Cultural Competence In Australian Culture

Cultural competence is seen as being able to master a skill-set (Barlow, Reading, & Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, 2008) rather than analyzing power imbalances, institutional discrimination, colonization and colonial relationships (NAHO, 2006 as cited in Charlotte Loppie’s presentation). “Cultural safety emphasizes relationships of trust in which the patient determines whether the care is ‘safe’” (Barlow, Reading, & Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, 2008, p. 3).
I really like the term “relational care” introduced in the as the Barlow, Reading, and Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (2008) article as the term “is rooted in the connections within and relationships among Aboriginal people and health care providers” which is grounded in the traditional teachings and values of Indigenous Peoples (p.

I think that self-reflection can be one of the hardest elements to examine as it requires self-awareness of your own assumptions and beliefs, examining your family’s connection to colonialism, and examining your own power and privilege. This can be the most powerful element for addressing power imbalances in relationships and creating a culturally safe environment (Barlow, Reading, & Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, 2008). Durey (2010) highlights that “while white Australians know that Aboriginal Australians are disadvantaged, few may be willing to turn the lens on themselves to reflect on the advantages of being white when considering health, education, training and employment” (p. S88).
The Birch, Ruttan, Muth, & Baydala (2009) article though focused on cultural competence, highlights some relevant ideas such as “incorporating a reflective and learner-based approach in health care delivery” (p. 30), integrating “traditional practices or approaches when the client needs or wants them” (Dobbelsteyn, 2006, p. 34 as cited on p. 30), and acknowledging the diversity amongst Indigenous