IDENTITY · RELATIONSHIPS · BELONGING
Respecting identity. Listening to each person.
Our trauma-informed approach to supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit children, youth and adults begins with listening and cultural respect. An individualized Culture Continuity Plan, developed with the person and, where appropriate, their family, community or Nation, guides how we maintain and strengthen cultural identity, language, traditions and relationships throughout care and life transitions. Each plan reflects the person’s wishes and appropriate community guidance. No single tradition or practice represents everyone.
Placement should include the connections that matter to the person: culture, family, Nation and community.
01 · Listen
We ask what identity, belonging and connection mean to the person. Planning can include language, family ties, meaningful traditions, beliefs and personal preferences. Participation is a choice; a person can decline an activity or change their mind.
02 · Connect
With appropriate consent and within the care plan, support can include contact with family, siblings, trusted people and community. We identify the relationships the person wants to maintain or strengthen.
03 · Learn
When requested and appropriate, planning can explore connections with Elders, Knowledge Keepers or cultural mentors identified by the person, family or Nation. Guidance comes from the people authorized to share it, with respect for local protocols.
04 · Participate
Meaningful opportunities may include language, familiar food and cooking, art, music, gatherings, time on the land, or spiritual and traditional practices. Activities follow the person’s wishes, comfort and support needs, with appropriate cultural guidance.
05 · Respect
First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples have distinct histories, communities and ways of knowing. We avoid assumptions. Teachings, ceremonies and traditions are approached with humility and respect for community guidance and permissions.
06 · Continue
Moving homes or preparing for adulthood includes discussion about the connections the person wants to keep. Planning identifies important people, preferred activities and community resources, with agreed responsibilities and appropriate information sharing.
These photographs illustrate community, heritage and life transitions. The people pictured are not presented as Simtiar clients, staff or partners.
Staff listen without judgment, respect privacy, maintain professional boundaries and remain willing to learn. Trauma-informed care recognizes that personal, family and historical experiences can affect trust and feelings of safety. We ask rather than assume, respect a person’s choice to participate, and review agreed preferences with the person and authorized care team.
Cultural activities and ceremonies are considered with the individual and the appropriate community guidance. Consent, availability, local protocols and each person’s preferences guide arrangements.
Our wider cultural approach respects people from all cultural and faith backgrounds. Individual language, food, spiritual and community preferences belong in the person’s plan. Shared approaches never replace their own teachings or community guidance.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How we plan with the person, family and appropriate community partners to maintain cultural identity, relationships, language and belonging through life’s changes. Select a question to read more.
A first conversation can identify important connections and preferences. Detailed personal information can be shared later through an agreed secure process.
