Cultural Values refers to the ideas and concepts held by a group of people and which are passed on from generation to generation. These values constitute how people think about themselves and the world around them.

Our in-house cultural anthropology team is set-up to work with organisations requiring a deeper understanding of social connections to land.

Led by Dr Elizabeth Bonshek, Artefact can provide Cultural Values Assessments that capture the views and awareness of a group of people’s relationship with certain places or areas. This is particularly important when considering Indigenous people’s connection to Country and place.

Developers, local councils, state governments, construction groups and infrastructure companies might use these reports when planning how best to adapt sites for new usage.

Gauging the cultural significance of a site allows for better decision making and consultation on projects.

Cultural Values Assessments can be useful where archaeological excavation and interactions cannot occur. This might be due to issues with access (such as site contamination) or other reasons.

Critically, these reports capture intangible values that archaeological methodology doesn’t address. These findings can then flow into heritage management and conservation, heritage interpretation, signage and site storytelling.

The process typically involves direct engagement with community members. For Indigenous people this would require a walk on Country and may further embrace a range of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. We look for commonality, sentiment, objections and other insights.

The Artefact team draws upon the talents of an anthropologist, a professional historian and a team of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officers. As these skills reside in-house we’re able to turn around reports efficiently and cost effectively.

We offer experience across all mediums in sharing cultural insights of place.

• In-depth interviews
• Community engagement
• Site walks with relevant Indigenous groups
  
• Oral histories and transcription
• Cultural mapping
• Facilitated discussions
• Write-up and interpretation
  
  

We look forward to discussing how we can help with your next project. 

Download Capability Statement

_{Image: Jamie Eastwood and Artefact's Elizabeth Bonshek on a site walk in Western Sydney.}