MNEA Series on Indigenous Evaluation - Part 1: Indigenous Evaluation 101

Designed by Nicole MartinRogers and Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro, please join MNEA for a three-part series on Indigenous Evaluation to provide an understanding of its key principles, practices, and real-world applications. 

Details for each session are available below-- this form allows you to register for Part 1: Indigenous Evaluation 101 only. To register for parts 2 and 3, be on the lookout for separate MNEA announcements to be released soon or check out the MNEA Events page on the website!

This workshop specifically addresses the following AEA Evaluator Competencies:

• Competency 3.1: Responds respectfully to the uniqueness of the evaluation context.
• Competency 3.2: Engages a diverse range of users/stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.
• Competency 5.2: Listens to understand and engage different perspectives.
• Competency 5.5: Attends to the ways power and privilege affect evaluation practice.

All sessions are free for MNEA members. Nonmember suggested ticket price is $10, with the option to pay what you can. Join us for one or all three sessions in the series to enhance your understanding and practice of Indigenous evaluation!

MNEA is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. Please register by September 5 if you would like an accommodation for Part 1, and include your request in the registration form.

Session Descriptions

Part 1: Indigenous Evaluation 101 (virtual) - Register using the link above. 

We begin with an introductory virtual session on Indigenous evaluation. The session will cover what Indigenous evaluation is, key principles and practices including data sovereignty, and important concepts like positionality and reflexivity. We'll also discuss examples of how to engage community members and community-based organizations. Presented by Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro-Biidabinikwe and Nicole MartinRogers.

Part  2: Indigenous Evaluation in Action (in person)

In the second session, we'll delve into the practical application of Indigenous evaluation within organizations. This includes organizational readiness, understanding the steps and key components of the evaluation process, and building necessary skills and capacities. The session features case studies and a panel of organizational leaders who have implemented Indigenous evaluation, offering valuable insights and real-world examples. Presented by Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro-Biidabinikwe and Nicole MartinRogers.

Part 3: Involving Youth, Elders, and Other Folks in Indigenous Evaluation (in person)

The final session highlights the importance of involving youth, elders, and other interested parties in the evaluation process. The session covers practical examples and methodologies for incorporating folks in Indigenous evaluation, focusing on youth voice, elders, and knowledge keepers. Presented by Nicole MartinRogers.

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Presenters

Nicole MartinRogers (she/her, White Earth Nation descendant) has been with Wilder Research since 2001. In her role as Research Scientist, Nicole provides research and evaluation services to a wide range of programs and organizations. Nicole is also a partner in Advance Consulting LLC. She designs and consults on program evaluations and community-based applied research projects, and facilitates data-based decision-making processes. She has a focus on Indigenous evaluation and other culturally responsive and equitable evaluation practices. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in public policy (M.P.P.) from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Minnesota. Nicole is also grateful for all of the informal learning opportunities she has received while interacting with various individuals, communities, and organizations in her professional and volunteer roles. Nicole volunteers on the Roseville Schools Indian Education Parent Committee. She joined the Interfaith Action board of directors and Department of Indian Work Advisory Council in 2021, and is the former board chair of Tiwahe Foundation. She is also the former board chair and current co-director for the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative. Nicole is a former president of the Minnesota Evaluation Association.

Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro-Biidabinikwe (St. Croix Chippewa/Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota and she holds a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Educational Policy and Leadership. She is passionate about health equity and social justice advocacy, particularly within Indigenous contexts. Her research and practice centers reflexive practice, identity development and impact, and shifting power to communities through community engagement. Elizabeth practices as the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health - leading statewide strategic planning around maternal and child health, and an Evaluation and Research Consultant assisting organizations with culturally reflexive, equity-focused, and community-driven research and evaluation strategies. She is also a birth doula and lactation consultant for Indigenous families, Co-Chair of the American Evaluation Association’s (AEA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group, and representative on the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs’ (AMCHP) Health Equity Committee. If she’s not attending to one of these roles, you can find Elizabeth spending time with her partner Travis, almost 2 year old son Jude, Border Collie Thor, and kitty Sif, probably exploring a Minnesota hiking trail or wandering around Costco. 

The core presentation team will feature other leaders and organizational partners throughout the series!