Food and energy sovereignty are foundational to the self-determination and well-being of Indigenous communities. Food sovereignty refers to the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agricultural systems. Energy sovereignty extends this principle to the realm of energy resources, where communities have the authority to produce, distribute, and use energy in ways that align with their values and environmental stewardship. Evaluating these initiatives requires approaches that center Indigenous voices, respect traditional knowledge systems, and embrace holistic methodologies.
Culturally Responsive Evaluation Frameworks
Culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) is a critical approach for assessing Indigenous food and energy sovereignty initiatives. CRE is a holistic framework for centering evaluation in culture (Frierson, Hood, Hughes, and Thomas, 2010). In evaluating Indigenous food and energy sovereignty initiatives, evaluators must steep themselves in a community's values, traditions, and aspirations. For example, measures of success might prioritize the restoration of native plant species, intergenerational transfer of agricultural knowledge, or reduced reliance on external energy grids—goals that standard Western evaluation metrics may overlook.
Community-based participatory research (CBPR) aligns well with CRE, as it involves co-creating evaluation designs with Indigenous communities. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (2001) defined community-based participatory research as “a collaborative approach to research that equitably involves all partners in the research process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings.” (p. 2). Participatory approaches such as CBPR are essential for fostering trust and avoiding extractive research practices.
Decolonizing Data Practices
Evaluators must also address the power dynamics inherent in data collection and interpretation. Linda Tuhiwai Smith (2012) emphasized the importance of decolonizing research methods to avoid perpetuating systems of oppression. In practice, this means prioritizing Indigenous data sovereignty—ensuring that data is controlled and interpreted by the community it represents. The First Nations Information Governance Centre’s principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) offer a model for ethical data practices, asserting that indigenous peoples should have control over data collection processes and should own and control how this information is used.
Integrating Holistic Practices and Indicators
Evaluation of Indigenous food and energy sovereignty should take into account the interconnectedness of ecological, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. The AIHEC evaluation framework (2008) proposes a set of evaluation practices based on the core Indigenous values of (a) being a people of a place, (b) recognizing our gifts, (c) honouring family and community, and (d) respecting sovereignty. Situating a program by describing its relationship to the community, including its history and current situation, and understanding that food and energy sovereignty indicators may focus on more holistic measures, such as community health and well-being, are examples of holistic evaluation practices that matter to Indigenous communities. An example of an energy sovereignty evaluation could include metrics like reduced carbon footprints alongside community-defined indicators, such as revitalization of traditional ecological knowledge.
Conclusion
Evaluating Indigenous food and energy sovereignty requires a shift from conventional evaluation methodologies to those that prioritize Indigenous worldviews and self-determination. By employing culturally responsive, decolonizing, and holistic approaches, evaluators can not only measure outcomes but also contribute to the empowerment and resilience of Indigenous communities. As program evaluators, we have a responsibility to uplift Indigenous voices and ensure that evaluation processes align with the goals and values of the communities we serve.
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