In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon live the Waorani, self-proclaimed forest guardians who were introduced to vastly contrasting cultural values and customs only 80 years ago when missionaries and oil companies moved into the area in pursuit of their own moral and monetary interests. This encroachment has left most Waorani communities displaced and anguished. Individuals who have called this land home for generations now struggle to preserve their cultural identity and connection to place. Yet, the Waorani culture has always prized storytelling as a manner of passing down their rich ancestral wisdom. The power of storytelling has continued to thrive despite the colonial influences and emerging emphasis on adopting Western cultural traditions. Therefore, by tapping into the deeply entrenched community practice of storytelling through various forms, we have found a manner of approaching difficult community topics and issues to begin conversations about confronting them at the individual, familial, and communal level. In this session, the three presenters will demonstrate three unique approaches to gathering stories that transform, empower and build capacity in their work with the Waorani community in Amazonian Ecuador. Through photography, 360 immersive storytelling, and participatory theater (Forum theater), we have invited new ways of thinking about the present and future into the community through collaborative workshops, exhibitions, and qualitative research studies. We believe, while this is admittedly only the first step in a long process of decolonization and empowerment, storytelling forms such as these can provide the launch pad for creating opportunities for social change.