Culturally respectful strategies to build connection and encourage dialogue
• Build a respectful relationship with individuals, families and communities before taking a business approach.
• Introductions to include “Do you identify with a particular Aboriginal nation?” and “Is there a particular community you feel connected to?”
• Be aware of non-verbal communication:
- Some hand gestures, eye gestures and facial expressions may have different meanings.
- Your non-verbal communication will be observed and interpreted.
- Avoiding eye contact may be a gesture of respect.
• Extended periods of silence in conversations may be considered the norm and are valued.
• Storytelling or ‘yarning’ can be a common approach used; ensure extra time so you can collect the narrative story.
• Be aware that taking more personal space may be the cultural norm when standing and sitting.
• Discomfort/barriers may be experienced in relation to sharing private information and cultural beliefs with a stranger. ‘Shame’ may result from sharing private or personal
information, cultural beliefs and from breaches of confidentiality.
• In some communities, people may find it disrespectful to say the deceased person’s name and generally, it is unfavourable to display images of deceased people.
• “Yes” may be the response even when the person does not understand or agree. Ask what they have understood from the question.
• Concepts of time vary. It may be an accepted norm to be late or even to not attend as previously arranged. Family and community may be more important than meeting deadlines and schedules.
• Swearing may not be considered offensive with some groups and situations.
• Family members, or significant others, may attend interviews or legal meetings due to the importance of collective decision-making and less individualised approaches.
WA Legal Aid provides excellent resources for aboriginal community in the criminal justice system.
https://blurredborders.legalaid.
wa.gov.au/
15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39
