On-Site Training

Providing professional Indigenous evaluation training since 2010

Our training has included other evaluators, program staff / management, government staff / management, and students. While some of our training workshops focus on broader evaluation theory and methodologies, we are often asked to provide training on the Waawiyeyaa Evaluation Tool. Through these workshops we have developed an in-depth understanding of the challenges and complexities which surround the reconciliation between Western and Indigenous ideas of what evaluation should be doing and under what circumstances. In 2016, we launched the Indigenous Evaluation Training Manual, which has greatly increased our catalogue of methodologies, approaches, and reporting methods that encompass our on-site -training workshops. We follow a three-step process to meeting the training needs of our clients: 1) Initial engagement, 2) On-site training, and 3) Follow-up and supports.

Initial Engagement

Listening mindfully to meet your needs

The first step in providing evaluation training to a team of staff and management is to meet and discuss the scope of the knowledge and tool requirements. We meet with the manager first to understand their perspective and current perceptions around the reconciliation process of Western and Indigenous evaluation methodologies within your organization. Once the parameters surrounding reconciliation are understood an online survey is created and circulated among the organizational representatives for their input on what they hope to learn. If you have a broader regional or national staff complement, a series of 3 sessions at 2.5 hours each is usually recommended. Once survey results are in, a draft agenda is created, and through your input a final training course is designed.

On-site Training

Designing a course that is tailored to your organization

Our primary goal is to leave you with concrete tools and strategies that will enhance your internal evaluation processes. If we do our job correctly, the organization’s personnel will have an in-depth understanding of the logic behind evaluation — taking an individual’s thinking process and demonstrating how it applies to the organization. You will become very familiar with the intersection between Indigenous and Western thought and create a concrete plan on how Indigenous evaluation can enhance and strengthen your organizational processes. The workshop is interactive and focused on experiential learning; utilizing tailored templates you will sketch out a comprehensive evaluation plan as well as determining methodologies and drafting interview questions.

Follow-up and Supports

On-going communication to support utilization

Many workshop participants become naturally engulfed in their everyday busy work lives and forget to stay-in touch. We suggest at minimum booking 2 -3 conference calls post-workshop. These should occur one-week, one-month and two-months post-course. The goal is to discuss any barriers you have encountered and work through challenges. As a practitioner for 20-years, it has been an uphill battle to push the envelope of Indigenous evaluation, and you may be drowning in the demands of Western thought and practice. This is the number one reason we develop draft tools and plans in the actual workshop – so you walk away with concrete approaches that you can apply in the real world. Staying in touch strengthens your commitment to advancing Indigenous evaluation practice.

Benefits of On-site Training

What You Will Learn

About the gaps and challenges in your organization’s current evaluation practice.
An understanding of the issues surrounding the reconciliation between Western and Indigenous evaluation practice.
How to utilize templates to develop draft tools and sketch-out a comprehensive evaluation plan.

Who Can Benefit from On-Site Training

Indigenous programs, such as First Nations Health, Métis organizations, Inuit governments.
Government staff and management who manage programs directed to Indigenous peoples.
Non-government organizations who work with Indigenous peoples.

Earn Credits Towards Certification

Depending on the focus of your on-site training, we can look at giving your team credits towards the 4-workshop series on Completing an Indigenous Evaluation Journey, with the graduates earning a Certificate in the Transformation of Evaluation.

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Your leadership and contributions to the development of the Ways Tried and True criteria are attested by the significant adaption of the WTT criteria by other stakeholders in the field of Aboriginal health.
Nina JethaManager, Canadian Best Practices Initiative

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As a community based organization, we constantly evaluate our program, but did not have a mechanism in place to structure or streamline our findings. Another aspect that we wanted in our evaluation framework was a self-evaluation component for the participants. JRI understood our needs and took the time to develop a solid understanding of our program.
Denise DesjarlaisExecutive Director, Prairie Spirit Connections Inc.

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In each undertaking, Johnston Research Inc. was always professional, protected our privacy, and exceeded both in the engagement process as well as the final products.
Joe HesterExecutive Director, Anishnawbe Health Toronto.

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From a cultural understanding of our program and evaluation needs, JRI developed a unique program model that incorporated the stages of healing. JRI is very approachable and professional.
Denise DesjarlaisExecutive Director, Prairie Spirit Connections Inc.

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Johnston Research Inc. trained interviewers, assessed results, implemented a program evaluation and provided ongoing consultations with our office staff and the Evaluation Committee.
Marilyn PettisRegional Manager, Ka:nen Our Children Our Future

Interested in Our On-Site Training?