Guiding Principles
DEMONSTRATE CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Cultural safety is paramount to Horizon’s approach to art and mentorship. All participants are encouraged to undergo every opportunity to thoroughly understand First Nations peoples’ culture, history, and traditional practices throughout the arts sector. Horizons provides additional resources to deepen participants’ understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations peoples in the arts through outreach and Resources.
APPLYING A RIGHTS-BASED FRAMEWORK
Horizons acknowledges and appreciates the diversity and individuality of First Nations people, recognising them as distinct cultures with unique languages, histories, and perspectives. It upholds individuals’ rights to choose whether to participate in engagements and to designate appropriate support persons as needed. It also honours and facilitates individuals’ choices to share their stories and experiences in their preferred language, whether their first language or another language of their choosing.
ENSURE THAT ENGAGEMENTS ARE CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE, SAFE AND TRAUMA-INFORMED
Horizons’ emphasis is on ensuring that engagements are culturally appropriate, safe and trauma-informed to foster a sense of cultural, emotional, and physical safety. Conducting engagements in a culturally and trauma-informed manner that respects the intersectional and unique sensitivities of individuals who are both First Nations and have disabilities, including considerations related to gender identity and sexuality. Approaching all engagements with profound respect and cultural competency to acknowledge and respond to First Nations peoples’ histories, perspectives, and protocols, including their concepts of wellbeing.
SUPPORTING A STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH
Horizons priorities embracing a strengths-based approach that acknowledges and amplifies the inherent strengths of First Nations cultures. Ensuring that engagement is centres around the priorities and aspirations of First Nations people, grounded in a framework that respects and promotes Indigenous perspectives.
RESPECT SELF DETERMINATION
Horizons affirms respecting the rights of First Nations people and the broader community to determine their participation levels in our engagements. Encouraging First Nations young artists involves fostering an environment that respects and supports their right to self-determination in expressing their artistic visions and cultural identities.
Protocols
- Use of Aboriginal Processes: Employ Aboriginal processes and protocols to engage with Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practices respectfully.
- Gradual Approach to Knowledge: Approach Aboriginal knowledge gradually, respecting the depth and complexity of the teachings and traditions.
- Cultural Integrity: Maintain integrity in your cultural identity while engaging with Aboriginal knowledge, emphasising respect and understanding.
- Personal Preparedness: Bring your highest self to the knowledge-sharing process, addressing personal fears and issues to facilitate meaningful engagement.
- Sharing Personal Stories: Share your stories of relatedness and deep knowledge to connect authentically with First Nation Teachings
- Expressing Knowledge Through Art: Use visual representations such as images and objects to express and honour the shape and essence of Aboriginal knowledge
- Building Genuine Relationships: Build authentic relationships with Aboriginal individuals and communities as a foundation for leaning and sharing knowledge
- Benefitting the Community: Use acquired knowledge and skills to benefit and empower the Aboriginal community, respecting community needs and aspirations.
- Openness to Growth: Bring your existing understandings while remaining open and willing to expand and evolve beyond familiar perspectives.
- Respect for Spiritual and Cultural Context: Recognise and respect the spiritual and cultural dimensions in which Aboriginal knowledge is grounded, honouring the interconnectedness of spirit and place.