General interpretation
An authentic Aboriginal tourism experience can only be developed and delivered by or with Aboriginal people. NPWS is committed to ensuring that on-park Aboriginal tourism experiences are developed and delivered in a culturally sensitive way. That is, experiences that maintain the authenticity and integrity of the local Aboriginal people and their culture, adhere to cultural protocols and respect that Aboriginal culture is the cultural intellectual property of Aboriginal people.
A commercial recreation or tour operator may provide general interpretation of Aboriginal cultural heritage. General interpretation includes:
- the traditional name of a place and its meaning
- the traditional names(s) of the local Aboriginal communities.
Detailed interpretation
To deliver detailed Aboriginal cultural and heritage interpretation the tour operator must:
- engage an Aboriginal person/s to undertake the interpretation
- obtain a letter of support every three (3) years from an Aboriginal organisation that is representative of the local community (for example a Local Aboriginal Land Council, or a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC)) supporting the licensee’s delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage interpretation.
- only promote themselves as a provider of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage interpretation if they have engaged an Aboriginal person/s to deliver the content
- ensure that it is culturally appropriate for any photographs, videos, art, music and any other medium depicting Aboriginal sites, places, people or culture be used for promotional purposes
Joint Management Agreements
Where the Licensee wishes to undertake Aboriginal Cultural Heritage interpretation within a NPWS reserve that is currently under a formalised agreement (Part 4a), a letter of support must be obtained from the representative committee prior to undertaking Aboriginal Cultural Heritage interpretation.
NSW Aboriginal Land Council boundaries and contact details
Note: Not all Aboriginal agreements are listed at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council boundaries and contact details webpage.
The Business Development Team are able to assist you to connect with an Aboriginal organisation representative of the local community.