Indigenous digital storytelling and resistance. Analyzing the discourses of Shayla Oulette Stonechild and her influencer-activism on Instagram

Indigenous digital activism is a multifaceted form of collective and individual opposition against colonial oppression, with new narrative strategies emerging online. This study investigates how Indigenous influencer-activist Shayla Oulette Stonechild uses Instagram for digital storytelling and resistance.

Using a corpus-based approach to Critical Discourse Analysis, we analyze her Instagram posts to uncover the discursive strategies she adopts on Instagram. The research key findings reveal the use of personal narratives, community empowerment, lifestyle content, advocacy, and promotion of Indigenous identity and Indigenous brands. This work emphasizes the critical importance of social media in Indigenous activism, offering insights into new forms of digital decolonization and counter-discourses.