Journal Article

PA12 Is digital storytelling ka pai for new zealand m ori? using digital storytelling as a method to explore wh nau end of life caregiving experiences: a pilot study

Pearson, Sarina, Black, Stella, Hansen, Whio, Frey, Rosemary, Gott, Merryn, Wharemate, Rawiri, Moeke-Maxwell, Tess, Williams, Lisa, Kothari, Shuchi

2015

Overview

M ori regard stories as a preferred method for imparting knowledge through waiata (song), moteatea (poetry), kauwhau (moralistic tale), pakiwaitara (story) and purakau (myths). Storytelling is also an expression of tinorangatiratanga (self-determination); M ori have the right to manage their knowledge, which includes embodiment in forms transcending typical western formulations. Digital storytelling is a process by which 'ordinary people' create short autobiographical videos. It has found application in numerous disciplines including public health and has been used to articulatethe experiences of those often excluded from knowledge production. To explore the use of digital storytelling as a research method for learning about wh nau (family) experiences providing end of life care for kaum tua (older people). Eight M ori and their nominated co-creators attended a three-day digital story telling workshop led by co-researchers Shuchi Kothari and Sarina Pearson. They were guided in the creation of first-person digital stories about caring for kaum tua. The videos were shared at a group screening, and participants completed questionnaires about the workshop and their videos. A Kaupapa M ori narrative analysis was applied to their stories to gain new perspectives on M ori end of life caregiving practices. (Kaupapa Maori research privileges Maori worldviews and indigenous knowledge systems.) Digital storytelling is an appropriate method as M ori is an oral/aural society. It allows M ori to share their stories with others, thus promoting community support at the end of life, befitting a public health approach. Digital storytelling can be a useful method for M ori to express their experiences providing end of life caregiving.