M1 - Learner Manual

Communicating with Aboriginal people

From: I tried to tell them: criminal law multi-media training kit^[1]

Lawyers are trained in the adversarial method of seeking information: asking direct and specific questions and expecting – indeed, demanding – direct and specific answers. However, when a lawyer needs to obtain information from an Aboriginal person, it will need to be in a way that which acknowledges Aboriginal cultural approaches to obtaining information, which tend to be in a way indirect means rather than by a confronting style of questioning. 

• Establish trust – take time
• Silence as part of the process
• Direct eye contact is discomforting
• Is the person ‘bicultural’
• Aboriginal English
• Interpreter needed?
• Ask questions indirectly

Respect and Sensitivity^[2]

Respect is very important in every social structure in Aboriginal communities. Respect for Elders, the land, animals and ancestors are fundamental aspects of Aboriginal culture.

Be sensitive to the use of nonverbal communication cues which are a part of Aboriginal communication patterns. The use of silence does not mean Aboriginal people do not understand, they may be listening, remaining non-committal or waiting for community support.^[3]