Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine theoretical and practical concepts of cultural significance in relation to Aboriginal cultural sites and landscapes. It uses the Burra Charter as the industry benchmark in assessing significance for culture and heritage work.
This unit applies to those who are working on Country finding Aboriginal sites and working to assess significance in landscapes on Country. The unit applies to working with lore/law men and women either as an autonomous Sites worker or under the supervision and cultural authority of Traditional Owners and Elders for specific Country. This unit is also applicable to the work of repatriation workers and anthropologists.
This unit applies to all Aboriginal-sites workers. However, cultural beliefs and practices vary across locations and communities and in some situations non-Aboriginal learners may not be able to access the cultural knowledge or materials required to achieve competency in this unit due to restrictions that are applied to non-Aboriginal people gaining access to cultural knowledge, material or sites. In these situations the Registered Training Organisation will be required to make alternative arrangements for learners that are still consistent with the delivery and assessment requirements for this unit.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine cultural significance | 1.1 Ensure cultural knowledge holders inform the decision-making process to determine the cultural significance of Aboriginal sites and places 1.2 Acknowledge the determination of Aboriginal people as the primary source, and owners of information about the cultural significance of an Aboriginal site and landscape 1.3 Seek permission from cultural Authority to collect and share cultural knowledge 1.4 Acknowledge and respect traditional knowledge and practices in managing Country and environment 1.5 Determine Aboriginal history and beliefs embedded in a place of cultural significance 1.6 Recognise the embodiment of cultural significance in the place itself, the geographical and geological features, its fabric, artefacts and stone objects, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects |
2. Conduct a significance assessment on an Aboriginal site | 2.1 Determine the difference between an assessment of cultural significance and a statement of cultural significance 2.2 Consult with colleagues and experts to identify factors that may impact on the assessment and incorporate them into planning work 2.3 Collect information relevant to the assessment of cultural significance in collaboration with relevant experts 2.4 Assess the cultural significance of the site in accordance with the Burra Charter guidelines and legislative requirements 2.5 Prepare a statement of cultural significance consistent with the assessment of cultural significance findings, in collaboration with relevant experts to Community and legislative requirements 2.6 Seek feedback from colleagues on statement of significance |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must demonstrate that they can:
determine theoretical and practical concepts of cultural significance in relation to Aboriginal cultural sites and landscapes
identify appropriate cultural authorities for a Community, place or for a site
collaborate with relevant experts to complete an assessment of cultural significance
adhere to Burra Charter process and guidelines
identify cultural information, material and expression appropriate to be shared
identify groups and individuals to be consulted in relation to owners or custodians of cultural and Community knowledge, information and material
recognise factors that may impact on the assessment, including artefacts and stone objects on site and geological and geographical features of the landscape.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
Aboriginal history, cultural values and interpersonal and Community protocols
authentic and authoritative sources for Aboriginal cultural information, material and expression able to be accessed and shared
the role and prominence of the Burra Charter in the culture and heritage sector in Australia
the Burra Charter definition of significance
geographic and geological identification features of the cultural landscape
artefacts and stone objects identification
key concepts of Cultural and Heritage Legislation or National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) legislation relevant to own role.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must comply with Community protocols and be supported by Elders and Custodians of Country.
Assessors must satisfy the current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Aboriginal Sites Work (ASW)