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Aboriginal Culture is the Centre
Aboriginal culture. More than an element, it is the centre, the foundation, allowing each of the basic elements to emerge, stand alone, and work together.
Every aspect of the project, whether it was community engagement, research, funding, or sharing knowledge, was influenced by culture. This is why culture is at the centre of our model.
However, we are not speaking of one, singular, culture. But rather, the many cultures and the many ways in which cultures are expressed, through language, ceremonies, how people view the world.
Our project, and the environment in which it was housed, the Friendship Centre, demonstrate how the many cultures found in urban Aboriginal communities can be supported and included.
How our cultural room, offering access to medicines, supported community members to participate in workshops, ceremonies and sensitive research discussions.
How staff speaking certain dialects helped make new and nervous community members feel welcome and at home.
How the continuous teachings and participation of elders and respected community members wrapped around and supported our Community Action Circle members.
Culture is the foundation and the lens through which everything unfolded. Culture determined how our community chose to spend our funding dollars and how meetings were run.
It is important that government and other potential funders and supporters of urban Aboriginal community development initiatives recognize that culture is at the centre. Culture is the centre.
As you read, and look at Figure 1, you will see how culture, in all of its many facets, filters through, infusing each element, each of the stories we share.
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT | 20