Cultural learning refers to learning that aims to support culturally responsive and safe practice when working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.
The cultural learning requirement aligns with the SPA Charter (2020) and the Professional Standards (2020) on provision of culturally responsive and safe services. Culturally safe and responsive practice is the responsibility of all professionals and is an area of lifelong critical learning.
An excerpt from the Association’s Response to Racism statement is below. Members are encouraged to read the statement in full here: Response to Racism
We acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing process and that responsibility rests with all members and staff of the Association. We know there is much more to be done.
We commit to working in safe and culturally responsive ways with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to embedding the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the functions of the Association, and to calling out racism when it arises. It is no longer enough to only stand up and condemn racism, it is now time for us to work actively against it.
To effect change, collective action is needed. We therefore urge all members to recognise the importance of listening carefully and respectfully to the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; to commit to engaging in conversations to build trust and to learn about the hidden truths and history that our First Nations peoples have known and experienced and the negative impacts this continues to have on their lives.
We urge our members to take up their responsibility to build their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, strengths and challenges and to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within their communities to build understanding. The onus is on non-Indigenous people to contribute positively to change, and to a more equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The burden of change must not be borne only by those who live the experiences that make change necessary.
Tim Kittel, former National President Speech Pathology Australia
It is recommended that cultural learning occur both formally and informally. Formal cultural learning could include attendance at workshops or reading academic literature. Informal learning could include interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples or reading websites or novels written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.