Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

To what groups does the term Indigenous people refer?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia.

What accessible records may be used?
Seasonal calendar, cultural and heritage records from local Aboriginal Land Councils, pharmacopoeia, diaries, GIS maps with overlays and maps with overlays.

Which appropriate people may be included?
Elders, Council of Elders, Aboriginal Lands Councils, medicine people, governing committees, traditional owners, community rangers, Culture and Heritage officers, National park rangers and Marine park rangers.

What cultural knowledge may be relevant to this competency standard?
Indigenous land, rivers, lakes and sea resources, their uses and the relationships between plants, animals and community.

Which specific areas could be relevant to this standard?
Own country or area of choice, e.g., - defined community area, National park, State forest, nature reserves, Crown lands, marine park and private land.

Who is an authorised person?
An authorised person is an individual to whom certain information or knowledge can be disclosed without infringing on cultural protocols and rights to that knowledge. This can include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Which seasonal calendar may be referred to?
Seasonal calender relates to region, climate or community.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in providing appropriate information on cultural knowledge requires evidence that information on cultural knowledge is appropriately maintained by an individual, that this information has been related to an authorised person and that the protocols on disclosure of cultural knowledge are understood. The skills and knowledge required to provide appropriate information on cultural knowledge must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different plans, animals and relationships.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Cultural knowledge about plant and animals relating to a particular community, group or region.
Common and Indigenous names for plants and animals.
Cultural protocols relevant to region, community and scope and type of cultural knowledge.
Role and rights of Indigenous peoples in maintaining and controlling cultural knowledge.
Individuals who are authorised to possess cultural knowledge.
Intellectual and cultural property rights.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Listen and communicate effectively.
Investigate cultural knowledge.
Identify locations and patterns of plants and animals in a specific area.
Identify plants, animals and resources used for medicine and food.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Communication of ideas and information can be applied through oral and written communications with appropriate persons. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information can be collected, analysed and organised through taking samples of plants and animal traces. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Activities can be planned and organised through interaction with groups and communities according to community guidelines and cultural protocols. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Team work can be applied through sharing of information on cultural knowledge with authorised persons. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques can be applied through determining patterns and plant and animal distribution. (1)

Solving problems
Problem solving skills can be applied through determining the scope and type of information that can be appropriately related to others. (2)

Using technology
Technology can be applied when recording information through the use of computer applications, maps and GIS data. (1)