Actions Today, Impact Tomorrow: Inclusive Language

During the Indigenous Business Month 2022, IPS Indigenous Advisory team explored the theme “Actions Today, Impact Tomorrow”. One important action to consider is how incorporating inclusive language contributes to cultural safety in the workplace.

What is Inclusive language?

Inclusive language focuses on a strength-based approach, which uses positive and empowering language to affirm and build on existing strengths to focus on future aspirations. Using inclusive language creates a culturally safe environment by allowing expression of self and culture without fear. This steers away from deficit language, which focuses on perceived differences that renders one group less than another group or assumes a problem

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Why is it important?

By using inclusive language, we develop transparent and positive relationships that create a safe space to affirm identity, and celebrate and appreciate diversity.

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What does it look like?

Using Inclusive language within the workplace looks like:

• Celebrating diversity and the contribution First Nations Peoples bring to the business.
• Seeing inclusion and knowing that voices are being heard.
• Having a team that supports one another.
• Ability to form transparent and positive relationships between staff, clients, and stakeholders.

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What does it feel like?

Inclusive language feels like:

• A culturally safe environment where there is no fear of being judged.
• Being accepted for who you are.
• Being in a trusting space amongst others who display reciprocity.
• Having the freedom to self-express.
• You’re involved, seen, and heard.

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Action: 

Finding ways to embed inclusive language within daily communication.

Impact:

By using positive and empowering language that includes everyone, we create a culturally safe environment (trusting space) which helps to affirm identity.

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Inclusive language is an important aspect of cultural safety.
​If you’d like to find out more, check out our free resource below.

Inclusive language infographic