This unit describes the communication and work practice skills and knowledge required to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health industry context. It deals specifically with cross-cultural awareness and issues involving working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations and communities.
The unit begins by presenting an overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. The issues and suggested strategies of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues are then considered. This discussion is then extended to the issues and suggested strategies of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Parallels are also drawn with the previous unit of competency on cultural diversity.
Racial discrimination is then raised with emphasis placed upon how particular language, attitudes and actions are discriminatory. This leads to an exploration of how best to communicate with Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. The unit then concludes with practical examples of working with Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and their respective communities.