Moving beyond cultural competence

Abstract

<p>As an Aboriginal psychologist, who for some years has worked out of an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in northwest New South Wales, I have often had people referred to me after they requested to see an Aboriginal psychologist. My first thought has often been, “How can I help this person?” and what is it that they want from me that is different from my non-Indigenous colleagues? I have also questioned my own cultural competence and what it means for me to be Aboriginal, especially since I grew up in the city, away from the Country of my ancestors, the son of a mother who was removed in the time of the Stolen Generations, with no tribal language and no strong cultural connections to people or Country.</p>