Critical Issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Relationships

Assessment

a. Research and provide three (3) critical issues which could influence relationships and
communication with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders?
 Thinking difference- The Aboriginal Islanders think differently to the other
Australians. There learning style and teaching is different and communicate in a
story or art which is not comfortable to Torres Strait Islanders.
 The expectations for the community service is different and often not solves the
problem of the people.
 There is a lack of cultural education Torres Strait Islanders which is creating a
communication gap.
b. Evaluate your own Child care service, what aspects of cultural safety are supported
and intergrated into the operation of the service and which areas need to be improved?
The children living in Australia have the right to get access to the service which will
improve their lifestyle and providing them safety. Home based care is provided by the
friends of the family and gives them a home environment. Centre based care is when
many children are taken care and given nutrition and food. There are many children and
the quality of the service should be maintained.
c. That are some of the other cultures of the educators and families at your centre? How
are these reflected at the centre?
The reliability of the centre is the most important thing they should consider in the child
service centre. The routine they have for children and how they are treating them, what
are the benefit of playing and learning given to the children, are they flexible to the
growth of a child, these factors are important for the selection.
d. What are some of the Positive and Negative stereotypes based on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander culture?
Negative Stereotypes Positive Stereotype
The stereotype is reducing and the
impact on the people of Australia is less
as the people are educated and they are
not believing on racism.
The racism against Torres Strait Islander
is based on socio economic factors and
the class of people. The stereotypes for
the people are reflecting in the culture.
e. If you or any of your colleagues had a bias towards any culture/s how could the centre
address this as a part of their ongoing reflective practice?

The biasses towards a culture will made the decision for the culture which is favoured.
The centre for child care should not be taking the children on the basis of the religion or
culture they have. The practice should be transparent and have equality so that the child
gets care without the barriers and it will help them to grow and can have a good
environment of learning. It is important that people understand that these are wrong
practices.
f. Research and Identify 2 people or service you could use to assist in developing
positive and effective relationships between staff and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander people?
In order to develop a positive and effective relationship between the staff and Aboriginal
and/or Torres Strait Islander people, there are various services that can be used (Wotherspoon
and Williams, 2019). These can include effective communication as well as involving them in
the decision making process. The staff should understand the culture of the two types of
communities. As a result, the overall relationship between the two of them will be positive.
g. Using your text book (page 247) as a reference complete some of Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait terminology or communication techniques important to remember?
- Why is making indirect eye contact important?
Some of the communication techniques that are important while communicating with the
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people is to use a clear language. It should be kept in
mind that there is a minimum use of jargons or any technical terms. Maintaining an
indirect eye contact will help the person in remaining engaged and listening attentively to
what the other person is saying.
h. What culturally safe program ideas could you implement at a centre to encourage
participation?
Some culturally safe programs that can be implemented at a centre in order to encourage
participation can include involving the Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people in
the evaluation process. Besides this, the people should be encouraged to share their ideas
and thoughts. This will make them feel involved and they would want to participate.