Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth review of Australian literature on Indigenous evaluation practices related to social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), mental health, and suicide prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Focused solely on published sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles and some grey literature, it highlights the principles, best practices, and challenges of current approaches to Indigenous evaluation.

In evaluations of SEWB, mental health and suicide prevention, Indigenous governance, lived and living experiences, meaningful community involvement, harm minimisation, cultural safety, and ensuring independence from political or funder-driven agendas are central to the evaluation. Key issues include the need for community-based methodologies and outcomes, data sovereignty, and a commitment to capacity building and continuous learning through evidence-based adaptation. The findings emphasise the need for Indigenous-led evaluations that prioritise sustainable, long-term impact and prevention of harm. 

While the review offers valuable insights into effective and culturally responsive evaluation methodologies, there is a critical gap in the omission of internal unpublished evaluations, which represent the majority of Indigenous evaluations conducted in Australia and are arguably the most insightful. This review aims to contribute to the ongoing refinement of best practice evaluation practices that support the empowerment and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and that ultimately save lives and heal families.