The symbolic violence of heritage consultancy: experiences of heritage consultation processes in Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, Norfolk Island

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the significant growth of heritage consultancies in many countries over the last few decades, there is little scholarship that engages empirically with the experiences of those consulted. This article examines community attitudes towards heritage consultancy undertaken in relation to Norfolk Island’s Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA, or simply Kingston). Underpinned by critical cultural justice inquiry, the article analyses consultation processes as experienced by Pitcairn Settler descendants and others with long and deep connections to Kingston. Key concerns raised by participants include: the number and frequency of heritage consultancies; feeling fatigued, hopeless and that their voices are not being heard; the sense that consultancies are perfunctory with predetermined outcomes; and the inappropriateness of recommendations. Such problems stem from structural issues with Australia’s heritage consultancy industry and result in significant cultural injustices, cultural harm and symbolic violence for Kingston’s core community. A more culturally just approach to heritage consultancy must recognise that the core community of a living heritage site is not simply one of the many groups of stakeholders, but rather the experts in and custodians of their own heritage. This recognition must also translate into action via agency and power in decision-making processes related to living heritage management.