Behind the Scenes of Youth-led Community Events: A Participatory Evaluation Approach Using Photovoice in a Canadian First Nation Community.

AbstractChallenges created by colonial policies have created a range of negative impacts on the health and well-being of First Nations, Mtis and Inuit (FNMI) youth. Research examining leadership programming for FNMI youth has begun to demonstrate positive impacts. Participatory evaluation aligns with the philosophy of leadership programming and has the potential to promote multiple benefits for the youth and community within FNMI context. The purpose of this research was to implement a participatory evaluation examining youth-led community events within a leadership program for FNMI youth. The data was collected using methods based on youth participatory evaluation principles and Photovoice practices including capacity building, stakeholder analysis, photo exploration and utilization-focused activities. A thematic analysis was used to examine the data and five themes were identified: (a) fun and fulfilling to engage the children, (b) positive outcomes for youth leaders, (c) community impacts, (d) challenges and (e) opportunities for improvement. This study applies a novel approach that combines Youth Participatory Evaluation and Photovoice to examine a youth leadership program for FNMI youth. The procedures and the results regarding program impacts and implementation issues are relevant for research and evaluation in programming for FNMI youth, as well other youth-led programs. Keywords: Leadership; Youth engagement; Positive youth development; Program evaluation; Indigenous; Aborigina