SITTGDE007
Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research and share information about Australian Indigenous cultures in an appropriate way. It focuses on information that is widely available to the general community.

The unit recognises that there is no single Australian Indigenous culture and emphasises the importance of culturally appropriate behaviour and local community consultation.

This unit applies across many industry sectors. It is particularly relevant to cultural tourism operations and to individuals who work in customer service and guiding roles with differing levels of responsibility. Information could apply to Australian Indigenous communities and cultures across Australia, or to a specific Australian Indigenous community and culture.

Tour guides, residing anywhere in Australia, are required to undertake training and assessment prescribed by Parks Australia to guide within Kakadu and Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Parks in the Northern Territory.

When working in Queensland, all guides, regardless of their place of residence, are subject to the Queensland Tourism Services Act 2003.

No other occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research general information on Australian Indigenous cultures.

1.1.Identify key information sources on Australian Indigenous cultures.

1.2.Select and use formal and informal research techniques to access current, accurate and relevant information about Australian Indigenous cultures.

1.3.Obtain information in a culturally appropriate way.

2. Share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures.

2.1.Identify and use Australian Indigenous interpreters where possible.

2.2.Provide guidance to customers on appropriate behaviour when interacting with Australian Indigenous people.

2.3.Share clear and accurate information on Australian Indigenous cultures to enhance cultural awareness, ensuring acknowledgment of the diversity of cultures.

2.4.Share information in a manner respectful of local community values and customs.

2.5.Answer questions according to community wishes about what information can be shared.

2.6.Respond to culturally inappropriate behaviour by customers to minimise the likelihood of causing offence.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

liaise with relevant Australian Indigenous community elders or persons approved by relevant Indigenous community elders in a culturally appropriate manner to identify acceptable protocols for sharing knowledge on local Indigenous culture with others

using relevant sources of information listed in the knowledge evidence, undertake research on Australian Indigenous culture relevant to the regional context to develop current knowledge of:

art and music

bushcraft, bush food and bush medicine

contemporary Australian Indigenous life and culture

cultural centres, galleries and natural sites

dance

history, pre- and post-European contact

land ownership

tools and implements

traditional life and culture

share information on aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture with customers on at least three different occasions and using at least three different locations.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

sources of information on Australian Indigenous cultures:

artworks

events

exhibitions

experiences (of self or others)

films

images

internet

music

performances

Indigenous people

traditional owners

presentations

professional associations

printed texts

protocols for researching and sharing information about Australian Indigenous cultures that address:

the type of information that can be shared

who can give information

who can receive the information

what activities are appropriate

who should be involved in activities

fundamental Australian Indigenous intellectual property issues:

strong links between intellectual property and cultural heritage

issues associated with the reproduction and sale of Indigenous cultural works.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in an Australian Indigenous tourism environment. This can be:

an industry workplace where research is conducted and shared on Australian Indigenous cultures

a simulated activity involving the researching and sharing of information on Australian Indigenous cultures.

Assessment must ensure access to:

cultural sites, galleries or natural settings

information sources verified or supported by Indigenous communities

involvement of relevant local Indigenous community elders or persons approved by relevant local Indigenous community elders in the assessment process

customers with whom the individual can interact; these can be:

customers in an industry workplace who are assisted by the individual during the assessment process; or

individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:

have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Writing skills to:

make notes about Australian Indigenous culture to share with others.

Learning skills to:

develop own knowledge and understanding of Australian Indigenous cultures.

Teamwork skills to:

work respectfully with Australian Indigenous interpreters and Australian Indigenous communities or with those who are authorised by elders on behalf of the community with regard to the preparation of appropriate information and activities.


Sectors

Tourism


Competency Field

Guiding