1011 - Pathways to Healing: Equipping Evaluators for Truth and Reconciliation

Abstract Information: This one-day workshop designed for evaluators aims to enhance their understanding in the context of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous nations. The workshop aims to equip evaluators with the necessary knowledge, reflection tools, and ethical frameworks to effectively evaluate with a lens of Truth and Reconciliation, while fostering healing, accountability, and social transformation. The workshop begins with an exploration of the historical and theoretical foundations of the impetus of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying narratives, beliefs, and political will that brought the culmination of colonial practices into place. Drawing on case studies and real-world examples, participants will examine the diverse forms and approaches to applying truth and reconciliation principles in evaluation , learning about truth commissions, and the role of data sovereignty. Through interactive discussions, group activities, and role-playing exercises, participants will explore key concepts and methodologies relevant to evaluation with a Truth and Reconciliation lens. This includes examining strategies for engaging diverse rightsholders, collecting and analyzing qualitative data, collaboratively determining definitions of success with communities to assess impact and outcomes, and navigating ethical dilemmas and power dynamics inherent in evaluation practice. Special attention will be given to the unique considerations and challenges of practicing Evaluation with a Truth and Reconciliation lens in Indigenous and underserved communities. Participants will reflect on their own practices and learn from a culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach to evaluation, grounded in principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice. Throughout the workshop, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own identities, biases, and positionalities as evaluators, and consider how these factors may influence their practice. Through reflective exercises and group discussions, participants will explore strategies for cultivating reflexivity, humility, and cultural humility in their work, and recognize the importance of ongoing learning and growth in the pursuit of social justice and reconciliation. This one-day workshop offers evaluators a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of truth and reconciliation processes and enhance their evaluation practice in this complex and challenging context. The workshop aims to contribute to the promotion of healing, accountability, and social transformation in communities affected by historical injustices and systemic violence. Learning objectives Increase understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, including the narratives, beliefs, and political context that led to the establishment of reconciliation processes. Participants will reflect on their own identities, world views, assumptions and biases, and positionalities as evaluators, and explore strategies for cultivating reflexivity in their work. Increased understanding of the legacy of research in Indigenous communities and recognizing the importance of ongoing learning and growth in the pursuit of social justice and reconciliation.

Relevance Statement: This workshop is profoundly relevant to the topic of amplifying voices as it seeks to equip evaluators with the necessary tools, knowledge, and ethical frameworks to effectively evaluate programs and be part of the truth and reconciliation movement. Indigenous and underserved communities have historically been silenced. This workshop endeavours to examine praxis underlying evaluation practice to ensure that stories, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous and underserved communities are accurately documented, validated, and honored. Changing narratives and amplifying voices is at the heart of the Truth and Reconciliation movement, as these processes aim to center the narratives and lived experiences of those directly impacted by historical injustices, colonialism, and systemic discrimination. Evaluators play a critical role in amplifying these voices by conducting rigorous and ethical evaluations that capture the multifaceted impact programs in a way that illuminates the truth and how evaluators can be a part of the reconciliation movement. This workshop draws from principles of equity, justice, culturally responsive and participatory approaches to evaluation. This workshop provides pathways for evaluators to center the voices of Indigenous and underserved communities in decision-making processes, policy development, and program design. Through collaborative partnerships and meaningful engagement with diverse rights holders, evaluators can amplify the voices of those most affected by historical injustices and contribute to the promotion of healing, reconciliation, and social transformation.