Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is about understanding and appreciating other cultures. Being respectful and open to different cultures will help build stronger relationships with the children, youth and families you will work with.

What is Cultural Competence?

“Cultural Competency is defined as a set of congruent behaviours, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals and enable
effective work in cross-cultural situations” (Alberta Health Services, 2015).

What does Cultural Competence look like?

Awareness 33%

• Become aware of your own culture and the values you have and respect other cultures that differ from yours
• Become aware of your biases and the impacts it may have on individuals from different cultures
  

Knowledge 33%

• Learn about the different cultures of the clients served
• Understand the social and political factors in Canada that affect the treatment of marginalized groups
  

Skills 33%

• Use verbal and non-verbal culturally aware communication
• Being able to adapt to different situations
  

(Rap Workers, n. d.)

Why be culturally competent?

• Builds stronger relationships with the clients served
• Builds a better understanding and appreciation of cultures
• Increases inclusiveness, accessibility and equity
• Creates a climate where discrimination and oppressive attitudes and behaviors are not tolerated
• Promotes human rights and reduces systemic biases and barriers
• Promotes self-awareness and critical reflection
• Promotes responsibility and accountability

(South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services, n. d.)