Digital Stories from the Streets: Indigenous Street Gang Members and Digital Storytelling

• In Event: Advances in Qualitative Methods II

Abstract

Research and knowledge mobilization into the lifeworlds of Indigenous street gangs and their members continues to grow in Canada. Over the past ten years an increase in qualitative studies, specifically arts-based life history research that focuses on how individual become involved, their experiences while involved, the process on leaving their street gang, and how they live their post-gang lifestyle. This presentation focuses on the use of digital storytelling and how it is an effective tool to engage Indigenous street gang members in research knowledge mobilization. Digital storytelling is an arts-based research method that utilizes sound, imagery, and personal narratives in 3-5 minute videos that are then shared across all participants. Digital stories are understood as a powerful way to contribute to social justice and advocate for policy and practice changes that support Indigenous wellbeing, sovereignty, and self-determination. This presentation focuses on a digital storytelling project with Indigenous gang members and the importance of relational accountability is in building the trust needed to create emotive knowledge mobilization outputs.

Author

• Robert Henry, University of Saskatchewan