Cultural awareness training valued by all participants

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An exciting workshop hosted by Edmonton's Ben Calf Robe Society (BCRS) is proving to be popular with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants alike.

The Cultural Awareness Training Series teaches the basics of Aboriginal culture, history and traditions.

"Any interested person is invited to attend," said Debbie Coulter, program co-ordinator with the society. "Right now we are getting a lot of foster parents who are attempting to more fully understand the background and culture of Aboriginal children they have, or may have, in their care. They also want to be aware of opportunities to include the children in cultural activities as they are growing up," she said.

Employees of various social services agencies around town are often attendees as well.

The program was originally offered during the day only, but presented scheduling problems for many people who wished to attend.

"We redesigned it to run over two weeks, with four consecutive evenings each week for a total of 16 hours, and we've had a lot of positive affirmations of the new format," said Coulter. Another BCRS facilitator, Lorraine Sinclair, continues to offer the program in the daytime for those agencies that wish to enroll during work hours.

"Teachers of secondary and post-secondary institutions are often in attendance, as are employees from businesses who work with Aboriginal clients," she said.

Sessions begin at an introductory level, with lots of handouts given out for later review, explained Coulter. "By the time the participants graduate, they have a binder full of information to take home with them."

The comprehensive content of the workshop begins with an historical overview.

"We go right back to the time before European contact, and follow through up to and including the treaties. We talk about how the lives of Aboriginal people have changed, with some, like the Beothuk on the East Coast, actually being extinguished," she said. During the latter half of the course, more in-depth study is taken of the content of the treaties, the Metis and how their unique culture developed, and into the present day."

"We talk as well about the terms of the treaties, and about the Metis Settlements Act here in Alberta, which created a unique system of communities throughout the province," she said.

Coulter, who is Metis herself, said the Settlements Act and why and how it evolved has a lot to do with the history of Canada and needs to be known and understood by Canadians.

In the spiritual teachings, an Elder attends and helps to explain the smudges, how to offer tobacco, the responsibilities of an Elder, the cultural role of Elders, and the meanings behind the medicine wheel, the sweats and the pipe ceremonies.

"We also discuss traditional family values and the basic ethics that are part of Aboriginal culture, often told to children through the legends, which are shared from generation to generation.

Examples of traditional family values include respecting our Elders, not interrupting, speaking with a soft voice, modesty and many others," she explained.

The effects of the residential schools are examined, and the resulting negative influence on family values.

"That's a major topic and takes up a large portion of our time," she said.

Finally, the group looks at contemporary issues.

"How did we get to where we are today: gangs, AIDS, drugs and alcohol, all of the current social ills," she said. Coulter tries to tie the information to the participants. For example, if there is a front-line worker in the group, or a foster parent, they may ask specific questions.

"I often bring in a speaker, such as Danny Brass, who grew up in the child welfare system, and he explained how it impacted him." Hearing from someone who has lived the life of a Native foster child in today's society is valuable to those in attendance.

The feedback has been encouraging.

"For instance, we talk about all Aboriginal cultures, Ojibway, Stoney, Metis, and soon, and explore the differences as well as the similarities, and people seem to find that worthwhile."

The workshops are limited to 20 participants so group sharing can be better facilitated.

"We have many Aboriginal people who attend who also share their experience with the others, and it really increases the understanding."

The next session begins May 27 and continues through to June 7. "And we'll offer it again in the fall if there is interest," said Coulter.

Participants graduate with a certificate that is recognized by the Alberta Association for Services to Children and Families (AASCF), a local social work committee. Certificates are good for two years, with an eight-hour refresher course being offered which often contains updated information as Coulter and her associates are always researching to add to and improve the content.

More information can be obtained from the Ben Calf Robe Society at 477-6648.