan First Nation, about 110 kilometres east of Regina, founded No Budget Films in 2021.

He worked at the powwow in his home communitythis past weekend and saidwhile it's a business, he does his workto give back to his culture, too.

"When I was a little kid, I used to go to powwows with my grandmother and I wanted to see the powwow again;I wanted to hear the drum and be a part of it all," he said.

Desjarlaisdoes his filming onthe ground andfrom the air with a drone, andconductsinterviews with participants. He also offers portrait work for free he charges fees when framed prints are requested.

Desjarlais's wife Michelle and their eight children make up No Budget Films, travellingSaskatchewan documenting powwows.

"I'm proud of my husband," she said.

"He is so determined.He shoots for his goal."

Desjarlaisused to create short films and skits with his friends, andcame up with the name No Budget Films in the early 2000s.

"I love working with cameras," he said.

"I like learning about lighting, I love learning about editing, colour grading. I enjoy it all."

Desjarlais saidit's important First Nations people arethe ones to telling theirstories. He said he works to humanize First Nations people and their stories to other Canadians.

"A very large portion of First Nations people have trauma and [others]don't understand that part of it," he said.

"It's really important for us to tell our own stories because the truthfulness of it and we understand ourselves more than anybody else."

Michelle Desjarlais saidthe storytelling aspect is the best part of thefamily's journeymaking content.

"It's really exciting to show us as role models," she said.

"Putting our foot in the film industry is something exciting for us."

Cheryl Crowe, powwow president for the Muskowekwan First Nation, saidshe hired No Budget Films to promote not onlythe First Nation but one of its members.

"This is our first annual powwow on Muskowekwan[and we though] they could do a really good job of promoting the nation," she said.

"They're doing an excellent job. I thought by hiring them we could get the word out because they travel all over the place."