An Indigenous perspective on evaluations in the inter-cultural context: how far can one throw a Moree boomerang
An Indigenous perspective on evaluations in the inter-cultural context: how far can one throw a Moree boomerang Journal Article
Evaluation Journal of Australasia
- Author(s): Taylor, R.
- Published: 2003
- Volume: 3
Abstract: Evaluations and evaluative research do not occur in a cultural or ethical vacuum. This paper has attempted to offer some principles for ethical, inter-cultural evaluation and research practices. It was my intention to make some suggestions about approaches to best practice in an attempt to ensure that evaluative research with or about Indigenous communities is of high value to the various stakeholders, including, the Indigenous community, those who commission evaluations and the profession itself. As a basic tenet, I repeat that approaches to any evaluative research involving Indigenous peoples must be based on respect for Indigenous people’s inherent right to self-determination, and our right to control and maintain our culture and heritage. Mutually respectful, inclusive, consultative evaluation practices in the before, during and after stages are seen as the preferred model of practice.