Culturally Responsive Evaluation Training

The Canadian Evaluation Society – Ontario Chapter has partnered with Reciprocal Consulting, Inc to offer a two-part online workshop for evaluators to support Culturally Responsive Evaluations through a Reconciliation lens. These sessions will focus on the need for culturally responsive evaluation, while challenging and disrupting status quo evaluations, and will re-orient evaluators to practice evaluation in a culturally responsive way. Through interactive examples, this training will support transformative learning for working alongside Indigenous communities. The engaging live session allows for participants to have a catered experience where facilitators adapt the content based on the interests and knowledge levels of the learners. Furthermore, these online sessions will foster an open and facilitated space for discussion. Learners will have the opportunity to connect with others as they explore the different ways, they can strengthen their practice.

Credentialed Evaluator Competencies:

• 1.4 Considers the well-being of human and natural systems in evaluation practice.
• 1.7 Uses self-awareness and reflective thinking to continually improve practice.
• 3.3 Respects all stakeholders and strives to build and maintain trusting relationships
• 3.4 Promotes and facilitates usefulness of the evaluation process and results.
• 3.6 Engages in reciprocal processes in which evaluation knowledge and expertise are shared between the evaluator and stakeholders to enhance evaluation capacity for all.
• 3.7 Uses evaluation processes and practices that support reconciliation and build stronger relationships among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

About the Facilitators:

Sofia Vitalis was born and raised on the unceded stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and mi ce:p kʷətxʷiləm (Tsleil-waututh) Nations. Sofia is a mestiza Colombian Latina, with strong roots in her culture and family. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Simon Fraser University, where her passion was deepened for critical reflection of systems and heart-centred value that affect all aspects of her work and life. In her role, as Lead for Education and Mentorship she can spread her passionate for transforming’s systems. Sofia also thrives on fostering relationships and deepen understandings of anti-racism and decolonization through the organizational and community education work she is privileged to do at Reciprocal Consulting Inc.

Billie Joe Rogers is an Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Southwestern Ontario and holds a PhD in Law and Forensic Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Billie Joe has worked with Reciprocal Consulting, Inc since 2010 and has contributed to over 300 program evaluations, research projects, and facilitation contracts. Billie Joe has 12 years of experience conducting evaluations and research at the local, provincial and national levels, with a focus on programs and content relevant to Indigenous communities. Furthermore, Billie Joe has considerable experience providing mentorship and teaching in the area of culturally responsive evaluation and research, providing training to evaluation society conference attendees and provincial and territorial evaluation chapters, as well as to non-profits and educational institutions.