FIRST NATIONS POLICY

Mimaso is a service rooted in the values and traditions of Indigenous cultures, having been established 20 years ago based on the concept of the Aboriginal Stickman. This policy outlines Mimaso’s commitment to preserving and promoting the spirit of Indigenous culture, community, and leadership through its services. As we continue to grow and evolve, it is essential to remain grounded in the principles of respect, responsibility, and unity, which the Aboriginal Stickman represents. This policy ensures that these values are upheld while guiding the service towards a future of inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Mimaso’s approach to:

Cultural Integrity: Ensuring that our services reflect and honour the values of Indigenous communities, in particular, the teachings and symbolism of the Aboriginal Stickman.
Cultural Sensitivity: Promoting an environment where Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives are respected.
Community Engagement: Fostering strong relationships with First Nations communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Sustainable Practices: Incorporating sustainable and culturally appropriate practices into all areas of service delivery.

2. Aboriginal Stickman Concept and Symbolism

The Aboriginal Stickman, integral to Mimaso’s identity, represents unity, interconnectedness, and resilience. Each line and figure within the stickman holds meaning — from the individual to the collective. The service draws upon these teachings, striving to:

Promote Unity: Just as the stickman is made of interconnected parts, we emphasise collaboration between all sectors of society — the community, government, and organisations.
Recognise Resilience: The stickman symbolises strength and survival. Mimaso recognizes the resilience of First Nations communities and strives to honour this strength through every aspect of our services.
Support Individual Empowerment: Just as each figure in the stickman is individual but part of a collective, Mimaso supports each person’s journey while also valuing their contribution to the larger community.

3. Cultural Values and Principles

Mimaso’s work is guided by core principles inspired by Indigenous cultures. These include:

Respect: Treating all individuals, cultures, and beliefs with dignity.
Responsibility: Acknowledging our role in supporting the preservation and advancement of Indigenous cultures, lands, and people.
Unity: Working in partnership with First Nations communities, organisations, and individuals to achieve common goals.
Healing: Recognising the importance of healing within Indigenous communities, and prioritising trauma-informed practices.
Sustainability: Committing to sustainable practices in our work, in alignment with Indigenous stewardship of the land.

4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Mimaso places a strong emphasis on engaging with First Nations communities and stakeholders in a manner that is respectful, transparent, and inclusive. This engagement includes:

Consultation: Ongoing consultation with First Nations leaders, elders, and community members to ensure that their voices are heard and their cultural practices are acknowledged.
Collaborative Decision Making: Involving Indigenous communities in the decision-making processes that impact them.
Capacity Building: Working with communities to build capacity and empower local leadership.
Cultural Competency: Offering training for staff, partners, and stakeholders in cultural sensitivity and competence to create a more inclusive and respectful environment.

5. Respect for Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions

Mimaso recognizes the richness of Indigenous knowledge systems and their importance in guiding our service delivery. This respect manifests through:

Traditional Knowledge: Valuing traditional ecological knowledge, healing practices, and storytelling traditions.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers: Providing space for Elders and Knowledge Keepers to share their wisdom, ensuring that their teachings are preserved and respected.
Incorporation of Cultural Practices: Ensuring that cultural practices such as ceremony, song, and dance are incorporated where appropriate into Mimaso’s operations and services.

6. Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

Cultural sensitivity is fundamental to ensuring that Mimaso’s services are accessible and relevant to First Nations communities. We commit to:

Ongoing Education: Ensuring staff members are continually educated about the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples.
Creating Safe Spaces: Providing a safe environment for First Nations individuals to access services without fear of discrimination or judgment.
Language and Communication: Encouraging the use of Indigenous languages where possible, and offering interpretation services to facilitate communication and understanding.

7. Service Delivery and Accessibility

Mimaso is committed to ensuring that our services are accessible, effective, and culturally appropriate. This includes:

Inclusive Practices: Ensuring that services reflect the diverse needs and values of First Nations communities, considering geographic, social, and economic contexts.
Flexible Service Models: Offering services that are adaptable to meet the unique needs of each community and individual.
Access to Resources: Ensuring that all First Nations peoples have equal access to resources, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Holistic Support: Taking a holistic approach to service delivery, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs, in line with Indigenous teachings.

8. Accountability and Transparency

Mimaso acknowledges the importance of being accountable to the communities we serve. We are committed to:

Regular Reporting: Providing regular updates to First Nations communities and stakeholders on the impact of our services.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for feedback from community members to ensure our services are meeting their needs and expectations.
Continuous Improvement: Engaging in self-reflection and seeking feedback to continually improve our practices, ensuring we remain aligned with our commitment to cultural integrity.

9. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

Mimaso recognizes the legal and ethical responsibility to respect the rights and sovereignty of First Nations peoples. This includes:

Adhering to Legislation: Ensuring that all service activities comply with Indigenous rights legislation and relevant national and international laws.
Protecting Indigenous Land and Resources: Ensuring that service delivery practices do not harm Indigenous lands, cultural heritage, or natural resources.

As Mimaso celebrates over 20 years of service to First Nations communities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the core values and teachings of Indigenous cultures. By continuing to operate within the framework of the Aboriginal Stickman, we honor the interconnectedness of all peoples, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the importance of cultural preservation. Through this policy, we reaffirm our dedication to cultural integrity, sustainable practices, and community empowerment, ensuring a future where First Nations peoples are respected, valued, and supported.

MIMASO, IMPACTING YOUR SUCCESS