Source: Coffin, Juli, ‘Rising to the Challenge in Aboriginal Health by Creating Cultural Security’, Aboriginal & Islander Health Worker Journal, vol. 31, no. 3, May/June 2007. 

Consider the management of an eight year old Aboriginal boy by a speak pathologist: 

Cultural Awareness

Example: "I know that most Aboriginal people have very extended families." 

Although the speech pathologist demonstrates a basic understanding of a relevant cultural issue, it does not lead into action. There is no common or accepted practice and what actions are taken depends upon the individual and their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and cultural security. 

Cultural Safety

Example: "I am going to make sure that I tell Johnny's mum, aunty and nana about his appointment because sometimes he is not with his Mum.” 

Safety involves health providers working with individuals, organisations and sometimes the community. More often though, cultural safety consists of small actions and gestures usually not standardised as policy and procedure. 

Cultural Security

Example: "I am going to write a note to Johnny's family and ask the Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) to deliver and explain it. I will check in with the AHW if any issues were raised when explaining the procedure to the family and if transport is sorted out. I will ask to see if the AHW can be in attendance at the appointment as well.”