Our Theory of Change

At Kowa, we believe that we can support First Nations peoples, organisations and communities to amplify their voices and changemaking efforts through impact measurement, evaluation and learning. We do this because we hope to meaningfully contribute to an increase in First Nations self-determination and a future where First Nations worldviews lead changemaking at a place-based and global scale. It is our belief that evaluation and place-making have the power to influence systemic change, and First Nations peoples should be self-determining these changes, and First Nations data sovereignty and governance must be centred in First Nations impact measurement and place-making efforts globally. 

We seek to achieve this by building information infrastructure that is designed by Community to realise First Nations Data Sovereignty through First Nations Data Governance, undertaking First Nations placemaking efforts that centre and amplify Cultural knowledge and sovereign information for Nation Building and reconciliation, and practising First Nations-led impact measurement and evaluation that centres and protects the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples for continued changemaking and placemaking. 

Strategically, we seek to engage in learning partnerships, confidence acceleration, thought leadership, systems influence and innovation. In the early phases of our strategic plan, we expect to increase or strengthen network, research, place-making and learning partnerships and collaborations each year.

In the medium phases of the strategic plan, Kowa expects to be actively advocating for, and inspiring local, First Nations led approaches to evaluation, place-making and data sovereignty. Our intent is to be actively dismantling and disrupting mindsets and actions through practice, approaches and conversations.

Toward the later phases of our strategic plan, Kowa expects to have contributed meaningfully  to the development and realisation of a First Nations Evaluation Society, a First Nations Data Ecosystem and the establishment of First Nations place-making in NSW. 

Throughout our journey we are conscious of ensuring that Kowa remains “Kowa”. We see ourselves as a family and as a legitimate Blak organisation that is driven by our principles and has the strength to stand behind these principles without the influence of financial capital or power brokerage getting in the way. At Kowa, we are grounded in the principles of Family, Culture, Country & Opportunity.