Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to interpret different aspects of a specific local Australian Indigenous culture. The unit focuses on an in-depth interpretation of that specific local culture. It is this in-depth, localised interpretation that distinguishes this unit from SITTGDE008A Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures.

The unit recognises that there is no single Australian Indigenous culture and emphasises the importance of in-depth local cultural knowledge, appropriate behaviour and local community consultation.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit has particular application to people who have in-depth knowledge of a specific local Australian Indigenous culture and who work within one region or one specific site or tour operation.

The local cultural knowledge necessary to achieve competency in this unit may only be accessible to those individuals who identify as elders or who are authorised by local elders on behalf of their communities.

There are many different Indigenous language groups in Australia, therefore focus of cultural interpretation will vary and should ultimately be decided in consultation with elders on behalf of the local community.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Consult with the local community.

1.1

Consult appropriate community members about cultural tourism activities, including what information can be shared, who can give information to whom, who can receive the information, what activities are appropriate and who should be involved.

1.2

Prepare for and conduct tourism activities according to the needs and wishes of the local community.

1.3

Identify potential conflicts within the local community in relation to tourism activities and seek solutions through appropriate consultation.

2

Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture for customers.

2.1

Interpret cultural aspects  of Australian Indigenous culture for customers to the level that is appropriate for the guide and the particular customer.

2.2

Take account of any copyright and intellectual property requirements in cultural interpretation.

2.3

Brief customers on culturally appropriate behaviour.

2.4

Make customers aware of copyright and intellectual property issues that may affect their own future behaviour.

2.5

Show respect for Australian Indigenous culture and values through appropriate personal behaviour during activities.

2.6

Show customers traditional and contemporary practices when appropriate, and in a manner that enhances their understanding of Australian Indigenous culture.

2.7

Use local language correctly and share with customers when appropriate.

2.8

Invite customers to actively participate and share in the Australian Indigenous cultural experience  when appropriate.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• ability to provide in-depth interpretation of a specific local Australian Indigenous culture
• communication skills, including cross-cultural skills and awareness of communication from both an Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspective.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific Australian Indigenous culture within a specific regional location
• protocols for the sharing of information about specific local Australian Indigenous cultures
• copyright and intellectual property issues associated with interpreting Australian Indigenous cultural aspects for customers.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• provision of cultural interpretation for customers in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner
• in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Australian Indigenous culture appropriate to the region
• ability to consult with community members to determine the appropriateness of information to be shared with customers
• ability to interpret different types of information covering multiple topics to ensure a breadth of knowledge of local cultural aspects
• ability to interpret information about the Australian Indigenous culture with customers on numerous occasions to ensure consistency of performance.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• interpretation of information about the Australian Indigenous culture within commercially realistic guiding environments, e.g. within a cultural site, on a walking tour or at a tourist site
• access to appropriate cultural sites and locations
• interpretation of information with customer groups of a size and nature that reflect the commercial environment in which the guide operates
• involvement of persons approved of by relevant local community elders in the assessment process.

Methods of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge.

For this unit, methods should be chosen by relevant local community elders or those approved of by the elders.

Assessment methods should take into account that individuals may have acquired their knowledge through formal study or life experience. This would include such things as the recognition of scientific qualifications of ecotour guides and the recognition systems that relate to cultural knowledge that exists in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SITTGDE006A Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities
• SITTGDE008A Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures.

Assessing employability skills 

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

The focus of cultural interpretation  may include:

• art
• dance
• music
• storytelling
• tools and implements
• bush foods and medicine.

Cultural experience  may take place in:

• galleries
• cultural centres
• natural sites.

Sector 

Tourism

Competency field 

Guiding