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Background: In the Canadian research environment, colonialism has led to unethical data collection practices, leaving Indigenous peoples particularly vulnerable to harmful research experiences. Indigenous sovereignty movements have created space for Indigenous peoples to take control of research pertaining to their health and wellbeing, leading to an increased desire for research tools, such as digital storytelling (DS), that center community voices and provide opportunities for knowledge exchange.

Objectives: This panel will highlight the realities of creating digital stories with Indigenous communities from the perspective of four Indigenous researchers who have been conducting arts-based health research projects for over a decade. The core objectives of the presentation are:

• Describe why DS is an appropriate method for use with Indigenous peoples living with complex health realities
• Highlight the adaptability of the DS method
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the DS method in Indigenous contexts.

Methods: The research team will reflect on their experiences leading digital storytelling workshops wherein participants create 2-to-5-minute multimedia videos about their health and wellbeing experiences. The workshops explore topics such as cancer, street lifestyles, and Indigenous identity.

Results: DS is an effective method for use in partnership with Indigenous communities, not only purpose of data collection but also as a form of advocacy.

Conclusions: DS captures the complex structural, socio-political and environmental components of health which are often overlooked by quantitative data collection methods. It can be modified for use with other communities that experience structural inequities.