Practicing Indigenous Cultural SafetyElder: Elaine Berwald , White Northern Lights Woman, Aniishnaabe, Mi’Kmaq, Metis

Jamie Warren, M.ED., RP, CCCP Laraine Hale (H)B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W

Adjusting Our Cultural Lens:

Our Time Together…

10:30 Opening: Elder, Elaine Berwald

11:00 Acknowledgements, Welcome, Introductions

11:30 What Is Cultural Safety?

12:00 The Great Canadian History Challenge

12:30 Break / Lunch

1:30 How History Shapes Us: Impacts of Intergenerational Trauma

2:00 Navigating Pathways Forward

3:30 Closing: Elder, Elaine Berwald

Acknowledgements…

We are gathered on the traditional lands of

the Haudenosaunee, the Huron-Wendat and

Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most

recently, the Mississaugas of the New Credit.

This is the territory of the “Dish with One Spoon” Wampum, a treaty agreement between the

Anishinaabeg, Mississaugas, and Haudenosaunee peoples that bound them to share and care

for the resources around the Great Lakes. Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the

home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the

opportunity to gather on this territory in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.

Evolution of Cultural Safety

Cultural Awareness:

Acknowledgement of Difference

Cultural Sensitivity:

Respecting Difference

Cultural Competence:

Skills, knowledge and Attitudes

Cultural Safety:

Recognition of Socio-Political Histories

Involves Self-Reflection and Empathy

Cultural Safety

2000’s

Cultural Awareness

1950-60’s

Cultural Sensitivity

1980’s Cultural Competency

1990’s

What is Cultural Safety?

Creating Culturally Safe Spaces…for All of Us

WorldviewsInfluenced by exposure to family, culture, community and experiences.

Common Elements Within Indigenous Worldviews:

Creation stories

Belief in the interconnectedness of all

Circle, symbolizing the value of ‘wholeness’

The importance of balance and harmony

For many, the 7 Grandfather Teachings offer guidance:

LOVE, RESPECT, BRAVERY, HONESTY, TRUTHHUMILITY and WISDOM

Key Aspects

Concerns the Land

Requires Specific Ideology (racism; views Indigenous people as

inferior/subordinate/dependent)

Linked with Violence (intentional acts of cultural genocide

towards Indigenous peoples)

Ongoing (still current)

(Cote-Meek, 2014; Cote-Meek & Patel, 2018)

The forced disconnection of Indigenous peoples from their land, culture, history, identity, and community so others can benefit. (Alfred, n.d.)

The Great Canadian History Challenge!

Trauma

Cultural Trauma – caused by an attack on the fabric of a society, impacting the essence of the community and its members

Historical Trauma - when individuals have been traumatized by events that occurred before their birth (Wesley-Esquimaux & Smolewski, 2004; Duran & Duran, 1995)

Intergenerational Trauma – occurs when trauma is unresolved, becomes internalized and subsequently transmitted from one generation to the next

Effects of Intergenerational Trauma

Racism

Discrimination

Colonization:

Loss of Land

Loss of Identity

Loss of Language

Loss of Culture/Traditions

What We See Today...

Poverty

Crime

Unemployment

Health

Education

Violence

Intergenerational Violence…What Can We Do?

Recognizing Historical Influences

Creating Safe

Spaces

‘Hearing’ Our

Stories

Indigenizing Our Environments

Working Through Grief and Loss

Honouring Identity

Importance of Culture and Gift Giving

TRC Calls to Action:

Beyond 94

Change Tripod

Individual Institution Communityself awareness structural awareness community awarenessself reflection advocacy and allies systemic change

Challenging Conversations

Asking an Indigenous Person…

• Do you have any teachings or knowledge about…?

• How do you self-identify?

• How do you want to be introduced? How do I pronounce that?

• What is the appropriate way to… ?

• Might this be perceived as inappropriate?

• Are there any specific protocols that I should be following?

Promoting Cultural Safety…

Reflecting on one’s own culture, attitudes, and beliefs about ‘others’

Recognizing our history of colonization and understanding the impact of it

Clear, value free, open and respectful communication

Focus on building relationships; developing trust

Recognizing and avoiding stereotypical barriers

Being prepared to engage in a two-way, reciprocal dialogue

Be prepared for resistance due to potential conflict with existing colonization and assimilation policies

in Canada

(Acquash, 2013; Cultural Connections for Learning, 2013)

ETUAPTMUMK - "TWO-EYED SEEING"

Two-Eyed Seeing is learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all.- Elder Albert

Marshall (Mi'kmaw Nation)

Artists: Jade Bourque, Jessica Beers, and Thunder Nevin

Learn to see from one eye with the strengths

of Indigenous knowledges and ways

of knowing

Learn to see from the other eye with the

strengths of Western knowledges and ways

of knowing

A Way Forward…

History,

Tradition,

and

Healing

…Walk With Us

With Gratitude

Miigwetch! (Ojibway)

Nia:wen! (Mohawk)

Marsee! (Metis)

Kinana’skomitin! (Cree)

Mahsi cho! (Dene)

Qujannamiik! (Inuktitut)

Thank you! (English)