Cultural humility is the superpower we want to equip all our students with and one of the ways we work towards that is through our cultural immersion programs.
Recently our new cohorts of long stay medical students participated in a two-day immersion program where the focus included instilling in them the fundamentals of cultural humility. Loosely defined as a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and self-reflection, with a commitment to understanding and respecting different perspectives and cultures, cultural humility was intrinsic to the experience.
It was heartening to hear perspective of students reflecting on the program, and what it taught them. One student noted that:
“I was most deeply touched by the weaving session. It was a beautiful reminder of how cultural practices can connect people and enhance a sense of community. The Indigenous dancing on the beach and the traditional medicine class also left a lasting impression, as they offered a unique window into the connection between Indigenous people and the natural world.”
The student went on to comment:
“I gained valuable insights into the rich history, diverse cultures, and unique perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learning about eco-kinship and the importance of language will help me approach my professional work with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complex and interconnected relationship between people and the land. This knowledge will undoubtedly enhance my ability to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples, and to approach my work with greater cultural sensitivity and respect. Also, the knowledge about traditional medicines will also be beneficial in understanding and respecting different approaches to natural healing.”
How rewarding to hear that our work is laying this foundation.
