Aboriginal cultural heritage consists of places and items that are of significance to Aboriginal people because of their traditions, observances, lore, customs, beliefs and history. It provides evidence of the lives and existence of Aboriginal people before European settlement through to the present. Aboriginal cultural heritage is dynamic and may comprise physical (tangible) or non-physical (intangible) elements. It includes things made and used in traditional societies, such as stone tools, art sites and ceremonial or burial grounds. It also includes more contemporary and/or historical elements such as old mission buildings, massacre sites and cemeteries. Tangible heritage is situated in a broader cultural landscape and needs to be considered in that context and in a holistic manner.

 

SMK Consultants has undertaken a large number of archaeological and heritage surveys over the last 15 years, for a wide range of mining operations in Queensland, NSW and Western Australia.  

 

Our work has involved:

 

• stakeholder identification

• community consultation

• predictive modelling

• GIS-based mapping

• site identification by survey

• archaeological excavation

• preparation of practical management solutions

 

Our investigations explore the harm of a proposed activity on Aboriginal objects and declared Aboriginal places and to clearly set out which impacts are avoidable and which are not. We work with all stakeholders to quantify harm, which is avoided wherever possible, and develop proposals that reduces its extent and severity.

 

SMK Consultants produce Aboriginal cultural heritage reports detailing the results of the assessment and recommendations for actions to be taken before, during and after an activity to manage and protect Aboriginal objects and declared Aboriginal places identified by the investigation and assessment.