An Indigenous Perspective on Working “in a Good Way” in the Public Service
Unveiling the essence of 'working in a good way' from an Indigenous perspective, Susanne Thiessen explores its cultural significance and its crucial role in fostering respectful and inclusive public service practices.
While working in the public service, you have likely heard the organizer or facilitator opening a meeting, function, or activity, encouraging people to "work in a good way." Mainly, those functions centred on advancing decolonization or work meant to evolve knowledge and understandings around reconciliation. You may have wondered what that expression means and why people are encouraged to do this. The most obvious explanation is that we all want to have good relations with each other, leading to positive interactions that likely result in higher-quality work and personal or group engagement.
The encouragement to "work in a good way" stated from any worldview or perspective seems reasonable and orients our thinking to be respectful, polite, and tolerant of each other as we collaborate on common goals. As an Indigenous public servant who works in the context of the BC public service, I hear this expression frequently, and I am encouraged that folks are aware of the importance of positioning this statement to orient our processes. However, do public servants understand why Indigenous people open our engagements in this way? Is the deeper meaning behind this term understood in a way that speaks to what it means to Indigenous people and how it should be actioned?
The significance of Indigenous belief systems around this practice is critical, as we need an Indigenous modality to avoid losing a unified worldview of the reality of the public we serve. "Working in a good way" within Indigenous communities encompasses a holistic approach to work that aligns with cultural values and community well-being. It involves engaging in activities and services that are beneficial not only for individuals but also for the broader community. This approach emphasizes the importance of cultural safety, respect for traditional knowledge, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives in service provision.
When Indigenous people speak of working in a good way, they refer to working in a manner that is culturally appropriate, respectful, and supportive of the community's needs. Actioning includes recognizing the contributions of Indigenous knowledge keepers to individual and community practices and promoting Indigenous resilience and resurgence through traditional or two-eyed seeing approaches.
In Gitxsan culture, where I draw on my ancestry, people are encouraged to "act in a good way." For Gitxsan, to act in a good way is to treat and recognize all relationships as connected, as each has a role in the long-term sustainability of our ecosystems.
Acting in a good way and demonstrating respect to communities of practice and communities of location requires the deliberate and strategic alignment of efforts to build relationships, learn about local priorities and ensure those priorities are magnified in practice.
Most public servants are located on traditional territories of Indigenous Nation(s), and these Nations have place-based and historical rights and cultures springing from them. Therefore, working with awareness for these communities and building relationships to support the community's well-being and recognition of rights is a source of strength and action toward reconciliation. Working in a good way should recognize the connection between public service and the potential impacts on local Indigenous communities and people.
In public service, “working in a good way” involves efforts to ensure that the voices and stories of Indigenous people are heard and represented in the development of organizations, policies, programs, and services, reflecting a commitment to cultural inclusivity and empowerment.
The notion of working in a good way also encompasses providing public service that is culturally safe and respectful. This involves addressing barriers to Indigenous people's access to government policy, programs, and services, such as institutional and interpersonal racism, and striving to improve the quality and cultural competence of services for Indigenous people. Additionally, it involves recognizing the importance of community-based and culturally appropriate approaches, continuity of relationships, and a broad spectrum of well-integrated Indigenous worldviews and practices.
In summary, when Indigenous people speak of working in a good way, they refer to a comprehensive approach to organizing, designing, and offering public service rooted in cultural values, community involvement, and promoting cultural safety and respect. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing traditional knowledge, engaging with Indigenous people and elders, and ensuring that services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities.
