Communicating Research Through Creative Art in Indigenous Communities

Art is shown in Indigenous cultures as a key component in storytelling, serving as a symbolic and relational bridge that connects a community. Using art in research has been shown to benefit the community by symbolizing research and communicating knowledge to diverse audiences, from children to elders. Art-based approaches within Indigenous methodologies reflect principles of self-determination and community collaboration, transforming research from an extractive process into a research that benefits the community. This project evaluates existing Indigenous art-based research to highlight how creative expression functions as a methodology rather than solely as dissemination. Through qualitative community research, artists can create metaphors that embody ideas, experiences, and cultural knowledge. Incorporating creative media allows researchers and communities to engage collaboratively and reflect. Ultimately, demonstrating that art is not supplementary to Indigenous research but a foundational element in Indigenous methodologies.