The Healing Power of Storytelling: Finding Identity Through Narrative

Abstract

This paper describes the power of storytelling in the context of an Indigenous youth collective, whichgathers each week to share their lived experiences and learn song, dance, and lessons through story. Ibegin with my own life narrative followed by an exploration of how the intergenerational transmissionof historical trauma has left many Indigenous youth searching for a connection to their culture. I thendiscuss research that reveals the importance of cultural continuity, self-determination, and engagementin the community to the healing journey of Indigenous youth. Next, I consider oral storytelling as onemethod of knowledge delivery, utilized by Indigenous Nations for thousands of years, that seamlesslyblends cultural learning and thus connection to identity. I detail the creation of a Youth StorytellingCircle which centres teachings from the Stó:lō, Haida, Nisga’a, Salish, and Popkum Coast Salish Nationssurrounding the shores and rainforests of what is now British Columbia. I conclude with reasons whyengaging youth in their wellbeing through traditional practices is of high importance to us all as Indigenouscommunity members.