Course 3: Digital Storytelling
Storytelling is an important part of personal and cultural expression especially in Northern Indigenous cultures. In this hand-on course, learners will be guided through creating and sharing their own digital story. Participants will create a Digital Story which addresses a topic or theme of their choice.
The Digital Storytelling course has been customized for NWT-based learners by adapting Hands on Media Education's (Jessie Curell) previous digital storytelling workshops for NWT communities. Course 3 frames the process of Digital Storytelling in relation to setting up a canvas tent. The analogy is enriched by a series of six short videos highlighting key aspects of digital storytelling, featuring Dëneze Nakehk'o, Jennie Vandermeer, Pat Kane, Leanne Goose (who was also one of the course developers), Kyle Napier, and Jacey Firth-Hagen. The analogy is brought to life with beautiful illustrations created by Nigit'stil Norbert. The course has been specifically designed to guide learners at any level of digital literacy through the pre-production, production, and post-production process on their DigitalNWT provided laptops. This course includes both creative aspects of digital storytelling, such as photography and choosing music, and technical aspects such as sequencing photos, recording voice over, and using video editing software. All stages of production will be covered including brainstorming, script writing, storyboarding their idea, making or sourcing photographs and music, and finally weaving their Digital Story into a finished project. The workshop will culminate in a film screening where learners will have the opportunity to share their work and celebrate the work of others.
A note on sensitivity: Digital Storytelling can be an expression of positive experiences, however, it can also bring up feelings and emotions related to histories of trauma. Respect and sensitivity will be necessary. Creating a safe space for sharing will be part of the
discussion in unit one of this course and it should be noted that at any time should a participant feel uncomfortable, support should be provided. Additional community mental health and support resources are included in the course materials.