Interpreting natural features that are also features of aboriginal cultural significance

Abstract

Many natural features in Australian national parks can hold cultural significance to Aboriginal people, even when there are no Aboriginal 'relics' present. They may be the subject of an important story or belief. Or the location of a past event of importance. However, it is more common to find 'natural' features, especially those that do not display obvious visible manipulations by Aboriginal people, or 'relics' interpreted purely from a natural or scientific perspective. By doing this, their interpretation is incomplete. Visitors will never find out the full story of what the feature means because half of its meaning is left out of the interpretation, the cultural meaning. In the same way, usually it is only those places that do display obvious visible manipulations by Aboriginal people, or 'relics', that receive interpretation from a cultural viewpoint. However, often this interpretation misrepresents the culture. It talks in the past tense as though Aboriginal culture no longer exists, treats important· cultural stories as ' myths' or calls the landscape they created a 'wilderness'. The Mt Moffatt section of Carnarvon National Park is an area where almost all of its natural features are significant Aboriginal cultural features as well. Nevertheless, the new Mt Moffatt Interpretation Plan (2002) seems to be making all of the same mistakes that have plagued Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation in the past. However, this thesis demonstrates that it is possible to present the scientific and Aboriginal interpretations of a natural feature together as equally valid, without privileging one interpretation over the other. All on one, single sign panel.