Participatory Research in Challenging Circumstances Lessons with a Rural Aboriginal Program

Abstract

The evaluation of a crime prevention program for Aboriginal boys in a rural setting (Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre) faced a number of challenges, such as geographic distance, a modest budget, and the need for culturally appropriate and sustainable methods that capture a multitude of program effects while minimising the burden of data collection. Literature suggests the value of participatory methods. However, would this approach work in these circumstances? Would it threaten the probity of the evaluation? This article describes a case study of participatory methodology used in challenging circumstances and considers the factors that contributed to its successful implementation. These included mutual respect, willingness to work together, high capacity within Tirkandi Inaburra, funding-body support for a participatory approach, a common concern for the program's mission, and strategies for ensuring probity. It is recommended that funding bodies accommodate the resource implications involved in developing relationships and accommodate changes to research plans that can be necessary for genuine participation.