Wise Practices in Indigenous Program Evaluation

Abstract

This research project explores approaches and methodologies of program evaluation in the context of Indigenous programs that are operated by or funded by non-Indigenous organizations. It asks two research questions: a) What constitutes Indigenous program evaluation? and b) How can program evaluation successfully represent an Indigenous program like the Indigenous Star Knowledge Project, a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded project operated by Ingenium and the University of Ottawa? Through three one on one conversations with key contributors to the Indigenous Star Knowledge Project, it identifies three themes discussed by interviewees in connection to program evaluation for Indigenous programs: (a) Indigenous voices versus the voices of organizations, (b) role and positioning of the evaluator, and (c) Indigenous approaches and methodologies. Findings propose three “wise practices” for program evaluation of Indigenous programs: (1) center Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination through narrative sovereignty, (2), consider the relationship, role, and identity of the evaluator, and (3) apply Indigenous approaches, methodologies, and analysis.