Unit 13: Indigenous Peoples: Building Communication Competence (6/20) -- Communication@Work

Unit 13: Indigenous Peoples: Building Communication Competence Learning Objectives After reviewing this information, you will be able to: - - - understand the importance of using accurate terminology - interact with the Medicine Wheel - begin to develop principles of communication competence - Introduction Understanding how to effectively communicate with Indigenous Peoples deserves special consideration and focus. Considering the deep, rich, important, and long history of Indigenous Peoples, learning how to communicate effectively with Indigenous Peoples is an opportunity to understand a set of perspectives and values fundamental to Canadian culture. What’s more, these perspectives and values can help all of us communicate in a more effective and inclusive manner. The Importance of Terminology Deciding what terminology to use to identify Indigenous People is important, especially considering the historical and present context in which terminology is used to marginalize and oppress the original inhabitants of this land. The word Indigenous is itself a good place to start. Those who are considered Indigenous today, are descendants of people who were living on this land prior to colonization by Europeans. In what is now known as Canada, there are three distinct groups of Indigenous People — First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. According to their own traditions and teachings, the Inuit and First Nations people have been on this land since time immemorial (forever). People who identify as Métis are descendants of First Nations and European parentage. Indigenous People identify themselves in many different ways. A term that one person embraces could offend another. It is important to be respectful of how Indigenous People themselves want or choose to be identified. To get started, watch the video below, How to Talk About Indigenous People, that clearly explains use of the terms Indigenous, Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Consider as you view the video: - What is your own level of comfort or awareness about what terms to use in relation to the people indigenous to Turtle Island? - What terms did you learn growing up? - If you are not Canadian born, what terms might you have heard used to refer to people who are First Nations, Métis, and Inuit? Select the an icon to learn more about each group. To continue learning the terminology around communicating with Indigenous Peoples, open each term to learn its meaning. | | Increasing communication competence with Indigenous Peoples requires the effort to ensure that we use correct terminology in our interactions. Doing so, is important for clear dialogue and building a sense of inclusion. It is our responsibility to “recognize the potential these words may hold…how identity is created and defined,… and their impacts on the day-to-day experiences of [Indigenous] peoples” (Kesler, 2020, para. 21). Knowledge Check The following are suggestions for using terminology in a respectful manner when communicati