Storytelling goes digital at Nutrition Coalition and ITCA workshop
Christopher Lomahquahu
Gila River Indian News
Community members experienced a hands-on approach to storytelling through the use of technology at a three-day digital storytelling workshop hosted by the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country Nutrition Coalition and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona.
Held at the District 6 Tribal Health Department building on July 23-25, participants developed, story boarded and put together their stories on a topic of their choice through using digital media software at the training. They were provided an overview of how to use audio and video editing software to help them produce their digital story.
“Why are we coming together to learn about digital storytelling? For indigenous peoples, we have a lot of stories, some are about our history, of our creation,” said Madison Fulton, Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona Health Promotions Specialist.
“What makes our story important for our people, is that it is passed along. It’s important information that gets passed along through the generations,” said Fulton. According to Fulton the subjects can range from health, culture, a personal account or a concern in their community.
Eric Hardy, ITCA Health Promotions Specialist assisted with the creation of digital storytelling.
“Everyone has their own process, some folks start with pictures, and then move onto the story boarding, writing out what they want to say,” said Hardy.
He said, it can be an emotional experience, because you are dealing with different issues, some of them very close to the participant, but they are sharing them with others. “When you are telling this story, you are asking yourself, why and what kind of story can I share?”
With previous digital storytelling trainings, Hardy said they range from telling a story of healing, a personal journey of triumph and empowerment. Fulton said, some stories create empathy, because as the story teller, you want people to care about what you are saying to raise awareness about the issues.
“If it’s a memorable moment you care about, stories have the ability to create change, that can have a wider reach to audiences,” said Fulton.
