Discernment and Vocation.pdf

Cultural Considerations (Tui(Tui Cadogan) Any discernment process ( for tangata whenua) beginswith whanau and the necessity for their continuedinvolvement during any 'institutional' process isessential. It is necessary for formation staff to realisefrom the outset they are engaging with a whanau, hapu& Iwi not an isolated individual. The indigenous person needs to be seen in thecommunal context that nourishes the physical,spiritual, emotional and psychological well being. Wemust be careful not to presume that the dominantcultural norm is the only way. Also if the person decides not to take the process anyfurther or the institution decides the person is notsuited, it is whanau who pick up the pieces and if theperson does continue to final commitment, whanauprovide the appropriate cultural sounding board.