Community Stories in Indigenous Evaluation with Veronica LaJoie

In this episode of Indigenous Insights, host Gladys Rowe sits down with Veronica LaJoie, a dedicated member of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, artist, and Indigenous evaluation specialist. Veronica shares her transformative journey into evaluation, beginning with foundational teachings from the Indigenous Evaluation Framework and scholars and leaders who have offered a pathway into how to approach this work in a good way. The conversation weaves through culturally grounded and strength-based approaches to evaluation, including the integration of art-based methods like ribbon work to honor community stories.

Veronica offers listeners an invitation into the rigor, care, and reciprocity needed for Indigenous evaluation to flourish, reflecting on her work with cancer survivors and the importance of centering Indigenous values in evaluation processes. Veronica offers a spotlight on the power of community-driven storytelling, data sovereignty, and the growing influence of Indigenous frameworks in shaping a more equitable future.

Bio

Veronica A. LaJoie is affiliated with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She is a dedicated member of her community and a devoted single mother to her son.

With a background in biosciences and public health, she has worked with the Indigenous Evaluation Framework in non-profit work, state departments, and Tribal programs and communities. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Evaluation Association.

Veronica is committed to culturally grounded, strength-based, and collaborative approaches that honor Indigenous values, promote individual and population wellness, and empower community voices.An artist at heart, Veronica integrates art and traditional practices into her work and life. She believes in the power of cultural expression to foster healing and insight.

Show Notes 

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel VanDerKolk: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score 

Research is Ceremony by Dr. Shawn Wilson: https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/research-is-ceremony-shawn-wilson 

Email: [email protected] 

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