In this subject, you will learn about alternative ways of knowing and doing. We start with Indigenous cultural competency because without understanding the culture that ideas come from, it can be harder to appreciate them. You certainly don't need to be an expert. In fact, that's likely something only someone born into that culture will ever achieve.

Cultural competency is being able to appreciate how and why things are different and see the value in doing things differently. 

Research has shown that the first step towards cultural competency is understanding your own culture. Or we could say reflect on your own culture. While this might seem like something we all inherently do, it actually isn't. If you are the dominant culture in a particular location it is easy to have feelings like your general culture is the default. This will also be impacted by whom you see around you and how you interact with them.

So for this question I want you to think about your culture. Reflect on your culture.

What is important for you and why?

What traditions are important e.g. food, days for celebration, daily traditions, etc.?

How has the language been important to you and your family/community and their relationships?

What events in history have impacted your family?

How do you like to celebrate or holiday?

Where were your parents and grandparents born and how does that shape you?

How does your culture or aspects of your culture make you feel?

Below think through what your culture is and why, including how different aspects of your culture make you feel. There is no set length but I can't see anyone being able to do this activity in less than say 200 words, and if you get a roll on I wouldn't be shocked if you get to 500 words. This question is also preparation for in-class activities. Please remember that the above example prompts are just that. You may have completely different things to think about and you do not have to cover all the prompts, they are just to spark thought.