Stakeholder
Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organizations that have a strong interest in how well a program functions. For example, those with decision-making authority, funders and sponsors, administrators and personnel, and clients or intended beneficiaries.
At Eval Academy, we intentionally use the term “interest holders” instead of “stakeholders.” The term “stakeholder” has colonial connotations, historically tied to land claims and practices that excluded or harmed Indigenous Peoples. By choosing “interest holders,” we aim to use language that is more inclusive and reflective of diverse worldviews. This shift acknowledges the importance of language in reconciliation and seeks to avoid reinforcing colonial terminology while still capturing the idea that different groups hold legitimate interests in a program’s success.