Event update: All who attended this program found it very worthwhile both professionally and personally and we hope to run it again in the future. You can also contact Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation in regards to training for your own groups directly.

KEEN Partners are a member of Reconciliation Tasmania and for the last 18 months, we’ve been working with the local Aboriginal Corporation – melythina tiakana warrana - to develop a contemporary cultural sensitivity and awareness program which respects the traditions for our immediate area. This is now ready for its first intake of up to 14 participants.

KEEN would like to invite representatives of your organisations in the areas of North and North East Tasmania to attend the two half-day workshops, scheduled for the weekend of 13th-14th November.

The cost is $200 per participant with a group size of 14. Less than 14 participants and the cost increases to $280 per participant.

What is Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness Training, what do I learn and why should I do it?

This training program provides the participant with knowledge and insights regarding the history and culture of Tasmanian First Nations people while understanding the contemporary challenges they are facing today. Cultural sensitivity and awareness training aims to educate non-Aboriginal people about aspects of Tasmanian First Nations beliefs and practices, past and present.

Cultural sensitivity and awareness helps to break down cultural barriers, build cultural bridges, and learn how to respect and appreciate First Nations people for their deep history, unique culture and connections to country. The program will highlight cultural diversity and better understanding in a safe and mutually respectful environment.

Basically, this training addresses three issues: 1) awareness of the effect of culture on ones’ own communication; 2) knowledge of and appreciation for the differences between cultures and the sources of those differences; and 3) learning to pick up the subtle clues that can signal a problem in communication

1. Think beyond race and ethnicity and explore why a person’s culture is shaped by more than the colour of their skin or the way that they live and dress.

2. Learn by asking.

3. Network.

4. Pay attention to non-verbal behaviours.

5. Exchange stories.

Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness Training can be emotionally confronting but also an enlightening experience.

Outline of the 2 Day Program

Day 1 – Facilitator session within a training room

• Timeline of First Nations history - from deep history to present day.

• Includes National and Tasmanian history.

• Includes discussion of key events such as, Walk across the Bridge, Racism, Government Policies, Referendum, Redfern Speech etc.

The facilitated session will include an interactive activity - building the historic journey-lines

Location: Business training room or suitable premises (Launceston)

Session Time: 3-4 hours

2 facilitators (including an MTWAC Elder)

Day 2 – A walk on country

An opportunity to walk on-country (Tebrukunna Cape Portland) to discover and discuss the important landscapes that are culturally significant for Tasmanian First Nations people.

• Continued discussion First Nations history.

• Discovery of food and medicinal sources and living sites.

• Discussion on what country means for First Nations people

• Undertaking a cultural activity (string making, working with wood and kelp)

Location: Tebrukunna Cape Portland (North East Tasmania)

Session Time: 4-5 hours

2 facilitators (including an MTWAC Elder)

Travel: Participants required to arrange their own transport