This article explores the use of yarning, an Indigenous cultural method of conversation and storytelling, as a legitimate and rigorous data collection tool in research. It presents findings from two studies conducted in Botswana and Western Australia, demonstrating how yarning can be used to build trust, establish relationships, and gather in-depth, culturally relevant information. The study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for researchers to adapt their methods to align with Indigenous ways of knowing and communicating. Yarning is described as a flexible, informal, and dialogical process that allows for the sharing of personal stories and experiences. It is contrasted with more formal research methods, which often prioritize structured data collection. The article discusses different types of yarning, including social yarning, collaborative yarning, research topic yarning, and therapeutic yarning. Each type serves a distinct purpose in the research process, from building rapport to exploring traumatic experiences. The study also addresses the challenges of using yarning as a research method, including the difficulty of maintaining focus during conversations and the potential for messy, unstructured data. However, it emphasizes the value of yarning in providing rich, thick descriptions of participants' experiences and in fostering a culturally safe and respectful research environment. Gender issues are also explored, with both researchers noting how their gender influenced their interactions with participants. The article highlights the importance of being mindful of power dynamics and the need for researchers to navigate these issues with sensitivity and awareness. Overall, the article argues that yarning is a valid and effective research method that can be used to gather meaningful data while respecting Indigenous cultural practices. It underscores the importance of cultural match and the need for researchers to engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and responsive to their needs. The study provides a framework for understanding and applying yarning in research, offering insights into its strengths, challenges, and potential for future research.This article explores the use of yarning, an Indigenous cultural method of conversation and storytelling, as a legitimate and rigorous data collection tool in research. It presents findings from two studies conducted in Botswana and Western Australia, demonstrating how yarning can be used to build trust, establish relationships, and gather in-depth, culturally relevant information. The study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for researchers to adapt their methods to align with Indigenous ways of knowing and communicating. Yarning is described as a flexible, informal, and dialogical process that allows for the sharing of personal stories and experiences. It is contrasted with more formal research methods, which often prioritize structured data collection. The article discusses different types of yarning, including social yarning, collaborative yarning, research topic yarning, and therapeutic yarning. Each type serves a distinct purpose in the research process, from building rapport to exploring traumatic experiences. The study also addresses the challenges of using yarning as a research method, including the difficulty of maintaining focus during conversations and the potential for messy, unstructured data. However, it emphasizes the value of yarning in providing rich, thick descriptions of participants' experiences and in fostering a culturally safe and respectful research environment. Gender issues are also explored, with both researchers noting how their gender influenced their interactions with participants. The article highlights the importance of being mindful of power dynamics and the need for researchers to navigate these issues with sensitivity and awareness. Overall, the article argues that yarning is a valid and effective research method that can be used to gather meaningful data while respecting Indigenous cultural practices. It underscores the importance of cultural match and the need for researchers to engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and responsive to their needs. The study provides a framework for understanding and applying yarning in research, offering insights into its strengths, challenges, and potential for future research.