What is Cultural Safety?

We have been thinking so far about the idea of Psychological Safety and how it relates to trust in the workplace. However, when thinking about Indigenous Psychological Safety in the workplace, we have to also think about a second concept. This concept is called Cultural Safety. Let’s learn more now about what Cultural Safety is, and how it relates to Psychological Safety in the Workplace.

What is Cultural Safety in the Workplace?

Cultural Safety is a concept that aligns with Psychological Safety but emphasizes recognizing employees’ cultural identity is an integral part of the workplace. It enables employees to bring their complete selves to work, including their cultural ways of knowing and being. This notion of Cultural Safety contrasts with the concepts of multiculturalism and universalism in Canada. Multiculturalism assumes equal attention to all cultures, which contradicts racial disparities caused by systemic barriers. Universalism tends to downplay differences among individuals and communities in favor of common interests based on general human rights. Cultural Safety, in contrast, explicitly acknowledges Indigenous cultural identity and historical power relations, necessitating reconciliation and trust building in the workplace.

Cultural Safety for Indigenous Employees

Indigenous cultures have a rich and diverse heritage, passed down through storytelling. These cultures have developed over millennia, deeply connected to the land, nature, and their unique historical experiences. Oral traditions play a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, often focusing on creation narratives, legends, and historical accounts. Indigenous cultures prioritize communal well-being, emphasizing cooperation and collective decision-making. Traditional governance structures, such as tribal councils, reflect this emphasis on collective decision-making. Open dialogue about cultural backgrounds and practices is vital for recognizing and appreciating the cultural knowledge Indigenous individuals bring to organizations. Indigenous knowledge is seen as an asset, particularly for organizations serving the broader community. Recognizing and encouraging the sharing of this knowledge fosters Cultural Safety.