I know I keep saying this, but today was INCREDIBLE. We went and visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center where we were the only ones because today is Culture Day in Alaska. It was so special to talk about native culture on such a cultural aware day. Our speaker, Loren, from the Aleut tribe, talked about where he was from and the traditions and values of his people. He talked a lot about the difference between culture and heritage, then asked us to draw picture of our culture. At first we all looked around and didn't really know what to draw. He said just think, think about the traditions your family shares, the rituals you do every day and draw them out. So coming from Northern Minnesota, I drew pine trees, fish, and deer. Then I thought about my family, and where I come from. I drew chickens (which we raise), kolaches (a Bohemian pastry), lefsa (a Norwegian flat bread), and a cribbage board with cards. This is what represents me. I come from so many backgrounds and this is what defines my culture.
After Loren's presentation, we met Yaari, a beautiful Siberian Yup'ik. She talked about their culture and different ways of interacting with Alaskan Natives. It was such an incredible way to be able to have someone tell us how they want to be approached and their types of interactions. For example, they are not to use eye contact when looking at someone with authority, they do not greet someone by shaking hands, or they are not the first to speak in a conversation, in comparison to Western culture. This information is much needed in the health care system, so we as nurses are able to understand their culture and be respectful and mindful of their practice.
The main thing that I took away from today was when Yaari was talking to us about how to speak to the native Alaskans. She said to ask them "How do you feel physically? How do you feel mentally, emotionally, and spirituality?" Not just, "How do you feel?" Ask them about each dimension of their being. I will not only use this for Alaskan Natives, but I will use this in my own practice. I cannot put into words the amount of respect I have gained from today and this experience we had. It was such an eye opening moment that I will surely bring into my own nursing practice.
After Loren's presentation, we met Yaari, a beautiful Siberian Yup'ik. She talked about their culture and different ways of interacting with Alaskan Natives. It was such an incredible way to be able to have someone tell us how they want to be approached and their types of interactions. For example, they are not to use eye contact when looking at someone with authority, they do not greet someone by shaking hands, or they are not the first to speak in a conversation, in comparison to Western culture. This information is much needed in the health care system, so we as nurses are able to understand their culture and be respectful and mindful of their practice.
The main thing that I took away from today was when Yaari was talking to us about how to speak to the native Alaskans. She said to ask them "How do you feel physically? How do you feel mentally, emotionally, and spirituality?" Not just, "How do you feel?" Ask them about each dimension of their being. I will not only use this for Alaskan Natives, but I will use this in my own practice. I cannot put into words the amount of respect I have gained from today and this experience we had. It was such an eye opening moment that I will surely bring into my own nursing practice.