Social Media Activism In Underrepresented Communities: A Case Study of Indigenous Narratives

This research explored the role of social media in empowering Indigenous narratives, focusing on how digital platforms enabled Indigenous communities to challenge colonial histories, promote cultural sovereignty, and advocate for social justice. Using a mixed-methods approach that included case studies, interviews, surveys, and content analysis, the study investigated key social media campaigns such as #IdleNoMore and #MMIW, along with the perspectives of Indigenous activists and community members. The findings identified the primary enablers and barriers to effective digital activism, examined patterns of audience engagement, and assessed the impact of social media in reshaping public perceptions of Indigenous issues. The research also addressed challenges such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and cyber harassment and provided recommendations for both Indigenous communities and social media platforms to improve digital activism efforts. Ultimately, the study contributed to the growing field of digital activism by highlighting the transformative potential of social media in amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering a more inclusive digital space for social change.