SHAUNAVON — A thought-provoking exhibition that debuted in Shaunavon four years ago has been transformed into a book format that further explores concepts and stories related to Cultural Intelligence (CQ).
Author, musician and cultural intelligence facilitator Wilbur Sargunaraj is no stranger to Shaunavon. He recently returned for the Multicultural Festival to share his new book, ‘edutain’ (educate/entertain) the crowd at the Culture Days event, and engage with high school students to discuss CQ.
The book project was particularly encouraged by Tammy Willman, programmer at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre in Shaunavon, who is acknowledged in his book. Willman says, “So often we avoid entering into interactions with people from other cultures because we are afraid we will make a mistake when, really, the biggest mistake we can make is not trying to form these relationships at all.
“There are beautiful friendships to be made and wisdom to be learned. What I love about Wilbur’s book and exhibition is that he guides us on being socially respectful and shares stories on the ‘how’ so we can be more prepared. So often we hear how we are doing it incorrectly, but finally, this is a book to help teach us how to do it right. I love how he encourages us on our personal journey while sharing insight from his own.”
Cultural intelligence has been an area of study for over 25 years, yet CQ is not on the tip of our tongues in the same way as IQ or EQ (Emotional Intelligence). Wilbur has made it his life’s work to change that. Cultural intelligence is the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures. (Individual Interactions across Cultures by Ang and Christopher; Cultural Intelligence Centre, Michigan, U.S.A.)
The book brings the exhibition’s content into a format that people can take with them.
“The book goes through the concepts in the exhibition but in a much more engaging format with stories. Lots of stories,” Sargunaraj explains,
“There are QR codes too that can take the reader to videos of my travels around the world to further build on the stories in the book.”
One of the chapters and components of the exhibition is Cultural Clusters, or regions of the world, to which Sargunaraj has added an Indigenous cluster which includes cultures from around the world who share a history of colonization. Finally, the book incorporates reconcili-action and views CQ through the Saskatchewan Indigenous lens.
His next aspiration is to curate an immersive audio-visual concert experience combining his love of music with the messages of CQ, primarily targeted at youth. His work with youth extended to a project with the Saskatchewan Music Educator's Association and he has toured with the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils' school program.
“CQ is not always easy. It’s very difficult to start engaging with your ‘other’ or those with whom we hold an unconscious, or conscious, bias against,” Sargunaraj adds.
“We were created for relationship, though. Sharing food and other traditions is an important part, but it’s developing those one-on-one relationships and having difficult discussions that will help us move forward. It’s important to hear individual perspectives. It’s fulfilling and beautiful. Exploring CQ creates a safe space to talk about bias and stereotypes with both adults and high school students.
Wilbur will be touring with his book in Canada and beyond, including his home state of Madras in Â鶹´«Ã½AV India. Copies of Exploring CQ are available at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre, on his website at www.wilbur.asia and in bookstores everywhere.
