Nation‐to‐Nation in Evaluation: Utilizing an Indigenous Evaluation Model to Frame Systems and Government Evaluations

Abstract

Evaluation scholars have offered culturally responsive evaluation theories, methods, and frameworks, but few have applied them to systems or governance evaluations. Culturally responsive and systems evaluation literature does not address the unique legal and political components of sovereign Tribal/First Nations Governments. This chapter addresses literature and practice gaps through an emerging Nation‐to‐Nation (N2N) Systems Evaluation Framework. Applying Tribal Critical Theory (TCT) to systems and governance evaluations, the author builds on an emerging Tribal Critical Systems Theory (TCST) to consider future culturally responsive and legally inclusive evaluation applications at systems and governance levels. TCST is applied within an emerging N2N systems evaluation model helping evaluation practitioners conceptualize systems evaluation design used between sovereign governments.

A learning agenda for the advocacy evaluation field's future

“…We need to partner with and lift up evaluators of color and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color‐led firms in ways that prioritize their leadership, bring their voices to the fore, and work against a reinforcing cycle of market capture by White‐led firms. We need to look at a wider range of evaluation theories and practice, such as Bowman's (2020) work on an Indigenous model for conceptualizing systems or governance evaluation designs, an issue woefully ignored even in the United States, where much of the early advocacy evaluation field‐building occurred.…”

Looking Backward but Moving Forward

“…Building upon the foundation of CRE and the original IE definition, I further proposed a working definition of a CRIE model: 3 An Indigenous Self-Determination Evaluation Model respects, recognizes, and values the inherent worth of Indian culture; is responsive to the communities’ needs as voiced by all members of the tribal community; builds evaluation designs and processes around Indian assets and resources; and literally and figuratively employs Indians in every part of the process (program, policy, implementation, evaluation) to heal, strengthen, and preserve Indigenous societies for the next 7 generations. (Bowman, 2005, p. 8)CRIE is about working “with” the community and not on them, an approach which has stood the test of time and is a traditional construct foundational to the CRIE model (Bowman, 2005, 2017). The process and preparation for working with Indigenous communities is as important as the theories and methods that underpin the work of the evaluator.…”

“…The process and preparation for working with Indigenous communities is as important as the theories and methods that underpin the work of the evaluator. Since 2005, this initial CRIE conceptual model has been implemented, tested, and modified through national and international IE studies (Bowman, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2015, 2017; Bowman et al, 2015; Bowman & Reinhardt, 2014, 2015; Garasky et al, 2016; O’Connor et al, 2015). Created from the Stockbridge-Munsee/Lunaape traditional teachings, this CRIE evaluation model was developed using the Stockbridge-Munsee/Lunaape’s medicine wheel (SML CRIE).…”

“…The SML CRIE model allows for adaptations for community context/building, cultural responsiveness/traditional teachings for solving issues, documenting strengths as well as needs or challenges, and flexibility to meet local and funder requirements for evidence-based evaluations. The SML CRIE evaluation model was conceptualized by Bowman (2005) and for over 13 years continues to be modified and updated based on applications, new culture and language teachings, and as Indigenous elders, academics, and community members guide the SML CRIE creator’s model (Bowman, 2006, 2016, 2018). Figure 2 illustrates the latest model.…”

“…An Indigenous Self-Determination Evaluation Model respects, recognizes, and values the inherent worth of Indian culture; is responsive to the communities’ needs as voiced by all members of the tribal community; builds evaluation designs and processes around Indian assets and resources; and literally and figuratively employs Indians in every part of the process (program, policy, implementation, evaluation) to heal, strengthen, and preserve Indigenous societies for the next 7 generations. (Bowman, 2005, p. 8)…”