Niagara College Canada

Cultural Safety Statement

We at Student Health and Counselling Services & Student Accessibility Services work toward a common goal of creating culturally safe* spaces. This is achieved when all individuals feel respected and safe when they consult with, seek out and receive our services. Culturally safe spaces include environments where people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diverse identities feel respected and safe from discrimination. We all have a role in creating culturally safe spaces through individual reflection, learning, unlearning, action and allyship.  

Here are some of the ways we work towards creating culturally safe spaces: 

• The questions we ask on our intake forms are intentional and used to help us meet your needs in a safe and respectful way.
• The information you disclose to us is consensual and voluntary.

For example, asking and using your correct pronouns or asking questions regarding your ethnical background.

*Cultural safety is an Indigenous concept, developed by Maori nurse Irihapeti Ramsden in response to the harmful effects and ongoing impacts of colonization on the health and healthcare of Maori people in New Zealand.