Aboriginal Heritage

Aboriginal culture is one of the most rich, diverse and ancient societies that exists on our planet. Aboriginal heritage conservation and management aims to sustain the relationship between Aboriginal people and their heritage places in such a way that the heritage values of each place are maintained for present and future generations of all Australians.

The Western Australian

Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972)

Exists to protect this heritage, in both its physical and spiritual forms. Aboriginal heritage investigations are essential and should be considered early in the planning process of all developments with legislative requirements that must be met and adhered to.

Anthropology

It is important to investigate, understand and document Aboriginal people’s connection to country and the presence of any Aboriginal sites on the land. Aboriginal heritage is dynamic and includes tangible and intangible expressions of culture that link generations of Aboriginal people over time.

AnthroPologists

Interpretation

Anthropologists working in the field of heritage are experienced in the cultural aspect of heritage and engage in interpreting and recording their findings.

ETHNOGRAPHIC / ANTHROPOLOGICAL SURVEY
The purpose and scope is to: • Undertake consultation with Aboriginal people who have a valid interest in, are knowledgeable about and/or who have traditional rights and obligations in the study area • Document all discussions and decisions by groups or individuals, including any limitations to information • Identify and record any sites, places or heritage values (subject to any confidentiality issues) • Document any recommendations and conditions voiced by the Aboriginal people • Document any other relevant Aboriginal heritage issues • Analyse the above information against the development proposal to provide the basis for the development of planning recommendations • Collate all information required for the purpose of reporting a site to the Aboriginal Site Register (if applicable)

Archaeology

At its simplest, archaeology can be defined as the study of past human behaviours through material remains. As defined in section 5 of the AHA an Aboriginal site is:
(a) any place of importance and significance where persons of Aboriginal descent have, or appear to have, left any object, natural or artificial, used for, or made or adapted for use for, any purpose connected with the traditional cultural life of the Aboriginal people, past or present.

Archaeologists

Interpretation

The physical evidence left behind by human cultures. It is also concerned with understanding the way people engage with and affect their world.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The purpose and scope is to: • Establish whether the study area contains physical evidence of past Aboriginal occupation and use • Record, assess and make recommendations regarding the management of these sites or places, with specific reference to the proposed development • Analyse the above information against the development proposal to provide the basis for the development of planning recommendations • Collate all information required for the purpose of reporting a site to the Aboriginal Site Register (if applicable)

Aboriginal people must be involved in the archaeological survey process. They must have a say in determining the format in which the information is collected and eventual use to which it is put.

Horizon Heritage
MANAGEMENT

Services

SURVEYS

Some of the key features we do are Ethnographic, Archaeological, Site Identification, Site Avoidance & Work Area Clearance/Program surveys.

Cultural Advice

We give sound advice on Aboriginal Heritage Management ensuring that your organisation has the most up to date information.

ReportS

All heritage reports, Heritage Information Submission Forms and Cultural Heritage Management Plans are to DPLH standard.

Aboriginal Heritage

The Western Australian

Anthropology

AnthroPologists

Archaeology

Archaeologists

Horizon Heritage MANAGEMENT

SURVEYS

Cultural Advice

ReportS

Horizon Heritage
MANAGEMENT