Cultural fitness is an essential ingredient of a thriving workplace and work culture. But what does it mean?
Being culturally fit means applying oneself to the daily exercise of self-reflection, personal engagement and active learning as they relate to reconciliation, cultural safety, white privilege and valuing diversity. The Institute is committed to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people through the Cultural Fitness training program and have embedded it into all Nationally Recognised Qualifications. It is readily available as a Workforce Development course to students and organisations and can be tailored for specific groups.
This interactive workshop evokes powerful and complex feelings as it challenges notions of white privilege and encourages non-Indigenous Australians to become aware of the impact invasion has had on ATSI peoples. Participants engage in meaningful discussion and debate about historical events that have shaped modern Australia, and are supported with practical steps to work in and contribute to a culturally safe environment.
Evaluation has shown that people find Cultural Fitness training challenging and it can shift people’s values and ideas about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A recent participant, Kurt commented, “What a great and valuable course, I just wish this was on a mainstream level for all to see. People so need to be woken up.”
The Australian Institute regularly runs the Cultural Fitness training program. It can also be tailored to your specific needs. Please call (08) 8245 8100 for more information.
