Evaluation is something that we do every day. It is part of the decision-making process we use when we choose an outfit for the day, decide what we are going to eat for dinner, or make vacation plans. We evaluate when we meet a new person, walk through the grocery store, or build a fire. Many of these everyday decisions and choices are unconscious, but if someone asked, you could probably explain why you chose a particular model of snowmobile or why you use a certain route to get to your favourite hunting spot.
 
Program evaluation builds on the skills we use every day to better understand the programs we offer. It is the systematic and intentional process of collecting and gathering information about a program for the purpose of planning, decision-making, program improvement, or reporting.
 
Sometimes people think of evaluation as negative, or something that is imposed by an outside agency (similar to an audit). But, if done well and in a respectful way, evaluation is a useful tool that can help everyone involved in the design and delivery of a program feel confident that they are doing a good job.
Evaluation can:
  • inform planning and decision-making for new programs;
  • shed light on what is or isn’t working in a program;
  • support improvements in program planning and delivery;
  • reveal if a program is making a difference;
  • assess the satisfaction levels of people taking part in a program; and
  • demonstrate accountability to program participants, the community, and funders.
Some funding agencies may require evaluation as part of their reporting, but even if it’s not a requirement, having good evaluation results can help you make the case for continued, or increased, funding. 
 
Evaluation works best when it is built into your program design from the outset, but don’t worry if you are already delivering a program and you haven’t thought about evaluation. It’s better to do this work late than never!

An increasing number of evaluators are promoting the concept of Indigenous evaluation, which is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and theory, and relies on Indigenous research methods. This approach may be appropriate for use in NWT communities and for on the land programs. You can find more information about Indigenous approaches to evaluation here.
Program evaluation is the systematic and intentional process of collecting and gathering information about a program for the purpose of planning, decision-making, program improvement, or reporting.
Evaluation works best when it is built into your program design from the outset, but don’t worry if you are already delivering a program and you haven’t thought about evaluation. It’s better to do this work late than never!