One of the main tasks that I was required to complete in the first few weeks of my placement was to take part in the self-directed training through Charles Sturt University’s ICCP program (Indigenous Cultural Competence Program). Through this program, I’ve gained some understanding and knowledge of Indigenous history and realities and had the opportunities to reflect on my own beliefs, limitations, and assumptions when engaging with Indigenous communities.
Learning about the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, including racism, discrimination, cultural disconnection and intergenerational trauma that First Nations People have gone through was a challenging and yet eye-opening experience for me. It saddened my heart when I realized how much time is needed for people to heal from the past wound. I felt shocked and heavy after learning about the historical and ongoing injustices Indigenous people face. They are suffering from trauma from the abuse of residential schools. They were ripped away from their parents, forced to learn a new language and disband their own. They were forbidden to practice their own culture. Their land was taken away from them. For many moments I found my eyes tearing up as I felt a sense of compassion and empathy.
While I resonated with some aspects of Indigenous knowledge, I also felt uncertain about how to engage with it respectfully. I realized that as an international student, I may lack deep historical understanding, and that made me feel hesitant—worried about unintentionally offending or misunderstanding the context. However, when I shared my thoughts and concerns with my supervisor and liaison tutor during the midway placement presentation, they both told me that I do not need to worry about interacting with Indigenous people because they are the most understanding and compassionate people I would ever work with throughout my social work career and in life. They also mentioned that the key point to build connections with Indigenous people is to be respectful and honest. Being self-reflective and responding with authenticity and humility is essential for cultivating the cultural courage necessary for practicing social work in a culturally respectful manner (Bennett et al., 2011).
This advice motivated me to approach Indigenous knowledge with openness and respect, acknowledging that I am still learning about the cultural and historical contexts of this land. I will take time to engage with Indigenous perspectives by attending community events or listening to Indigenous voices. Additionally, I plan to educate myself more about the historical and ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face in Australia, including land rights and health disparities, as Bennett et al. (2018) emphasized that being culturally responsive means recognizing that knowledge is influenced by historical, cultural, and social contexts. For me as a future social worker, this requires changing how I understand myself and my practice environments. It also involves embracing the power of not knowing, being open to uncertainty, and willing to learn from different perspectives (Bennett, 2013). Engaging in self-reflection and then responding appropriately to the uniqueness of the individuals with whom I am interacting is also a way for me to cultivate cultural responsiveness (Green et al., 2016).
Additionally, according to Green et al. (2016), being aware of one’s own culture, values, beliefs, traditions, context and history is essential for culturally responsive practice. Bennett et al. (2011) highlight that self-reflection, particularly for social workers beginning to engage with Aboriginal communities, is a complex process that goes beyond cultural identities. Being aware of one’s cultural background helps social workers challenge stereotypes and confront their own biases, thereby reducing barriers to effective practice (Green et al., 2016).
References
Bennett, M. J. (2013). Becoming interculturally competent: An overview. In M. A. Moodie & A. D. N. O’Mara (Eds.), Intercultural relations and education: Ideas and perspectives from Europe and beyond (pp. 1–24). Routledge.
Bennett, M. J., Sills, L., & Zhang, W. (2011). The development of cultural courage in social work practice: A conceptual framework for engaging with indigenous communities. Journal of Social Work Education, 47(4), 681-695. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2011.200900014
Green, D., Carr, S., & Davis, M. (2016). Cultural responsiveness in social work practice. Social Work Review, 28(2), 28-34. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/28.2.28
Feature Image source: https://www.aboriginal-art-australia.com/
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