Transport for NSW regularly undertakes Aboriginal Cultural Values Assessments to identify and explain the cultural values of Country located within a project’s impact area. The Aboriginal Outcomes team is expanding the pool of historians to support and undertake this work. They have offered to host an online information session to introduce the concept of Aboriginal Cultural Values Assessment and explain how consultants are procured and engaged.
What is an Aboriginal Cultural Values Assessment (CVA)?
An Aboriginal Cultural Values Assessment (CVA) is a structured investigation that identifies and records the cultural values and potential impacts of those values, enabling conversations with local community and the connection to Country held by Traditional Custodians. This includes oral histories, mapping, and on-ground engagement with Elders and Knowledge Holders to understand stories, songlines, and values, informing development and land management to protect significant intangible cultural heritage and values.
A CVA is often prepared by an independent consultant such as an anthropologist, historian or archaeologist, who are responsible for the engagement and recording of cultural knowledge shared during interviews and consultation. The final output is a written report for Transport for NSW.
How do I get involved?
Engaging with Aboriginal communities takes trust, time and patience, requiring a strong cross-cultural understanding as well as research skills. Protocols and expectations can be seen as a barrier for people who have not engaged in this type of work before.
This session provides a welcoming opportunity for historians to learn about TfNSWs projects, procurement processes, cultural protocols, and outputs expected when undertaking Aboriginal Cultural Values Assessments. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and potentially submit an EOI to join the team’s register of consultants for this important work.
Please register for the event, to be provided background reading and the link for the online information session.