Increasing Cultural Competency
Increasing cultural competency involves developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A few weeks ago I took the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC™) evaluation and decided to further improve my cultural competence to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
Throughout my first semester at Mohawk College, I followed these strategies that helped me to deepen my understanding of different cultures and achieve an Intercultural Mindset:
- Develop an open mind: Be open to learning about and experiencing new cultures. Avoid stereotypes and assumptions about people from different backgrounds.
- Be respectful: Show respect for different cultural practices and beliefs. Avoid imposing your own cultural beliefs on others.
- Embrace diversity: Celebrate and embrace diversity by participating in cultural events, trying new foods, and learning about different traditions.
- Continuously learn and improve: Cultural competency is a lifelong journey. Continuously learn and improve your knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards different cultures.
- Attend the Mohawk Language and Culture Center Events: What better way to learn about different cultures, their customs, and beliefs than without being a part of different communities. Attend all the events organized by Mohawk LCC, meet new people and learn their cultural values.
In this blog I am sharing about 4 events that happen around the world I learnt through my international friends I met at LCC.
Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, exchange gifts, and decorate homes with lights and candles. The festival symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance and the importance of inner reflection and self-improvement.
Indra Jatra is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and its close ties to Hinduism. It represents the importance of community, with people from all backgrounds coming together to celebrate and honor their shared traditions. The festival also emphasizes the vital role that Indra plays in the lives of Nepalis, as the god of rain and fertility who brings prosperity and abundance to the land.
Inti Raymi is an ancient Incan festival that celebrates the winter solstice and the return of the sun. It is a time to honor Inti, the Incan sun god, and to give thanks for the harvest. The festival represents the Incan connection to nature and their belief in the importance of honoring and respecting the natural world.
The Calabar Carnival is a cultural festival celebrated in Calabar, Nigeria, every December. The festival is a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, and it represents the country’s diversity and unity. It is a time for people to come together to celebrate and showcase their unique cultural traditions through music, dance, costume, and art.
Canada Day is a national holiday in Canada celebrated on July 1st to commemorate the country’s confederation. The holiday represents the values of democracy, diversity, and inclusiveness that are central to Canadian identity. It is a time for Canadians to come together to celebrate their country’s history, culture, and achievements, and to reflect on their shared commitment to building a better future.
While Diwali, Indra Jatra, Inti Raymi, Calabar Carnival, and Canada Day are distinct cultural celebrations, they all share some common values. They are all occasions for people to come together to celebrate their cultural heritage, reflect on their shared history and identity, and express gratitude for the blessings of life. These celebrations also emphasize the importance of community, unity, and inclusiveness, while highlighting the unique customs and traditions of each culture.
I gathered all this info by talking to my friends I met at LCC thanks to the amazing events that happened at Mohawk College. When approaching them I was always being respectful, patient and flexible and most importantly had an open mind to learn about their interesting cultures.
