Working With Diversity

Diversity is a broad word used to describe many things that people represent and that represent people. Students will be asked to reflect upon and have the opportunity to question their own beliefs and assumptions. In doing so they will be able to recognize the subtle but potentially harmful responses they may give to people they are trying to support in their practice. There are a number of terms and key phrases used when discussing diverse clients. We will examine some of these be able to define and explain their meaning. They include but are not limited to: cultural sensitivity, cultural competence and cultural safety. Students will be introduced to regionalism and demographic trends in Canada as well as Canada's rich cultural landscape. They will be introduced to Canada's policy and practice toward its original people, the Aboriginal population, its growing immigrant population and the long established European settlers.