Cultural capability is not achieved after one training session or at a single end-point but represents continuous learning that builds over time.
Cultural awareness means being aware of, and developing sensitivity to, cultural difference and cultural diversity. It involves knowledge, attitudes and values that demonstrate an openness and respect for other people and other cultures, languages, religions, dress, communication styles and so on. For example, in some Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures it may be considered rude or disrespectful to make eye contact, while in others it is not.1
Cultural safety is an environment which is safe for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity and experience. Cultural safety is about individuals, organisations and systems being aware of the impact of their own culture and cultural values on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, while creating and maintaining an environment where all people are treated in a culturally respectful manner.
Tips for achieving a culturally safe workplace:
Cultural competency is a set of behaviours, attitudes and policies that come together to allow people to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. It is best understood as something people move towards along a continuum rather than a point in time achievement. See VACCA Building Respectful Partnerships 2010 (PDF, 1.8mb).
This diagram draws from work done by VACCA for the Aboriginal Cultural Competency Framework and Muriel Bamblett’s Keynote Speech at SNAICC 2007 National Conference in Adelaide, which in turn drew from work by Terry Cross of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (US).
Cultural capability training is an integral part of workplace health and safety and is essential for enabling cultural safety in the workplace. Cultural capability training should be ongoing rather than just done once. There are many aspects to cultural capability training, such as: cultural awareness, cultural competency and unconscious bias.
Many Victorian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations provide cultural training. Try to choose a local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander training provider who has knowledge of local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander history and culture. You should contact your local Traditional Owners or Local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) to discuss training options. Some organisations have Traditional Owner Settlement Agreements and therefore must seek training through appropriate Traditional Owners.
Questions for managers and workplaces when building cultural capability:
The ‘Deadly Story’ website has a list of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander service providers across Victoria. You can use the list to find an organisation local to your area.
More information on doing an Acknowledgement of Country
Purchasing Acknowledgement plaques
Information on how to display flags
(1) Working with Indigenous Australians – Culture
(2) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability: A framework for Commonwealth agencies