2022 CES Conference / Congrès 2022 de la SCÉ

We propose a panel of diverse individuals (i.e., evaluators, community members and program staff) sharing their experiences regarding employing a participatory approach to federal evaluations of Indigenous programs that recognize the relevant TRC Calls to Action, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Evaluation guiding principles for Indigenous context (Maddox et al., 2021). This approach is uncommon in the Canadian Federal Government and supports the co-development and implementation of evaluations. The focus is on reconciliation and building stronger relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people involved in evaluations. There is a development of common ground, as well as shared goals and approaches that balance tensions and power dynamics during all phases of an evaluation. The result are culturally safe evaluations as identified by Indigenous communities that consider the community's knowledge to provide relevant findings and recommendations.