Lesson 13: Storytelling as Medicine

Storytelling holds a sacred role in many Indigenous cultures. It is used to teach, heal, and pass down wisdom. This lesson explores how stories—shared orally or digitally—can powerfully shift how people understand and manage diabetes.

Activity: Write or record a story about diabetes—real or fictional—that communicates a key message around prevention, healing, or resilience.

Discussion Questions:

• How does storytelling differ from other forms of education, and why is it particularly effective in Indigenous communities?
• What are some examples of how storytelling has been used to convey important health messages in Indigenous cultures?
• How can healthcare providers incorporate storytelling into their diabetes education programs?
• What challenges might arise in using storytelling as a tool for diabetes education, and how can they be overcome?
• How can storytelling be used to engage both youth and Elders in the discussion of diabetes prevention and management?