aes19 International Evaluation Conference

James Smith (Menzies School of Health Research), Kim Robertson (Charles Darwin University), Donna Stephens (Menzies School of Health Research), Kalinda Griffiths (University of New South Wales)

The need to strengthen evaluation approaches in Indigenous evaluation contexts is well documented at national and global levels. In response, many evaluators have suggested that a greater understanding and use of Indigenist and decolonising evaluation methods is required, preferably with evidence of strong Indigenous leadership and participation. This has paralleled discussions about the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty. A deeper appreciation of the principles underpinning Indigenous evaluation work has also been a focus of recent policy and strategy discussions in Australia, with a notable increase in the development of Indigenous focused evaluation frameworks as a result. In tandem, strategies to build capacity in Indigenous evaluation (of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous evaluators), have also started to surface through research commentary and evaluation practice. Within the context of the conference theme - 'unboxed' - it is about understanding the complex interplay between values, power, culture and diversity. Indeed, perhaps there is no box at all, and an intricately woven basket is a better metaphor. Nevertheless, there are relatively few forums in which people working in Indigenous evaluation contexts have the opportunity to critically reflect on their practice. This interactive session aims to provide a safe space to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous evaluators face in undertaking Indigenous evaluation work. This includes an opportunity to engage in open dialogue about the anxieties, tensions and celebrations associated with Indigenous evaluation. The session will be led by three Indigenous and one non-Indigenous facilitators that have worked collaboratively on various Indigenous evaluation projects at local, state and national levels. Key points of discussion will be documented as a communique for participants. The will be provided to the Cultural Capacity and Diversity Committee of the Australasian Evaluation Society to help inform further areas for development and action in this space.