Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:26 AM AWST

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Research and evaluate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material

Research and evaluate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material

Unit of competency
National Code
CULMS002B
State Code
D1797
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/04/2004
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/06/2014
Field of Education
091303 - Curatorial Studies
Original Release Date
18/06/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research the context and interpretation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait cultural material. As such, the unit focuses on the skills to analyse cultural material, including current collections and the impact of post-colonial history. These skills then form the basis for appropriate treatment and interpretation of cultural material. The unit includes a focus on appropriate consultation with the traditional custodians of cultural material.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Research the context of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
  • 1.1 Identify relevant sources of information on cultural material and the context for its interpretation
  • 1.2 Use formal and informal research techniques in a culturally appropriate manner to access information
  • 1.3 Critically evaluate the validity of the range of interpretations of cultural material and the cultural relevance to its traditional custodians
2 Assess post-colonial interpretation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
  • 2.1 Critically evaluate the ways in which different aspects of post-colonisation history have affected the interpretation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
  • 2.2 Critically evaluate collections in relation to the context in which materials were collected and interpreted and the respect shown for cultural protocols in sourcing, handling and exhibiting cultural material
  • 2.3 Assess ways in which interpretations by those other than traditional custodians may have impacted on communities and/or individuals
3 Develop approaches to the interpretation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
  • 3.1 Identify and explore potential new and appropriate approaches to the interpretation of cultural material based on knowledge and understanding of consultation with traditional custodians and respect for their wishes
  • 3.2 Integrate the concept and practice of community consultation within interpretive approaches
  • 3.3 Develop substantiated positions for interpretive approaches
  • 3.4 Enhance interpretative approaches by challenging and adapting own ideas
4 Communicate new approaches to stakeholders
  • 4.1 Identify key stakeholders in the interpretation and exhibition of cultural material, including traditional custodians
  • 4.2 Consult and negotiate ways with stakeholders in culturally appropriate ways to interpret Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material in accordance with wishes of traditional custodians
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant sources of information may include:
community members (family groups, cultural educators, Elders)
libraries
museums
archives
cultural centres
community organisations
Indigenous units within local, state or national bodies

Cultural material may be:
part of an existing collection (public or private)
not yet part of a collection
held by the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community or broader community
held by an organisation external to the community
held by individuals
in the care of traditional custodians

The context of cultural material may relate to:
pre-colonisation cultural practices
post-colonisation collection and interpretive practices
cultural/spiritual significance of cultural material to community
the way material was acquired and historical view of Indigenous collections
treatment of collection materials
dispersal of skeletal remains and cultural materials within and outside of Australia
men's or women's business
secret or non-secret business
rarity
locality


Formal and informal research techniques may include:
discussion
note taking, listing
interviews
questionnaires
critical discourse
analysis
reflection
comparing information
summation
judgement
observation


Information may relate to:
philosophy
Indigenous world views
effects of colonisation on Indigenous lives and cultures
dreaming stories
world histories
cultural issues
spiritual beliefs
aesthetics
politics
gender and identity issues
land and place - traditional custodians of Country
signs and symbols in cultural practice
evaluative criticism in relation to interpretations made by post-colonial interpreters
oral histories


Cultural protocols may relate to:
acquisition of material
transportation
storage
written documentation on cultural materials
exhibition
geographic location
degree of consultation with traditional custodians
respect for the wishes of traditional custodians

New and appropriate approaches to interpretation may relate to:
local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community involvement
different perceptions of both pre and post-colonial history
interpretation in the context of post-colonial effects and behaviours
local history
oral histories
appropriate consultation with traditional custodians
respect for the wishes of traditional custodians
industry/sector debate

Challenging and adapting ideas may include:
comparing
contrasting
reflecting
critiquing
judging
considering merit
discussing and debating

Key stakeholders may include:
Indigenous communities, including traditional custodians
current holders of collections (private and public)
cultural centres
Indigenous units within local, state and national bodies
museum/heritage organisations
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
sound knowledge of information sources for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
knowledge of cultural protocols and practices as well as appropriate consultative processes in seeking information
application of research and analytical skills to evaluate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material and its context.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
involvement in the assessment process of persons approved of by Elders, appropriate persons or custodians of the relevant community
access to sources of information on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material.


Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
project to research a specific collection of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
project to research and document the cultural significance of particular objects
case studies to assess ability to research and use different types of information in the analysis of cultural material
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of cultural material.



Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CULMS001B Work with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural material
other collection and exhibition management units.
No information