OUR PODCAST
What's in This Episode
Do you feel that cultural sensitivity has left you stuck in a cycle of ticking boxes, making it hard to truly connect with Indigenous culture?
Cultural confidence isn’t about following rigid norms or staying in your comfort zone. It’s a personal journey of learning and exploration, guided by genuine curiosity and intention. For many, though, fear of saying or doing the wrong thing or not doing enough, can feel paralysing, holding us back from truly connecting with Country and Aboriginal culture.
To navigate these challenges, we sat down with Rhys Paddick, a Budimia / Yamatji / Noongar Aussie, cultural desensitivity expert and founder of Acknowledge This. Rhys helps us break through psychological barriers and confidently build genuine, meaningful connections with Country and culture.
Rhys offers practical guidance, sharing four easy steps to ditch the fear, be yourself, and find your own authentic way to connect with Aboriginal culture and Country. He explains why intention matters more than perfection and how small, meaningful actions can create connections that truly resonate.
He challenges us to step beyond fear and act with purpose. When our intentions align, our connection to Country deepens, bringing true meaning to something as simple as an Acknowledgement of Country.
This year, whether you’re opening an event with an Acknowledgement of Country, including one on your website, or engaging in cultural conversations, make it personal, meaningful, and impactful.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Importance of Genuine Intentions (00:01:37)
Rhys discusses the need for meaningful actions in cultural practices beyond mere acknowledgments.
Cultural Awareness vs. Cultural Connection (00:02:53)
How to move past tokenism in cultural awareness to form deeper connections with Aboriginal culture.
Fear and Guilt in Cultural Engagement (00:05:30)
Rhys reflects on the fear and guilt individuals may feel when engaging with Indigenous culture.
Cultural Sensitivity and Its Challenges (00:09:37)
A discussion on the complexities of cultural sensitivity and the difficulty of defining the "right" actions.
Encouraging Courage in Cultural Conversations (00:14:31)
Highlighting the importance of courage in addressing cultural sensitivities and overcoming fear.
Cultural Awareness and Individual Responsibility (00:15:28)
The conversation highlights how individuals often feel disconnected from culture and emphasises personal responsibility.
Building Cultural Confidence (00:16:48)
Actionable steps to build cultural confidence, focusing on individual actions and education about Aboriginal culture.
Connecting with Country (00:21:37)
Rhys explains the concept of "country" in Aboriginal culture, emphasising a deeper spiritual connection beyond politics.
Cultural Learning Through Storytelling (00:27:12)
The speakers discuss the role of storytelling and media in learning about culture, highlighting its importance.
January 26th Reflections (00:30:53)
Rhys discusses his neutral perspective on January 26th and how he chooses to celebrate.
Personal Connection to Reconciliation (00:42:37)
A discussion on the importance of individual connections to reconciliation over material benefits.
About Rhys Paddick
Rhys Paddick is a Budimia / Yamatji / Noongar Aussie from Perth, WA. As a cultural desensitivity expert, Rhys encourages people to take courageous action in reconciliation through meaningful approaches. Rhys has an extensive 15 year career working in Aboriginal education, both for and with Aboriginal people and businesses across Australia.