Cultural Safety

Definitions

Indigenous 

Indigenous refers to a person who is native to an area. It is the term currently used by the United Nations, as well as the federal and provincial governments. There is no common definition, rather the basis is on self-identification with pre-colonial societies, traditional territory, and cultural systems. Important note: Most Indigenous peoples and Nations prefer to self-identify. If you aren’t sure, it’s respectful to ask.

The term Indigenous was chosen by Indigenous leaders in the 1970s to identify and unite diverse communities and represent them in global political arenas. This term is a relational word that high- lights peoples’ connections to territories, as well as their experiences of colonization. Indigenous is inclusive of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Colonialism

Colonialism is the extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders. This happens by establishing either ‘settler colonies’ or ‘administrative dependencies’ where Indigenous peoples are directly ruled or displaced. Colonizing nations generally dominate resources, labour, and markets of the colonial territory, and may also impose social, cultural, religious and linguistic structures on Indigenous peoples.

Cultural Safety

Cultural Safety is the outcome of interactions where individuals experience their cultural identity and way of being as having been respected or, at least, not challenged or harmed. Cultural safety requires respectful relationships and equitable partnerships.  

The Five Principles of Cultural Safety include:

  • Protocols
  • Personal knowledge
  • Partnerships
  • Process
  • Positive purpose
5 principles of cultural safety

Cultural Humility 

Cultural humility is a lifelong journey of self-reflection and learning. It involves listening without judgement, being open to learning from and about others, and learning about our own culture and our biases. Cultural humility is a building block for cultural safety.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness is about recognizing that differences and similarities exist between cultures. Learning about the histories that impact Indigenous peoples in Canada is an important part of developing cultural awareness.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity grows when we start to see the influences of our own culture and acknowledge that we have biases. It is about appreciating that there are differences among cultures.

Cultural Competence 

Cultural competence asks us to avoid making assumptions about people based on our biases. It requires developing knowledge, skills and attitudes for working effectively and respectfully with diverse and different peoples. While cultural competence does not require us to become experts in cultures different from our own, it expects us to be skilled in understanding interactions among members of a culture on their own terms.

Systemic Barriers

Systemic barriers are policies, procedures, or practices that unfairly discriminate and can prevent individuals from participating fully in a situation or accessing programs, services and resources.

Phone

Main:
604-544-1110

Toll-Free Foster Parent Line:
1-800-663-9999

Office hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday

PROVINCIAL CENTRALIZED SCREENING

Foster parents are encouraged to call this number in the event of an EMERGENCY or CRISIS occurring after regular office hours:

1-800-663-9122

REPORT CHILD ABUSE

If you think a child or youth under 19 years of age is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker. Phone 1 800 663-9122 at any time of the day or night. Visit the Government of BC website for more info.

address

BCFPA Provincial Office
Suite 208 - 20641 Logan Avenue
Langley, BC V3A 7R3

Email

contact us

Fill out our contact form...

Contact Us

Contact Us

We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out the form below and we will get back with you shortly.

Sending

Our work takes place on the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. BCFPA is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous communities, and creating a space where we listen, learn and grow together.

© 2021 BC Foster Parents. Site design by Mighty Sparrow Design.