Page 21 Aboriginal Cultural Competence Aboriginal staff or clients can experience discomfort if they feel that others have access to their private information. Assure people that their information will be kept private. Where appropriate, reiterate your organisation’s privacy policy It helps to share your own personal information during early rapport development. A common factor you may have with all people around the world is children. Remember the three most important aspects to all Aboriginal people are Family, Spirituality and the Land. As an ice breaker you could talk about your children or family. You could add why you are passionate about your chosen career and how you started. Try to establish a relaxed, cheerful family-orientated atmosphere. It is not good practice to get straight into business. Rapport development made easier If you ask for answers to an important question always allow the person the time they need to answer (there may be periods of silence before the question is answered). Questioning Always go out and greet people: offer to shake their hands. Do not be offended if the handshake is not reciprocated. Some people may choose not to shake your hand: this can be the case with some Aboriginal women. There is little chance of offending if you offer a handshake but there is more of a chance of offending if you don’t. Address Elders as “Mr, Ms or Mrs” unless you have been invited to call them “Aunty” or “Uncle”. First time you meet a person
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