Abstract Information: A substantial body of literature theorizing and supporting evaluation use and influence has been aptly summarized by Alkin and King (Alkin & King, 2016; Alkin & King, 2017; King & Alkin, 2019); however, both the concepts of use and influence and critiques thereof (e.g., Patton, 2020) have presumed a Western viewpoint. This paper argues that Indigenous epistemology both challenges and expands Western understandings of use and influence, and that Indigenous voices merit amplification. Indigenous evaluation frameworks are holistic, seeking learning, not judgment. They are strengths-based, grounded in community. Rather than seeing use as a final “phase” of an evaluation, learning occurs throughout the process as stories are revealed and understandings deepen. Reflection is ongoing. There is a moral responsibility to use knowledge gained through evaluation; however, not all Indigenous knowledge is to be shared. Guardianship of information is a key issue, and sovereignty is paramount. Rather than reject Western ideas, this roundtable embraces Two-Eyed Seeing, which brings together Indigenous and Western ways of being, knowing, and doing (Bartlett et al., 2015). The presenters reflect Indigenous (Joan) and Western (Karen) perspectives. The roundtable is based on two decades of conversation and collaboration, beginning with the senior author’s development of an empirically grounded Indigenous Evaluation Framework (IEF) (LaFrance & Nichols, 2008, 2009). After opening introductions, authors will summarize their current thinking on use/influence through an Indigenous lens and welcome conversation. Discussion questions include: 1. How does Indigenous epistemology expand conversations on use/influence? 2. How does it reveal elements previously missing from Western understandings? 3. What are shared points of concern in both Indigenous and Western perspectives? 4. What are some areas of strain or incompatibility? 5. What practices are consistent with Indigenous perspectives on use/influence? 6. How can non-Indigenous evaluators avoid cultural appropriation?
Works cited Alkin, M. C., & King, J. A. (2016). The historical development of evaluation. American Journal of Evaluation, 37(4), 568-579. Alkin, M. C., & King, J. A. (2017). Definitions and factors associated with evaluation use and misuse. American Journal of Evaluation, 38(3), 434-450. Bartlett, C., Marshall, M., Marshall, A., & Iwama, M. (2015). Integrative science and two-eyed seeing: Enriching the discussion framework for healthy communities. In L. K. Hallström, N. P. Guehlstorf, & M. W. Parkes (Eds.), Ecosystems, society, and health: Pathways through diversity, convergence, and integration (pp. 280-326). McGill-Queen’s University Press. King, J. A., & Alkin, M. C. (2019). The centrality of use: Theories of evaluation use and influence and thoughts on the first 50 years of use research. Definitions and factors associated with evaluation use and misuse. American Journal of Evaluation, 40(3), 431-458. LaFrance, J., & Nichols, R. (2008). Reframing evaluation: Defining an Indigenous Evaluation Framework. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 23(2), 13-31. LaFrance, J., & Nichols, R. (2009). Indigenous Evaluation Framework: Telling our story in our place and time. American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Patton, M. Q. (2020). Evaluation use theory, practice, and future research: Reflections on the Alkin and King AJE series. American Journal of Evaluation, 41(4), 581-602.
