About Indigenous cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is both tangible and intangible—it is the physical traces left behind by past inhabitants. These traces provide insight into past living practices as well as providing important information about the environment, plants and animals. Cultural heritage is strongly tied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ connection to the land, and includes:
- traditions, ideas, skills or rituals, which are passed through generations
- expressive activities (language, music, dance and drama)
- immovable areas or objects (sites, landscapes or areas of significance to a particular group)
- movable objects (artefacts).
Cultural heritage management involves the effective recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, significant areas and objects.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is responsible for administering the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003. These Acts ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage in Queensland is appropriately recognised, conserved and protected.
Under the legislation, cultural heritage is specifically defined as:
- significant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander areas in Queensland
- significant Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander objects
- archaeological or historic evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander occupation of an area.
Cultural heritage can easily be destroyed and it is the responsibility of all Queenslanders to help protect it. DERM works closely with traditional owners and other land users to ensure they are aware of their cultural heritage duty of care and how to comply with it.
Last reviewed 23 February 2012
Last updated 8 March 2010