The past fortnight has been full of powerful steps forward. I’ve been lucky enough to sit in circle — both in-person and online — with people ready to do the work of cultural learning in ways that honour truth and deepen relationship.

From Coralus in Naarm, an incredible community of women and non-binary entrepreneurs, to the launch of our Winter Cultural Intelligence Series with Riley Callie Resources, what I’ve seen most is appetite. People are hungry to connect, to question, to walk differently.

But here's a pattern that keeps showing up — too often, we call any form of cultural learning Cultural Awareness and while that may be where some of us begin, it cannot be where we stop.  

This edition of Embering is about making the shift. From awareness to intelligence. From knowing about culture, to walking with it. Because when we grow our Cultural Intelligence, we don’t just learn more — we become more.

Yanma Budyari Gumada (walk with good spirit),

— Tammy Baart, Owner - Blak Ignited

Igniting the Spark

17 September - Module 3

Engaging Hearts & Culture: Emotional Intelligence & Cultural Intelligence

This interactive workshop explores the intersection of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ), with a special focus on improving communication and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Key Highlights:

• Self-awareness: Identify emotional triggers and cultural assumptions to foster mindful, respectful interactions.

• Empathy & Listening: Improve active listening skills and develop empathy for diverse cultural perspectives.

• Respectful Expression: Learn to communicate clearly and respectfully across cultures.

• Critical Conversations: Gain tools for handling sensitive discussions with confidence and empathy.

What You’ll Experience:

• Practical tools and real-world scenarios

• Expert feedback

• Inclusive, supportive environment

• Networking opportunities

Takeaway: Enhance your ability to communicate with empathy and cultural awareness, particularly in relation to Indigenous communities.

Other Upcoming Workshops

Wanting to register ahead for upcoming workshops or just save the date?  See below for more exciting opportunities to connect.  

Cultural Intelligence Winter Series: (click link for registration)

• Module 4: Cultivating Inclusive Environments - 8 October

• Module 5: Allyship - Transformational Connections - 5 November

For Educators:

• Beyond the Content - Embedding Indigenous Ways into the Classroom - 5 September

Tending the fire…

Resources Spotlight

Our Systems, Our Stories card pack - This reflective card deck for adults and young adults have been flying out the door.  We’ve heard many great learnings that are coming from this beautiful pack, but the most exciting is how it’s being used to fuel relationship building.

How?

1. Assemble your team, making sure everyone has a cuppa and ready to yarn.

2. Pick a card from the card pack.  You might like to take turns who selects the cards so there’s not assumptions of pre-selected cards.

3. Discuss the ‘Dominant’ story that’s often told.  Some questions to start the yarn include…

   What does this mean to you?  How does this show up?  Why is this something you hold onto?  How does this approach serve you?

4. Flip the card to unpack the Indigenous Ways alternative.  This shows an alternative path to connection.   Explain what value this may hold for each individual.  How this might change outcomes? Serve yourself and others better?  

Reserve time in your weekly meetings to discuss the Our Systems, Our Stories approach each week.  Then walk the talk by weaving it into your communication or identify it as the theme for the week.

Igniting Change

Use these to spark reflection or open dialogue in your teams, families, or communities:

• What do we call “neutral” that might actually be exclusionary?

• Where are we relying on good intentions without shared accountability?

• What’s one belief I’ve inherited about culture or leadership that might need unlearning?

• How does the way we do things here make people feel — safe, seen, or silent?

Thanks for walking with me through another edition of Embering.

We’ve had some big momentum this fortnight — two powerful workshops, growing curiosity in the field, and an incredible response to our latest card packs. If you’ve grabbed yours — thank you. If not, now’s the time. These are more than resources. They’re relational tools for reflection, action, and cultural growth.

If you’d like to bring a workshop to your team, dive deeper into your own Cultural Intelligence, or just yarn about what’s next — let’s talk.

Until next time,
Yanma Budyari Gumada — walk with good spirit.

Tamm y