Join us as Marisa Van Bavel and Richelle Ready share key learnings about Indigenous Evaluation Methodologies.

Marisa will start by sharing her review of Indigenous methodologies which present an alternative way to think about the process of research and what constitutes knowledge. Broadly, methodology refers to the approach one takes to conduct research in a systematic way in order to answer a research question. Evaluation research is the process of gathering insights into program goals, activities, strengths, and areas for improvement. To ensure programs are serving the needs of, and capitalizing on the strengths of Indigenous peoples, they must be equitably included in the evaluation process. In this review, recommendations for respectful and ethical work will be provided. Topics include partnership approaches to research and Indigenous evaluation framework.

Richelle will then share examples from the Ode Zhigo Ode: Heart to Heart Project which centres Indigenous knowledges, ways of knowing, and ways of being throughout the entirety of its programming, including within its evaluation. Evaluation within an Indigenous lens needs to include what is important to participants, as well as focus on understanding the impact of the programming on participants’ ways of knowing, being, feeling, and doing. An overview of the use of story, sharing, and narrative as methodology will be discussed. Topics will include: relational accountability, an art creation method (Tree of Life/Sacred Tree), and Talking Circles.

Objectives:

1. Describe Indigenous Methodology and Indigenous Evaluation Methodology
2. Learn about relevant theories that inform Indigenous evaluation research
3. Understand the importance of relationships and collaboration in Indigenous research
4. Learn about different tools (methods) that can be used within an Indigenous Evaluation Methodology lens

About the Speakers: