Embracing Diversity: A Path to Resilience, Strength, and Belonging

Khudadad Bisharat 

Cultural Broker ,Multicultural Health Brokers Coop, Edmonton Alberta

The National Gathering by the Culture Brokers Network of Canada at Winnipeg Cit in mid-August 2024 marked my first opportunity to participate in a learning event on a national scale. It contributed to consolidating my understanding of culture brokering and connecting with culture brokers, researchers, and leaders from various organizations across Canada.

It provided a comprehensive overview of the cross-cultural brokers’ movement, illuminating its origins as a practice of bridging differences and its potential evolution into a recognized national movement. Together, we envisioned a future where culture brokerage transitions from a practice into a professional field, empowering culture brokers to play a more significant role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canada.

In particular, the national gathering was a deeply introspective journey, offering valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples and the pathways to move beyond historical suffering. Moreover, I was privileged to learn from an exchange of conceptually rich ideas, inspiring stories, and empirically grounded experiences shared by culture brokers from diverse backgrounds, organizational leaders, and research experts. This engagement reinforced the critical importance of collective learning and collaboration in shaping the future of culture brokerage in Canada.

A session on the Turtle Island project gave me a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of Indigenous peoples and their distinct cultural dynamics. it highlighted the immense strengths that characterize the human spirits within Indigenous communities—particularly their generosity, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. This session went beyond merely acknowledging the challenging history of Indigenous peoples; it served as a dynamic platform to seek and harness the inherent strengths within these communities.

Moreover, It emphasized the need to explore both individual and collective assets of Indigenous culture in a way to reimagine our shared future, offering a hopeful vision of what can be achieved through unity, diversity, and collective empowerment. The experience underscored the significance of not only learning from the past but also building a future where everyone from different backgrounds continues to thrive and enrich our efforts for cultural bridging.

Through insightful discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of the strengths, and perseverance that have enabled Indigenous peoples to heal, empower themselves, and overcome some historical injustices and challenges. Among the many valuable lessons drawn from their rich heritage, two distinct points resonated with me. One was the practice of smudging on the morning of the second day, a powerful, locally rooted healing tool. Smudging promotes positive energy over negative, symbolizing a healing power by focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, seeking opportunities over constraints, and fostering a growth mindset over a fixed one. It embodies a deep connection to nature and serves as a power, reminding us of the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and community care in Indigenous culture.

On a more personal level, the practice of smudging deeply resonated with my cultural upbringing, where similar rituals were performed for healing, cleansing, and warding off illness or misfortune in my home country. It vividly brought back memories of my childhood, when my parents would gather various plants—such as Fernleaf Dill seeds, Peganum Harmala, and local grasses—and burn them to create cleansing smoke. This smoke would be wafted over individuals and families, especially children, to instill hope amidst challenges, foster resilience, protect them from harm, and promote healing.

Witnessing the smudging practice in the gathering brought back those memories, reinforcing the shared human connection to common practices that honor nature, spread positive energy, enhance community care, and convey the notion that “every culture holds value.” It underscored the universal importance of these practices in fostering well-being, collaboration, and positive interaction among human beings.

The second key aspect that resonated with me was the focus on moving beyond past challenges to envision a collaborative future. The presentation of the Turtle Island project offered profound insights not only into the historical struggles endured by Indigenous peoples but also highlighted their remarkable transformation from survival to thriving communities. I was deeply inspired by their ability to reclaim their heritage, nurture pride in their unique identities, and demonstrate an extraordinarily high spirit of generosity across Canada. Their journey serves as a powerful testament to the strength of community, the vital importance of cultural preservation, and the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of adversity.

Participation in the gathering significantly enhanced my understanding of the intricate dynamics of culture brokerage. I gained valuable insights into how culture brokering delicately serves to bridge gaps between diverse cultural groups while honoring their unique identities, promoting a sense of belonging, and fostering mutual respect. This gathering was not only an educational experience but also a pivotal opportunity to expand my professional network on a national scale. I connected with culture brokers from various regions of Canada, as well as influential leaders from multiple organizations.

The in-depth learning I gained and the nationwide connections I established will undoubtedly guide me in providing culturally responsive support to both my clients and the organizations I work with. The gathering has significantly broadened my perspective, equipping me with tailored strategies and tools to approach cultural interactions with heightened sensitivity, empathy, and effectiveness. I now possess a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in bridging cultural divides and feel more confident in my ability to navigate these intricacies with professionalism, competence, and compassion.

By integrating the lessons and insights gained from the national gathering and the Turtle Island Project, I am better prepared to lead meaningful conversations on diversity, challenge systemic barriers, and advocate for inclusive practices within my community, my organization, and the broader Canadian society.

On a concluding note, the Turtle Island Project showcased the transformative power of community resilience and cultural preservation. The stories of Indigenous community practitioners demonstrated how hardship can be turned into privilege and how struggles can lead to a broader vision of diversity and collaboration.

The gathering left a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of collective effort in reimagining and co-creating a future where diversity is embraced. I’m deeply inspired and committed to carrying these invaluable lessons forward, both in advocating for a national cultural brokers' movement and my career mission as a culture broker. And, a shared goal is to help build a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable future for all.