Values

Cultural humility is vital  because it emphasizes respectful partnerships based on mutual learning and understanding, rather than a hierarchical research-expert model. It requires acknowledging privilege intersections and committing to self-reflection and lifelong learning to address one’s own biases.

Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and self-critique, to redressing the power imbalances… and to developing mutually beneficial and non-paternalistic partnerships with communities. (Tervalon & Murray-García, 1998, p. 123)

Cultural Competence refers to the ability of individuals and organizations to effectively interact with people of different cultures by acquiring and applying knowledge, skills, and awareness to understand and respect cultural differences.

Cultural competence is the ability of systems to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviours, including tailoring delivery to meet patients’ social, cultural, and linguistic needs (Betancourt et al., 2002, p. 293).

Cultural Sensitivity involves being aware that cultural differences and similarities exist and influence values, learning, and behaviour. It’s often considered a first step toward more inclusive practices.

Cultural sensitivity is being aware that cultural differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value — positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong (National Maternal and Child Health Center on Cultural Competency, 1997).

Cultural Safety goes beyond awareness and competence by focusing on power imbalances, systemic discrimination, and the others experience. It involves creating environments that are spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically safe for people, where there is no denial of identity or experience.

Cultural safety requires health professionals to examine their own culture, attitudes, and assumptions, and to recognize and address the power dynamics of healthcare that can contribute to marginalization (Ramsden, 2002, p.99).