The poem Sacred Spaces reflects that cultural safety is a shared responsibility that calls for collective effort. It highlights the importance of unity and mutual respect. By practicing empathy and truly engaging with one another, we can protect the dignity of all people and create a foundation where every individual is recognized and valued.
Cultural safety ensures that people from diverse backgrounds feel respected, valued, and free to express their identities without fear of judgment or harm. It goes beyond simply being aware of cultural differences by addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities that can marginalize communities. This means respecting everyone’s values and experiences.
Cultural safety requires ongoing self-reflection, especially from those in power, to recognize and address biases and remove barriers. By approaching others’ experiences with humility, it fosters inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.
Author: Kaylie Walker, Undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan
Acknowledgement: The poem was read by UBC peers – Joel Barnes, Kaden Kiewitz, Lily Packo, and Matthew Shaw, who are all undergraduate students. Their editorial suggestions were valuable. They also contributed to the reflection included with the poem.