ABORIGINAL SERVICE DELIVERY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY. Katelyn Lucas & Erin Ramsperger The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary

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1 ABORIGINAL SERVICE DELIVERY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY Katelyn Lucas & Erin Ramsperger The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary

2 Importance of Cultural Competency Addresses the Unique Factors of the Culture Contributes to the Values and Belief Systems Supports Cultural Reconnection Enables an Environment of Trust Encourages & Motivates Progress

3 The Impact of Urbanization of Aboriginals Migrant Minorities: Cultural shock and societal discrimination impacts well-being Adapted Identity: Diminished cultural identity as individuals adopt another cultural identity to fit in and be accepted Cultural Clash: Urban living does not support the growth of Aboriginal cultural values, spirituality and familial structures Cultural Identity Crisis: Minimized cultural identity has impacted self identity of Aboriginals and cultural pride Lack of Urban Life Skills: Life skills on reserve do not translate into urban lifestyle Communal Living: Not accepted or understood in urban setting

4 Discrimination Factors Personal Discrimination: a direct form of discrimination based directly upon a person. Institutional Discrimination: indirect form of discrimination. can be systemic in terms of exclusion legislative exclusions (Indian Act, Bill C-31) Systemic Discrimination: direct or indirect form of discrimination procedures or practices that racially profile use of practices that exclude or deter inclusion

5 Cultural Service Delivery Aboriginal Service Delivery: Supports the inclusion of Family Recognizes the concept of consensus Time is understood in a context that is supportive Cultural nuances are not judged Collective lifestyle is not restricted Provide space and time for responses Recognizes cultural values and belief systems

6 Considerations in Service Delivery Learning Style English as a Second Language Skill Development (Oral, visual, kinesthetic) Generational Trauma Experiences Normalized Violence and Abuse Trust and Rapport Takes Time to Develop Intimidation of Systems and Workers Discrimination Oppressive Working Relationships Power Over Reliance and Dependency on Services - Colonization Long Term Commitment and Consistency

7 Supporting Aboriginal Clients Advocacy Navigating the Child Welfare and Judicial Systems Interdependency vs. Creating Dependency Utilizing Culture & Tradition Cross Cultural Practice

8 Indigenous Healing and Wellbeing Adopting a Healing Approach to Service Delivery Acknowledging the Root Causes Recognizing the Experience of Historical and Intergenerational Trauma Acknowledging Systemic Discrimination and Racism Service Delivery should include: 1. Therapeutic Activities 2. Meaningful Cultural Activities 3. Education on History and Intergenerational Trauma

9 Incorporating Cultural Competence in Program Evaluation Diverse Client Base Culturally Competent Service Delivery Meaningful Evaluation Tools Program evaluation should match service delivery Program evaluation as an effortful process Using program evaluation to influence service delivery Requires meaningful data

10 What Makes Data Meaningful? Meaning is synonymous with purpose What is the purpose of collecting data? Does my data serve that purpose? Evidence-based growth, change, practice Information exists whether we seek it or not Meaningful data taps in to the essence of that information Asking the right questions in the right way.

11 Figure 1. Example of qualitative evaluation questions and format.

12 Figure 2. Example of qualitative evaluation questions and format.

13 Collecting Meaningful Data Satisfaction vs. Significance Expected vs. Actual Outcomes Impact Evaluation Quantitative Qualitative Mixed Methods

14 Culturally Competent Evaluation in Practice Medicine Wheel Service Plan Evaluation Tool Reimagining the Likert Scale Storytelling As data itself As a means of representing data Visual/Creative Tools Evaluating creative expression Visual representation of data

15 Medicine Wheel Service Plan Spiritual Spirituality 5 5 Physical Well-Being Physical 4 4 Community & Cultural Connection Housing & Basic Needs Purpose & Direction Emotional Well-Being 4 4 Mental Mental Well-Being 5 5 Relationships Emotional Figure 3. Medicine Wheel Service Plan

16 Figure 4. Word collage representing the results of the qualitative data collected in the SAGE program evaluation at The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary.

17 Putting It All Together Culturally competent program evaluation is the process of gazing through the lens of the client and developing a line of inquiry that will be meaningful to them, to be able to grow and develop in the direction of service excellence, to provide clients the best support we can.

18 Funder Perspectives Strides in Calgary regarding Funder Perspectives on Aboriginal Supports and Service Delivery 1. Family & Community Support Services: Changing the Climate of Outcomes with Indigenous Outcomes Indicators 2. UWAY: Indigenous Healing & Wellbeing Initiative 3. Calgary Learns: Indigenous Outcome Methodologies

19 Where do you Start? Develop Cultural Competency Policy and Procedures Do a Needs Assessment and Establish What is Lacking (Internally and Externally). Utilize the Aboriginal Communities (Local First Nations, and Urban Community) for Feedback and Teachings to Integrate into Service Delivery Methodologies Develop Programs and Activities that Include Concepts that Include Healing and Wellness Utilize Culturally Competent Evaluation Tools Integrate Understanding within your Staff Core Go Beyond the Basics of Aboriginal Awareness Teachings